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.
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