Gyeonggi Fire Department Introduces Nation's First Competency Assessment for Fire Captain Promotion Candidates

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters has become the first in the nation to introduce a competency assessment for candidates being promoted to Fire Captain, a position equivalent to chief-level department head at local fire stations.

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced that it will operate a "Competency Assessment Program for Promotion Candidates" for around 30 candidates for Fire Captain, running until May 15.

This competency assessment is distinct in that, moving away from the traditional interview-based evaluation, it is conducted using hands-on and scenario-based methods that simulate actual disaster situations.

The program was established to verify the on-site response capabilities and organizational management skills required of chief-level commanders.

The main evaluation areas are on-site command, problem-solving, and conflict management, with a particular focus on assessing the judgment and leadership necessary in real command situations.

The assessment program consists of job-centered modules such as disaster situation-based command and judgment evaluation, presentations on issue analysis and response strategies, and conflict mediation assessments utilizing role-play exercises.

Additionally, external faculty members and professional evaluators participate to enhance the objectivity and fairness of the assessment.

Choi Yongcheol, Acting Head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "At disaster sites, a moment's decision is directly linked to residents' lives. We will continue to strengthen an evaluation system that verifies commanders who can perform effectively in real situations, rather than relying on formal interviews."