Municipal Employment
Screening & Hiring Program

1. What is the MESH Program?
The Municipal Employment Screening & Hiring (MESH) Program is a multi-agency employmentscreening
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 training based on
your specific needs.
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. MESH is operated by the City of Margate, Florida.
6. What agencies participate in MESH?
Currently there are fourteen (14) South Florida area agencies participating in the MESH Program:
Coconut Creek, Coral Gables, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood,
Key Biscayne, Lighthouse Point, Margate, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines, and
Pompano Beach.
7. How often is the MESH Program offered?
The MESH Program is normally offered twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.
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 Fire Academy requires proof of firefighter
certification for eligibility to take the Broward County-Wide 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. 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.
13. Will I be ranked on the master list?
No, the list is created in alphabetical order. The agencies may rank you based on their specific hiring
criteria.
14. 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.
15. 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 County-Wide Physical Ability Card will be issued to you by the Broward
County Fire Academy after successful completion of the Physical Ability Test.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Who administers the Broward County-Wide Physical Ability Test (PAT)?
The test is administered by the Broward Fire Academy. You must register with the Broward Fire Academy
either in person or online @ www.bfa.edu . Registering for the PAT does not register you for the MESH
Program and registering for the MESH does not register you for the PAT.
19. 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 Fire Academy @ (754)321-1300 to discuss this matter.
20. Is there a fee for the Broward County-Wide Physical Ability Test?
Yes, there is a fee. Please contact the Broward Fire Academy for further information. They may be reached
@ (754) 321-1300.
21. How long is the Broward County-Wide Physical Ability Card good for?
The County-Wide Physical Ability Card is good for a period of one (1) year from date of issue.
22. Is it possible to fail the County-Wide Ability test?
Yes, the test is timed.
23. If I fail the County-Wide Ability Test, may I take it again?
Yes, please contact the Broward Fire Academy to arrange for another test.
24. If I fail the County-Wide Ability Test, may I still take the other MESH tests?
Yes, you may take the other MESH tests that you registered for.
25. If I already have a Broward County-Wide Ability Card, am I required to take the County-Wide
Ability test again?
No, but you will be required to provide MESH with a copy of your card with the .Interest Form..
26. If I have a different Ability Card (e.g. C-Pat), may I submit the card in place of the Broward Card?
No, the current MESH agencies require the Broward Card for employment.
27. What if I am a certified Fire Inspector?
Please furnish MESH with a copy of your certificate and your current state & county license.
28. Is EVOC required to take the MESH?
No, the participating agencies request this information for the proper evaluation of your hiring status.
29. 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.
30. 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
31. 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.
32. What if I am certified in another state?
You may participate in MESH. You will be responsible to obtain Florida certifications as required.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. 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 Fire Academy. See Enclosure I for more information.
36. Does MESH offer remediation (re-tests)?
In some cases remediation may be offered to you.
37. 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. 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.