Deciding to get promoted in the fire service is an exciting step. Realizing you have to pass a written exam may lessen the excitement, especially if you have ADHD, which may make studying more difficult. Check out these tips to breeze through the fire officer promotional exam questions and get promoted.
Eliminate All Distractions
If you have ADHD and are studying for your firefighter promotional exam the first thing you need to do is eliminate all distractions. Look around the room before you begin studying to be sure the room you are in will not take your attention away from studying. It may take a few study sessions to create a completely distraction free study area for yourself but just keep working on it as you go along. Then make sure you are fed, hydrated, and do not have to use the restroom. Lastly, make sure your emotions are in check and there are no mental distractions. You will get easily distracted once you begin studying if you are mad, sad or so on. Try journaling or just writing down what is causing the emotions you are feeling and setting them aside until you have completed your study session. This way you don’t have to worry about remembering the information and can address it after your study session. It is important you start studying with a safe distraction free room, mind, and body.
Time
One of the best things a person with ADHD can do to have a successful study session is to time yourself. Timing yourself gives you the knowledge that this will come to an end at some point and acts as a motivator. If you need even more help don’t be shy, ask those around you to keep track of your timer for another level of accountability.
Reward Yourself
Everyone loves a good reward after a successful study session, but if you have ADHD that just may be the motivation you need to keep yourself focused while studying. It can be as small as a piece of chocolate or as big as a trip out with friends. Give yourself something to look forward to after you finish studying, just be sure it is something that actually motivates you.
Plan Ahead
The second you sign up for your firefighter promotional exam, start studying! Plan your study sessions as soon as you can. Set alarms on your phone for times you have available to study so you don’t forget to study. Put sticky notes on your computer and all over your house reminding you to study. Whatever style of planning works best for you, put it into action and start studying.
Give Yourself a Break
Now, I don’t mean a break from studying, I mean a break from being so hard on yourself. If you can’t focus and are torturing yourself trying to study, STOP. You are doing more harm than good. You are not going to retain any information if you study while you’re stressed anyhow. Take a walk, or do something that makes you happy and come back to studying later.
Ask For Accomodations
If you have ADHD accommodations are available for you when you take your firefighter promotional exam. Most people do not seek those accommodations out for a myriad of reasons, and some may not know about them. Be sure to check with your local hiring personnel to figure out what accommodations are available for you when you take your firefighter promotional exam. Don’t let your ego get the best of you, especially if you would make an excellent company officer.
The Takeaway
Studying with ADHD can be hard, especially when there are so many distractions in this world. Begin studying and use these tips to help you figure out what you need to do to study for your firefighter promotional exam successfully.