Understanding the Process

The promotional process is finite. Interviews, role play, tactical simulations, in-basket exercises, essay writing, and written exams each require a different approach. Front Seat Academy helps you understand what evaluators are looking for and why, giving you a new perspective on how to prepare.

Monthly Live Workshops

Promotional preparation isn't a one-time event. That's why your membership includes monthly live Zoom workshops. Join firefighters from across the country to practice promotional scenarios, ask questions, explore new leadership concepts, and continue developing throughout your promotional journey.

Leadership Development

Leadership is integrated throughout the program. Not separated from it. As you prepare for the promotional process, you'll also develop practical leadership skills, communication techniques, and decision-making strategies that can be applied immediately in the front seat.

About the Course

This isn’t just another prep course. I built this for firefighters who are serious about getting promoted and doing the job the right way. We’re going to prepare for the test, no question. You’ll learn how to handle interviews, role play scenarios, in basket problems, essay writing, and tactical simulations. You’ll learn how to play the game and perform when it matters. But we’re not cutting corners to get there. Everything in this course is built on real leadership. The same expectations, standards, and mindset you’ll need in the seat. No shortcuts. No fake answers. Just a way to prepare for the process while respecting the craft. This puts you in a position to succeed. Not just on test day, but in real situations where it actually counts. Enroll now.

Real Results. Real Firefighters.

See what firefighters from across the country are saying after preparing with Front Seat Academy.

”
Every lesson had a purpose, every scenario challenged me to think like a Company Officer, and every exercise built confidence for the real assessment center.
Dylan

Student

”
I came out number one on my list and there is no doubt in my mind it is directly related to Front Seat Academy. I can not recommend it enough for anyone getting ready to promote.
Andrew

Student

”
I can’t thank Mike enough for all of the help and support going through my process. I finished at the top of the list and swept every dimension of the assessment center. This program works and I can’t recommend it enough.
Des

Student

”
You helped so much brother. I appreciate what you're doing for the fire service. Putting good people in these seats is the goal! That means a lot
Steve

Student

”
I wanted to reach out and say thank you for the program. everything from the structure to the real-world approach really helped me prepare for my promotional process. I applied a lot of what you teach, and I got the call today! The program doesn’t just help you prepare for a test it gets you in the mindset of riding the front seat.
Jacob

Student

”
Recently, I signed up for Front Seat Academy to prepare for my Fire Lieutenant promotional process, and it was exactly what I needed, and more. The tactical exercises and study plan are in-depth, realistic, and directly relevant to the test. This program teaches you how to think like an officer, not just how to pass an exam.
Mike

Las Vegas, NV

Meet Your Insructor

My name is Mike. I’m a company officer and the founder of Front Seat Academy. I built this course because I believe in access and opportunity. There are too many firefighters who are ready to step into the front seat but never get the chance because of the process. I believe in the firefighter more than I believe in the test. That’s what drove me to create this. This course, along with the social media content and monthly workshops, is built to give you real access to information, structure, and guidance that isn’t always easy to find. It’s about leveling the playing field and giving you a real shot. At the end of the day, this is about putting good people in a position to succeed and making sure that when the opportunity comes you’re ready to execute.

Course Curriculum

16 Chapters · 195 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome!

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Front Seat Academy LLC — Terms of Use

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Legal & Copyright Disclaimer

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Owning the Front Seat

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Before You Start: What You’ll Need for This Course

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      The Promotional Blueprint — My Full System

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Front Seat Academy Mobile App

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Monthly Webinars & Workshops

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Your Policy Lab

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection: Why Are You Here?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lead the Role, Not the Rank

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Leadership Styles

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Leadership Isn’t One Size Fits All

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Setting Expectations & Building Trust

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      Experience & The Leadership Gap

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      Reflection: Applying Your Expectations

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      Your Leadership Foundation

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      The Environment You Create

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      Creating the Right Environment Pt.2

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      The First 30 Seconds of Leadership

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      Accountability & Discipline

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      Accountability Scenario: Practice Coaching

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      The Leadership Mindset: Growth vs. Fixed

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      The Circle of Safety: Protecting Your Crew

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Command Presence: Leadership They Can See

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      Tough Conversations and Feedback

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      Radical Transparency

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      Reflection: Your time as a Firefighter

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Preparing for the Assessment

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      A Finite Game

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      Study Habits vs Study Discipline

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      Study Discipline Planner

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      The Mindset of Reps

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      Understanding What They're Really Grading

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      Reflection: Understanding Your Strength and Weaknesses

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      The Promotional Playbook

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      Commanding the Interview

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      Revisiting your Why?

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Mindset — Walk In Like an Officer

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection – Write Like an Officer

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      Know Your City and Department

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      Point-Capture vs Differentiator Questions

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      The Psychology of Connection in the Promotional Interview

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      CLEAR Framework

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      Working Sample of a CLEAR Framework

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      Analyzing Who You’re Speaking To: Know Your Panel

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      Your Panel

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      What They’re Actually Grading You On

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      Study Themes, Not Just Questions

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      How to Identify Interview Themes

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      Interview Theme Exercises

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      Emotion Creates Memory

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      What Will They Remember About You?

