Testimonials

I was skeptical at first to purchase the book because of all the different prep books on the market. I purchased two other prep books in the past and neither compared to yours. I scored better on the written than on any prior exam I have taken." Paul from North Carolina

This book was a major factor for me in scoring number one out of over 600 applicants. The selection process isn't over yet but I know that I would not be in the position I am without your book. I will keep you posted on how I do in the rest of the selection process." Jim from Oregon

I recently purchased your Encyclopedia of Firefighter Examinations for an upcoming exam I was taking. My roommate was also taking the exam but didn't purchase your book or do any preparation before the exam. I scored in the top 5% with a score of 96% - my roommate scored only an 82%. I am now into the next phase of the examination process and wouldn't have made it this far without your book." Jack from New York

This is the book I have been looking for. Being able to focus on the specific testing subjects for the exam I am taking makes preparing so much easier. Also, your test-taking strategies have given me some great testing tips that I continually have in my thought process while I am taking the examination." Pete from Montana.

Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Book

I consistently scored well on all the portions of the exam except the reading comprehension portion. After reading your test-taking strategies and focusing on what I was doing wrong, I scored extremely well on my last three exams. My reading comprehension scores have increased dramatically and I have finished in the top 10% on my last three exams. I have four more exams to take in the next two months, and for the first time I am actually looking forward to the reading comprehension part of the examination." Ryan from Michigan.

"Ever since high school, whether I was taking a final exam or my ACTs or SATs, I have always had problems with reading comprehension. About two years ago, I started to pursue a career as a firefighter. One thing constantly stood in my way of scoring well on the examination and that was the reading comprehension. After taking your practice examinations and keeping the test-taking strategies in the back of my mind during the exam, it has allowed me to finish in the top 20 on two consecutive exams (I never even broke in the top 100 before). I now feel my goal of becoming a firefighter is within my reach." Stacy from California.

"Over the last three years, I have taken numerous fire examinations and your book contained every sample of a reading comprehension and math question that I have seen on these examinations. What really helped me was the step-by-step math instructional. Being able to review each math question and determine how to arrive at the answer has really increased my math scores. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is having difficulties with reading comprehension and mathematics. It has made a world of difference in my examination scores." Joe from Arizona

Psychological Exam Preparation Audiotape or CD and Workbook

I wanted to send you a quick little email to thank you for all of your helpful advice and hints/tips/tricks to getting the job of my dreams! Your test preparation material and workbook and CD (which I took with me everywhere and I listened to it in my truck as often as possible!) about the Psychological exam was right on the money. The materials gave me the valuable insight I needed to be more relaxed and at ease with the whole process!

I am thrilled to say that I have made it through so far, and I have now been invited to participate in the "Catwalk" for Sac Metro fire dept. I will begin the academy in mid-Feb. (any tips on the academy?) I am so excited I can hardly stand it! Can you believe I was up against 1,400 other applicants and got hired on even though I'm only an EMT? (believe me I studied and prepped and studied and trained and studied and practiced so I would be completely prepared - my friends all thought I was nuts because I prepared so much, but I think that is what it takes . . .and it worked!)

Wish me luck . . . I will email again when I get my badge so I can thank you again!!!
Thanks again,
Shaunna

"Hello, my name is Steve Brown and I live in Redlands, California. About six months ago I ordered the tapes for the psychological test along with the workbook. I have taken the CWS test before about 5 years ago and got a 73%. After using your tapes, I was able to score 88.12% on the written exam, which is high enough to put me in the top 60 out of 750 candidates. What I am saying is, thank you for all your help. I would not have had the opportunity to get this far without the insights of your tapes. I am currently a firefighter/paramedic but I am trying to work for one of my 3 dream departments. Thank you again, Steve."

Dear Don McNea Fire School:
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the good luck note written on the cover of my firefighter psychological exam workbook. I received the booklet on Tuesday. October 14, 2003 and read it thoroughly. Today, I answered the questions in the workbook as I would normally without listening to the CD. When I was through, I then proceeded to check my answers with the answers on your audio CD and I am proud to say that I scored 100 % in each section. I am now confident that I will do well on my psychological test next week.

I am going to share my booklet and CD with my friend who is taking the test
as well, so that she will feel as confident as I am.

I have been looking forward to becoming a firefighter for the last 11 years and hopefully this is my year to make things happen, as I have already passed the written and physical exams.

Thank you again for providing firefighter candidates with the helpful workbooks and tools you have to offer. I will keep you posted of mine and my friends progress and placement on the fire department list.

