Professional Services: Assessment Centers Division

Oral Board Interviews

This testing method utilizes a standard in-person interview panel approach and incorporates customized questions and scenarios related to qualifications, managerial and leadership skills, administrative competency, and technical skills to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience relevant to the position being assessed. Questions and scenarios are developed to align with the specific requirements, skills, and abilities outlined in the position description and job analysis. A summary report detailing the candidate’s demonstrated knowledge and performance is provided.

Assessment Center Testing

This is the most detailed and comprehensive evaluation of all testing methods. Additionally, OFCA’s assessment services encompass the exercises most national personnel groups and universities deem essential for a valid experience. Our assessment center is custom designed to simulate the position to which candidates are being promoted. It objectively evaluates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role. Before preparing the test, a thorough examination of the job description and job analysis for the position is completed. Test results provide a score, percentage, and profile detailing each candidate’s performance across all evaluative areas, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

All Assessment Center Division products are customized to the individual department's needs.

For further information on Oral Board Interviews and Assessment Center Testing, please contact:

Retired Chief Mark Burgess, Program Coordinator
Phone: 419.651.7592
Email: ofcatesting@gmail.com

Fire Chief Selection

The OFCA offers support to departments of all sizes and types in finding and selecting new Fire Chiefs, as well as Executive and Administrative Officers. With our experience and attention to detail, we streamline and coordinate search efforts to identify the best candidate for your organization. Our services are customized to meet the needs of any organization—municipal, township, or fire district—and any type of structure, whether it’s volunteer, career, or a combination department.

For departments aiming to recruit candidates both internally and externally, we offer a process for developing position profiles and preparing advertisements. Various methods, including a detailed questionnaire, are utilized to identify the necessary skills and abilities for the role. Based on this input, a profile outlines the skills and experiences that the new officer should have, such as achievements, expertise, leadership, knowledge, training, and education. This profile serves as the basis for crafting the position advertisement. By utilizing the OFCA Magazine, web page, and local media, we can attract a large pool of qualified applicants.

The OFCA handles all applicants' resumes for the position. Any questions or additional information requests are properly handled, and responses and ending dates are monitored and controlled. All applicants’ resumes are reviewed and ranked based on the advertisement criteria.

The OFCA also facilitates oral board interviews and conducts assessment center testing for the most qualified applicants. This process helps local governments narrow down the pool of eligible candidates to a select group of finalists who can genuinely demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities for the position.