Preperation

Essential for preparation is knowing what the duties of the job you aspire for actually is and then acquiring the knowledge and demonstrating the capacity within the duties effectively.  This starts with printing out the job duties and ensuring you focus on them first. 

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.

Fellow Officers, Battalion, and Division Chiefs. 

Steve Prziborowski : Code 3 Fire Training : 101 Tips to Ace Your Promotional Exam

Anthony Kastros : Firefighter Inspiration Readiness and Education : Mastering the Fire Service Assesment Center, 2nd Edition 

Paul Lepore & Chuck Fedak : Aspiring FIre Officers