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Florida's Comprehensive Testing for the following Position/s:
FIREFIGHTER, EMT, PARAMEDIC

MESH Program Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the MESH Program?
The Municipal Employment Screening & Hiring (MESH) Program is a multi-agency employment-screening program designed to eliminate the duplication of pre-employment testing.
2. Why is MESH called a program?
A program, unlike a test, is constructed for the long term.
3. Does MESH provide training courses?
No, MESH does not currently provide training courses for Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, or Paramedic. However, if you are in the MESH Program, you may be recommended for specific training.
4. Is MESH an employer?
No, MESH is not an employer.
5. How long has MESH been around and who operates MESH?
The MESH Program was created in 1999. The Intellectual Property Rights are the sole property of
Robert G. Stevens, the MESH Program creator. MESH is operated by the City of Margate, Florida.
6. What agencies participate in MESH?
Currently there are seventeen (17) South Florida area agencies participating in the MESH Program:
BSO Fire Rescue, Coconut Creek, Coral Gables, Davie, Delray Beach, Hallandale Beach, Hialeah, Hollywood, Key Biscayne, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac.
7. How often is the MESH Program offered?
The MESH Program is currently being offered once a year, usually in the winter.
8. Do I have to be a Florida state certified firefighter, EMT or Paramedic, to participate in MESH?
No, MESH does not require you to have any certifications to participate. The participating agencies may require you to have specific certifications. The Broward and Coral Springs Fire Academies may require proof of firefighter certification for eligibility to take the Physical Ability Test (PAT).
9. What are the chances of get hired without any certifications?
Slim to none. All currently participating agencies require some certifications.
10. What tests will I have to take?
Certified firefighters will be required to take a firefighter written test. If you are a certified EMT or Paramedic you will be required to take a written medical and a practical test.
11. What if I haven’t graduated from my training program yet?
MESH does allow you to take the written & practical portions of the test before you graduate. If you are in the Fire Academy or still in school for your medical certification, you will be permitted to take the written and practical test/s prior to becoming certified. You should consult with your instructor regarding your level of training before testing. Please review the Interest Packet for additional details.
12. Will MESH contact me when my Interest Form and documents are received?
No, MESH does not contact you about registration documents. You are responsible for tracking your mailing. Your registration is confirmed in the morning at the test site during sign-in.
13. What day should I plan to take the tests?
You decide which day that you want to test. MESH does not require you to select a date and will not contact you about date confirmation.
14. What happens after I complete MESH?
After completing the testing, your personal information and test scores are placed on a master eligibility list, and then released to the participating agencies. They are advised of the “Emergency Service Provider Agency Selection” that you specify on the Interest Form.
15. Will I be ranked on the master list?
No, the list is created in alphabetical order. The agencies rank you based on their specific hiring criteria.
16. Is it possible to fail MESH?
No, your results will be placed on the list regardless of your scores. The participating agencies set their own pass-fail standards.
17. Will I receive my test results?
Yes, your test results will be mailed to the address on file within thirty (30) days of the master eligibility list release date. Your Broward or Coral Springs Physical Ability Certificate will be issued to you by the respective Fire Academy after successful completion of the Physical Ability Test (PAT).
18. How long are my test results good for?
Your results are good for a period of one (1) year from the release date of the master eligibility list corresponding to the MESH Program that you participated in. List extensions may occur at the discretion of the Program Director.
19. What is the refund policy for MESH?
You will only receive a refund prior to the commencement of the MESH Program that you registered for. Should you be unable to attend, please contact the MESH Program Director @ (954) 935-5446.
20. Who administers the Physical Ability Test (PAT)?
The test is administered by the Broward and Coral Springs Fire Academies. You must register with the respective Fire Academy either in person or online. Registering for the PAT does not register you for the MESH Program and registering for the MESH does not register you for the PAT.
21. Do I have to be Firefighter l & ll certified to register for the PAT?
Normally, yes, unless you have completed your training and have a certificate of completion and/or you are waiting for the State test. Please contact the respective Fire Academy to discuss this matter.
22. Is there a fee for the Physical Ability Test?
Yes, there is a fee. Please contact the respective Fire Academy for further information.
23. How long is the Physical Ability Card good for?
The Physical Ability Certificate is good for a period of one (1) year from date of issue.
24. Is it possible to fail the Physical Ability test?
Yes, the test is timed.
25. Do I have to have the Physical Ability Test (PAT) to take the MESH tests?
No, you may take the MESH tests that you registered for. You will be listed as Pending for the PAT. You must submit a Coral Springs PAT Certificate that includes a swim test component to be listed as Completed on the MESH List.
26. What if I am a certified Fire Inspector?
Please furnish MESH with a copy of your certificate and your current state & county license.
27. Is EVOC required to take the MESH?
No, the participating agencies request this information for the proper evaluation of your hiring status.
28. Are there any other tests that I will be required to take?
Each agency has a specific hiring process. They may require you to take additional steps that include tests, interviews, backgrounds, etc.
29. Do the agencies require any special documents?
The MESH agencies have expressed their desire to receive a current transcript of your driving record when you apply for employment. This information is usually available through your Motor Vehicle Department. The State of Florida provides information on how to obtain your driving record at the following web address: www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/dlnew.html
30. Will I need to apply to the agencies?
In most cases, if you qualify, the agencies will contact you and request that you submit an application. For your convenience, some agencies will make applications available at the MESH testing site. Other agencies may advertise employment opportunities via the media. Please remember to follow each agency’s specific application procedure carefully. DO NOT submit applications unless directed to do so.
31. What if I am certified in another state?
You may participate in MESH. You will be responsible to obtain Florida certifications as required.
32. What do I do if my skill status or personal information changes after I complete MESH?
The SKILL STATUS / PERSONAL INFORMATION UPDATE FORM included with your packet allows you to contact MESH regarding any changes.
33. Am I allowed to retest for MESH if I am already on the current list?
Yes, you may register, pay the registration fee, and retest the next time that MESH is offered. You may wish to do this to improve your scores or to test for a new skill. You will only be required to take that test. Your new test results are listed on a separate line below your previous results on the MESH list.
34. Does MESH offer orientations?
Yes, orientations for written and practical tests are offered prior to the testing period. Ability test orientations may be offered by the respective Fire Academies. See Enclosure I for more information.
35. Does MESH offer remediation (re-tests)?
In some cases remediation may be offered to you.
36. How can I contact MESH?
If you have additional questions that have not been answered by these FAQ’s, you may need to contact MESH. You may contact the MESH Program Director by phoning (954) 935-5446 or via email @ meshmail@bellsouth.net Please leave a brief, detailed message, which includes a contact name, best time to call back, and a valid phone number with area code (no pagers please). IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT call the Program Director to check on the status of your Interest Form, request your test results, change your Skill Status and/or Personal Information, or to inquire about if and when you might receive contacts from participating MESH Agencies.


IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT call the Program Director to check on the status of your Interest Form, request your test results, change your Skill Status and/or Personal Information, or to inquire about if and when you might receive contacts from participating MESH Agencies.

 

 




All information is ©2009 MESH Program