What factors are assessed in the ethical judgment of NFST candidates?

Candidates in the National Firefighter Selection Test (NFST) have their ethical judgment evaluated primarily through decision-making processes that reflect integrity. This assessment is crucial for firefighters, as they often face situations that require a strong moral compass and the ability to make swift, judicious decisions under pressure. Evaluating candidates on their integrity ensures that they can handle ethical dilemmas appropriately, prioritize the safety of individuals and communities, and uphold the values of the fire service.

This focus on decision-making processes is consistent with the responsibilities of a firefighter, which often involve upholding the law, making critical life-and-death decisions, and being accountable to both the public and the fire department. While physical fitness, crisis management, and technical skills are important components of a firefighter's job, they do not specifically measure the ethical judgment that is so vital in ensuring responsible and trustworthy firefighting practices.