Priceless and invaluable coaching and training. See my story and results below to prove it!! In 2008 I was preparing to take the Operational Captains exam. The exam consisted of a written portion which counted as 65% of the overall score and a practical portion which made up the remaining 35%. I applied myself and studied all the material provided for the written and ended up tied for 7th place on the written. That was actually the easy part because now came the unknown, the practical exam!. Just as many people felt I had no idea where to start, what to expect or how to prepare. I was told that anything and I mean anything could be on the practical. As my stress level increased I knew that I had not studied this hard to fail and this is when I was fortunate to find Fire Center Assessment Prep (FCAP). Fire Center Assessment Prep, at that time, was offering group sessions which have now been replaced with online videos. I attended the session and the information which I obtained provided me with a methodical step by step approach on how to handle a practical exam. For the paramedics out there think of it as an algorithm for a mega code. After the group session I elected to hire FCAP for one on one coaching sessions, to coach and mentor me further. This was priceless training. Several weeks later I took the practical portion and once completed I walked out of the exam with a huge grin on my face feeling extremely confident. Two weeks later I was informed that all my hard work had paid off, I ended up #2 on the final promotional roster out of 105 candidates. The best part was that I was actually number one on the practical but due to the written portion being so heavily weighted I was not number one overall. I was still thrilled and very happy with the results. Now lets roll forward 12 years to 2020. I decided to take the Battalion Chiefs Exam. Once again I studied hard for the written exam placing #1 out of 36 candidates. Unlike the Captain’s exam the BC’s exam was broken down with the written only counting for 30% and the practical exam counting for the remaining 70% of the overall score. However this time I had an upper hand as I knew exactly where to go for help. I signed up for FCAP’s online videos reviewing all the information and then requested one on one coaching which was invaluable!. Once I completed the practical exam and the results came out I ended up #1 on the final promotional roster!!! Not just number one on the written but also number one on the practical, which remember counted as 70% of the overall score. Some people may think FCAP teaches you how to pass a practical exam, well I disagree, its so much more than that. Fire Center Assessment Prep teaches you how to handle any scenario, conflict or situation by teaching you methodical steps on how to identity issues and problems and then how to formulate a well defined plan to mitigate the problem. This not only helps you during your test but also prepares you and assists you in real life situations once promoted to the new position for which you aspire to be promoted to. I have only been promoted to Battalion Chief for 5 months now and on a recent structure fire received a written commendation on my command presence and leadership ability. I truly feel the tools, coaching and training which I received from FCAP not only assisted me being at the top of my promotional rosters but has also helped me be a better Chief. Thank you Chief Freddie and Fire Center Assessment Prep for all of your help and support and good luck to everyone aspiring to move up through the ranks.