Each organization has its minimum requirements, including time on, formal education, and certification for each step. That is a critical component for eligibility. In this stage, you should focus on acquiring and incorporating the required knowledge. Yes, that is policies, guidelines, and standards, but it also is the mindset. Mindset is not mastery of a specific topic but an understanding of the duties of the position you want. Print the job description and use this as your starting place for your preparation. Next, use a combination of social networking and technology to grasp those duties. 

Approach these as suggestions for that framework in no specific order.

Steve Prziborowski : Code 3 Fire Training : 101 Tips to Ace Your Promotional Exam book (use '101 Tips' for 25% discount)

Anthony Kastros : Firefighter Inspiration Readiness and Education : Mastering the Fire Service Assesment Center, 2nd Edition (Free if you  take the online course.)

Paul Lepore & Chuck Fedak : Aspiring FIre Officers

Fellow Officers, Battalion, and Division Chiefs. 

Every exam begins with the posting of the position and likely the evaluated components and timeline. Therefore, completing the required steps (Submitting a complete application, certifications, and resume if needed) accurately and ultimately in the proper timeframe is essential. 

It is safe to say Tactical and Technical are foundational. Ideally, the announcement will have not only all of the components but the weight each carries into the overall score. It will also state if the test is banded (similar groups of scores are viewed equally for consideration for promotion) or ranked (highest to lowest). These topics and the weight should frame your focus and refine your preparation material. If Tactical is 40% and presentation is 10% focusing on crushing the 10% at the lack of the Tactical is not wise. Equally, disregarding any section can result in some not-so-surprising outcomes. Instead, dedicate (that means determine the actual amount you have to spend and schedule it) ample amounts to what is required. 

Utilizing a few of the following strategies to maximize retention and allocate time

Effective Strategies for Retaining Information 

Time Blocking, Task Batching, and Day Theme - Utilize effectively the greatest commodity = Time.

Successful completion of an exam is rarely a guarantee of promotion. For one, the interview is next for the position with the hiring authority (Fire Chief and/or Deputy/Division chiefs). Following this interview, there may be significant time between promotion or possibly even retesting. Take the opportunity and reflect on those areas that need some further exploration, either highlighted from the exam process or personal experience. It is also the opportunity to evaluate the position's daily duties and cultivate your approach within the organizational culture. Taking opportunities to develop and showcase your talents is essential in this period.  

Congratulations on the promotion. Welcome to probation again. You must be ready to learn sometimes from a fire hose, other times from your fellow firefighters, and most certainly from your Boss. Proficiency is not mastery, nor should the two ever be confused. You will never master being the best Officer simply because your focus must be on cultivating success in our most valuable resource: our people. It is not the apparatus, stations, or fantastic equipment but how we can bring our people together to do great things. You may know the best way to extinguish that fire or tie that unique knot blindfolded, but if you can not willingly get those you supervise to work together effectively, safely, and efficiently then you have missed the mark. There are many resources to help you, from podcast, websites, books, videos, seminars, etc. Find one that matches your organization and commit to it. Inconsistency is not a virtue one wants to embrace.

Patrick Lencioni : Managing People and Teamwork

Frank Viscuso : Step Up and Lead