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      Storytelling as Evidence: Turning Experience Into Interview Credibility

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      Interview Topics You Should Own

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      What Have You Done to Prepare?

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      Customer Service: Building Trust Through Leadership

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      Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Leadership’s Responsibility to the People

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Defining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion- Example

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      What is Your Leadership Style

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      Defining Your Leadership Style Example

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      Self Reflection on Leadership

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      Supporting Mental Health

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      Recruitment in the Modern Fire Service

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Recruitment Example

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      Reimagining of Service

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      Risk Management On & Off the Fireground

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection: Leading Through Risk

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      Interview Practice with Worksheets

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      Commanding the Room: Role Play Prep

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding the Role Play

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      Common Role Play Formats

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      Phased Information Delivery

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      Live/In-Person Example

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      Video Example

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      Pressure Injections

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      The Undercurrent- Finding What's Beneath the Reaction

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      The Inflection Point

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      The Honest Truth

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      Breaking Down Common Role Play Scenarios

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      The Officer Escalation Ladder

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      The F.O.C.U.S. Framework

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      Breaking Down Communication Tactics

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Role Play Worksheet

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Role Play Scoring Sheet

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Downloadable FOCUS Script

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      California-Understanding FBOR & Firefighter Rights

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Due Process for Firefighters – If You’re Not in California

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Role Play Practice with Worksheets

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Role Play Simulations with Panel Points

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The In-Basket Exercise

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      What Is the In-Basket Exercise?

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      The Three Loads

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Approach an In-Basket Exercise

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Group Before You Prioritize

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Breaking Down: Time, Effort, & Impact

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Time vs. Urgency

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      High-Medium-Low

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      High Priority

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      Medium Priority

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      Low Priority

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      THE IN-BASKET: RECOGNIZE. RESPOND. REASON.

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      THE 3 R'S OF THE IN-BASKET

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Recognize What Matters and Prioritize Correctly

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      How the In-Basket may appear- Crew Talk Example

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      In-Basket Exercises- Role Play Exercises

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      The Administrative In-Basket

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Officer-Level Essay Writing

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding the Essay

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Real Example – Scoring Breakdown

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Write Like You Belong to the Organization

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Mind Mapping Before You Write

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Mind Mapping- Worksheet

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Mind Mapping Example

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Write the Body First — Masterful Essay Structure

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Some Common Essay Topics to Expect

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Under Pressure

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Essay Question Examples with Mind Mapping

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Tactical Sim

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Static Vs. Dynamic

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Ground Yourself in Reality

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowing Your Department

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Mastering the 13-Point Size-Up (COAL WAS WEALTH)

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What's your 13-Point Size Up?

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      RECEO-VS vs. SLICERS

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lip It & Bag It

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Seeing the Fireground

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Tactical Role Play Scenarios

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Approach Tactical Role-Play Scenarios

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Tactical Role Play Example

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Your Tactical Role Plays

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Managing the Incident

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Breaking Down the Tactical Worksheet

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Front Seat Academy Tactical Worksheet - Emergency Simulation

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      En-Route Considerations

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      IRONS-En Route Considerations

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Tactical Worksheet - Arrival Report

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      The Arrival Report

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Your Size up & Arrival Report

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      F.L.A.S.H Getting a 360

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Your Arrival - Units on Scene

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      What's Your Follow Up? CAN Report

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice a Follow Up Report- The CAN Report

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Declaring an Initial Operation Strategy

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Tactical Worksheet-Assigning your Alarms

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Divisions and Groups

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Assign Your First Alarm

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Filling Out Your Tactical Boxes

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Arrival Report-Making a Tactical Decision

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Make Your Notifications

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Expect an Incident Within an Incident

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) / Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Mayday-Emergency Simulation

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Turning Over Command

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Incident Turnover Checklist

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Managing the Wildland Urban Interface

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Wildland and WUI Fires

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Size Fuels Rapid Terrain And Exposures

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      WUI Tactical Worksheet

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Assigning Resources

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Car Fire into Vegetation Scenario

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      L.C.E.S

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Simulations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Practice Simulations

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Simulation Review Worksheet- Critical Command Touchpoints

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Residential

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Town Home Fire

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Multi-Family Fire

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Multifamily #2

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Multi-Family 4 Plex

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Multi-Family Defensive

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Balloon Frame Multi-Family

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Commercial #1

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Commercial #2

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Defensive Operations

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Commercial Parking Lot

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Structure Fire-Vegetation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice Questions

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Training Material Disclaimer

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Foundational Interview Questions

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Advanced Interview Questions

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      In Basket Exercises-Itemized List

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      In Basket-Dynamic

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Role Play Exercises-Static

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Role Play-Dynamic

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Test Your Policy Knowledge

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Mind Mapping Exercises

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Essay Topic Exercises

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Building Personal Mission Statement

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Build Your Own

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      A Statement of Qualifications

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Statement Of Qualifications Example

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Beyond the Course

Don’t Let the Assessment Center Define Your Career

Develop the confidence, leadership, and tactical decision-making skills needed to perform at your best throughout the promotional process.

$299.00

Enroll Now