Testing
Firefighter Work Styles Inventory
The Work Styles Inventory (WSI) is a powerful tool designed to add extra utility to the eligibility list by helping agencies identify candidates with the personal traits most critical to firefighter success—while also mitigating adverse impact. Once minimum competencies have been established, the WSI provides a way to effectively “reshuffle the deck,” allowing candidates with the strongest interpersonal and work-style traits to rise to the top.
Developed through extensive research by Ph.D. and graduate-level professionals, the WSI measures traits that are essential for both working effectively in the firehouse and serving the public with professionalism and dedication. Unlike many personality-style tests, the WSI was intentionally designed to assess these traits in subtle, less obvious ways, resulting in more valid and reliable outcomes.
The WSI predicts performance across critical areas such as:
- Teamwork and cohabitation in the station environment
- Attention to detail and thoroughness
- Commitment and devotion to the role
- Following and responding to instructions
- Fire suppression, rescue, and EMS duties
- Equipment and station maintenance, both independently and collaboratively
- Overall job performance
The WSI is a 30-minute paper-and-pencil test and is most effective when combined with other written firefighter exams. Whether used to create weighted scores in combination with other assessments, or to band applicants who have passed an initial test, the WSI adds a valuable dimension to the hiring process and ensures departments identify candidates with the interpersonal skills necessary for long-term success.
Since personality-based assessments like the WSI produce minimal adverse impact, if any, departments have found it to be an effective way to broaden opportunities for qualified candidates and build a workforce that better reflects the community it serves—while still ensuring that only the most capable applicants rise to the top of the eligibility list.
The chart below graphically shows how the WSI can increase job performance (in these nine areas) in your department:
