The Assessment Center is a 2-day competitive process. Candidates must attend an Assessment Center in person and satisfactorily complete each part to move forward. Day 1 consists of the Physical Agility Test and a Medical Scenario. Day 2 involves a panel interview with hiring officials.

While at the Assessment Center, candidates will be measured for uniform sizing, to ensure uniforms can be delivered on time if the candidate is selected for hire.

Candidates who do not pass a step in the Assessment Center will be informed immediately and will not complete the other steps. Candidates who pass all steps satisfactorily may be selected based on performance, and on the number of open positions and applicants.

Candidates must sign a waiver prior to taking the PAT. Candidates will receive an instruction and safety briefing prior to the test. Candidates must use safe lifting and movement techniques as demonstrated by the examiners. The test makes use of spotters, and the examiner may stop the test at any time to minimize risk of injury. With these precautions in mind, candidates attempting the PAT do so understanding that Durham County EMS is not responsible for injury sustained during the test.

The PAT is scored on a Pass/Fail basis. Candidates must perform a number of activities that simulate physical demands of the job; these include chest compressions, carrying heavy loads backward on a staircase, and manually loading a stretcher into an ambulance, among others. Candidates must complete the test within a specific time limit to pass. Running is strictly prohibited and is not necessary to meet the time limit. Candidates are only allowed 1 attempt to complete the PAT per Assessment Center. Candidates are eligible to attempt the PAT at future Assessment Centers regardless of result.

The PAT requires that candidates dress appropriately for physical activity, including closed-toe shoes.

Candidates must complete one (1) medical scenario in which they lead a call in a simulated environment with an EMT-level partner. The scenario makes use of high-fidelity patient simulators and role players, and the candidate shall perform hands-on skills with real equipment rather than verbalizing. The candidate is expected to perform up to the scope of practice for the position they are applying to; National Registry standards are acceptable.  Candidates are not expected to memorize the details of Durham County EMS protocols or equipment prior to the scenario. Scenario examiners will focus on competency, quality, and timeliness of patient care—as well as interpersonal ability and professionalism.

Candidates who pass all steps on Day 1 will be scheduled for an interview 1-3 days after.  All interviews are virtual as of 2022 and require the use of Microsoft Teams. After completing an approximately 45-minute interview, candidates must remain logged in to Microsoft Teams and complete a personality inventory questionnaire, which may take up to 2 hours.

While candidates are waiting to be contacted with Assessment Center results, they should work on these processes as necessary:

• Preparing for NC driver license application
• Preparing for NC OEMS credential reciprocity application
• Completing NIMS ICS online courses
• Obtaining National TIM Training Certificate

Resource links for the above steps can be found on the Employment page.