Thank you for helping me with the psych portion of the written exam. I took a test a year ago without knowing your info and scored in the low 70's. About 3 weeks ago I took that same test and scored a 94% and will be continuing in the process. That following week I took the same exam at my home department and though I do not know my score I have been invited to continue in their process as well. I honestly believe that without knowing the information that you gave me and talking to you on the phone I would not be continuing in the process anywhere. I believe in what you have done for me and therefore I have recommended your material and website to many of the candidates that I have talked to in the past few weeks. I cannot say it enough but THANK YOU! THANK YOU! - Larry From Oregon

"It was quite frustrating to continually finish in the top 10% on the written exam but continue to fail the psychological portion of the exam. I didn't know what I was doing wrong, only that I failed it. After purchasing your program, I realized the mistakes that I was making. Just fine-tuning a couple areas of the personality traits that the psychologists are looking for gave me the edge I needed. I have now completed two psychological examinations, have passed both and am a finalist in those departments." Brad from Ohio.

"After hearing all my friends who were taking examinations complain about failing the psychological exam, I decided to go in prepared. Your psychological preparation was the reason I passed my exam. I have no doubt that I might have failed without it. It made me realize the reasons why my friends failed the exam and showed me how not to make the same mistakes. I highly recommend this program for anyone taking a psychological examination." Tom from California.

PAUL LEPORE’S THE ASPIRING FIREFIGHTER’S TWO-YEAR PLAN

Finally a worthwhile book to help entry-level candidates compete in the interview process. Captain Lepore’s advice will help improve candidate’s scores across the country.

Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn

FDNY (ret’d) author or numerous fire department books and world renowned authority

The oral interview is the most important aspect of the hiring process. All of the other phases of the exam have been stepping stones to the interview, where the decision to hire you or pass you up for a more qualified candidate is made. Paul’s book can help you become successful in your quest for a career as a firefighter. Not only does Paul offer guidelines for answers to tough interview questions, but he describes in detail the rationale behind a strong answer. Well worth the time it takes to read. If you are serious about becoming a firefighter, then this book is for you.

Deputy Chief Alan Patalano

Long Beach, California, Fire Department

After reading Captain Lepore’s book, I feel it is a must for anyone preparing for the entry level oral interview process. As a Training Chief, I have conducted and prepared numerous candidates for the process. I feel this book will aid those taking the exam and plan on introducing it in my seminars.

Division Chief Randy Scheerer

Newport Beach, California, Fire Department

Smoke Your Firefighter Interview is an excellent resource that should help the future firefighter candidate better prepare themselves and improve their scores for the most important phase of the hiring process, the oral interview. I recommend this book to anyone that is pursuing a career as a firefighter; it is something I wish I had available to me when I was testing for the position of firefighter.

Captain Steve Prziborowski

Santa Clara County, California, Fire Department (Los Gatos) and Fire Technology Coordinator, Chabot College (Hayward, CA).

This book is a must for the firefighter candidate. It will help prepare them for the crucial phase of the interview process, the oral board. Captain Lepore’s experience and insight gives anyone that studies the book a definite advantage when they sit down before the people that ask the questions.

Lieutenant Matthew S. Zaleznik

Golden Gate Fire Rescue, Naples, Florida

Firefighters will tell you the key to getting hired today is a strong oral interview. Paul Lepore not only tells how to answer, but also gives the reason for that answer. If you are serious about the fire service and want to move to the top of the list, I suggest reading this book prior to that all important interview.

Paramedic/Firefighter Roy Spielmann

North Shore Fire Department, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 11 years service

I tested for a firefighter’s position for 4-1/2 years. Paul Lepore’s advice during my last year was unquestionably the boost I needed to push me over the top and finally land my job. The advice he gave me was invaluable in learning how to perform my best in the oral board process. Paul has great insight and ability to make you not only answer the questions, but think them through and know your replies are “right.” You can’t help but improve your interviewing skills if you follow his advice. I would highly recommend Paul’s book to anyone that is serious about a career in the fire service.

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Ward

City of Tucson, Arizona, Fire Department

Paul’s book is a must read for future firefighters. It is among the best preparation guides for the career of firefighter that I have ever read.

Firefighter Harry Simmer

City of Houston, Texas, Fire Department

CAPT. BOB – TESTIMONIALS

"I ordered your entry-level program. I did this after noticing many of your students' successful testimonials. I have many certificates to speak of including paramedic. The only hinder that I found myself with was not passing the oral. Since ordering your program, I was nailing the interviews. Getting hired over the auxiliaries at their own department and with a heck of a lot less experience. Your tapes and techniques helped me excel and pass the other candidates. I even had one city's fire chief personally call me at home to set up a chief's oral (I had to decline, due to the fact that I was at orientation for another department). To make a long story short, nothing counts until you have the badge, nothing. For all of the candidates out there that don't believe this, try passing and ranking #1 on orals with a stuttering problem…I did. Thanks, Capt Bob!" Dave, FF/PM

"Capt Bob – I've sent you a couple of letters before, and contacted you in the past for help with resumes and which path to take to getting my badge. Well, this is the letter I've been waiting to send you for about 2 years now. This is the letter THANKING YOU FOR HELPING ME GET MY BADGE! I just received my official offer of employment letter from the City of Oakland as a firefighter/paramedic today. Being offered a job at 20 years old is rare, and I firmly believe that had it not been for your help, I wouldn't have my badge today. Thank you again for everything!" Bill