Testimonials
“I wanted to take a minute and express my heart felt gratitude for the tutelage you and your team have provided me over the course of my career. I have used Promotional Prep every step of the way with great success. I scored number one on my entry level, Lieutenant, and Captain’s exams. So when it came time to take the Battalion Chief’s exam, I again signed up for one of your seminars. The information that you and your team provided gave me a solid framework in-which to effectively prepare for the exam. As a result, I obtained a score of 92.69, placed number 2 on the list, and was promoted to Battalion Chief. The candidate who beat me was my friend, study partner and fellow Promotional Prep student. I believe that your approach to test prep, learning how to think about the material instead of memorizing a canned response, has been the key to my successful advancement over the years. Thank you all for developing an effective program and for sharing your hard earned knowledge and experience.”
PS: Your books and study guides were invaluable
BC Keith Greene
Hamilton Fire Department
2023
“I have recently been promoted to Deputy Chief.
I would like to thank you and the entire Promotional Prep team for your help in preparing me for the recent Deputy Chief‘s exam. Your personal tutoring was invaluable.
I trusted the process as I did in my past exams and promotions with you guys and I am grateful to have ranked #1 on our Deputy Chiefs list with a score of 92.5
Thanks Again Brother”
D/C Filipe Sousa
Hillside Fire Dept
2023
“I would like to thank Chief of Department Montagne, Deputy Chief Terpak and Deputy Chief Pratts of Promotional Prep for their professionalism, vast knowledge, and informative classes in my preparation for this past Battalion Chief’s exam. All 3 instructors were extremely professional and the information they provided on reading comprehension, study materials and testinfo strategy was invaluable. Without their help I would not have placed #1 on the list. Promotional Prep is top notch, and in my opinion, the best out there. Thanks again and keep up the great work!”
Captain Jason Hodge
North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue
2023
“I just took my first captains test and got a 90.6 and the only reason I scored where I did was because of Promotional Prep. Without them that number certainly would have been much lower. I was fortunate to study one on one with Al Pratts a handful of times. Al has it down to a science. He’s a sharp guy who has a dedication to teaching paired with a great knowledge base. He breaks down the material into an easy to understand format and makes sure to review your weak spots. Even though I was studying for a Captain’s test, he was pushing me as if I were studying to be Chief of the Department. I highly recommend using Promotional Prep to all those looking to take the next step in their career.”
Chris Mohin
Jersey City Fire Department
2022
“Thank you for the outstanding study material your program has put together again. I came out #1 and Terry who came to the classes with me came out #2 for Vineland.
I am always telling people about your business as my promotional rankings have always been #1 thanks to the hard work all of you are putting into the materials you share.”
Battalion Chief John Hendershott
September 2022
“I attended the Oral Assessment program at Middlesex on 12/14 and 12/15. I didn’t know what to expect, in terms of the layout of the program or the materials and was quite simply impressed. Your method of delivering a vast amount of information in a logical and organized manner is something I hope to utilize not only in my test prep but in my career and even my outside work. After the two days, I feel significantly more prepared and feel well equipped to handle a variety of scenarios. I certainly hope to make Captain and am taking my preparation very seriously but even if it doesn’t work out, I feel like I will be a better firefighter simply for attending the program. Thank you for all that you guys put into this.”
Joe
December 2021
“Knowing Chief’s Terpak and Montagne 30 years I can honestly say they’ve always had a commitment to making the fire service here in N.J. better and pushing officer candidates to be better. The combined knowledge of the job and the testing process will help make your future dreams of being an officer a reality. Don’t wait for opportunity; create it by studying and preparing with Promotional Prep. They’re determined to see you succeed and will give you what you’ll need for your next promotional exam.”
Jim Boyle, Millburn FD (Promoted to both positions)
# 1 Captain’s exam and # 1 Battalion Chief’s exam
September 2020
“The instructors at Promotional Prep continue to adapt to the ever-changing assessment testing process, ensuring that their students have all the tools necessary to achieve the best scores. Hands down they are the most experienced and professional, but more importantly, the most knowledgeable in Fire Service test preparation. You will be prepared to handle any type scenario you may encounter!”
Battalion Chief Loren Hart, Jersey City Fire Department
March 2020
“I took your prep class, wanted to let you know I came out #1 again. Thanks your your help.”
Brian Taylor, Teaneck FD
March 2020
“With out a doubt, the best in the business.”
Frank DeAngelis, Orange City FD
March 2020
“Chief, hope all is well. I want to thank you and the staff at promotional prep for your help. I have and will continue to recommend people to your seminars and study courses. You guys are the best in the business. Again, thank you.”
Damien Cooke, Hamilton Township
Fire District 38
February 26, 2020
“The best!!”
Carlos M. Colon
September 2018
“The team of instructors at Prep set the standard and guidelines for educating firefighters and fire officers in preparation for their promotional exams and career advancement. Their professionalism and depth of knowledge helped guide me in achieving my goals. Thank you Promotional Prep.”
Shawn O’Connor (tied #1 Jersey City Battalion Chief )
September 2016
“The staff at promotional prep continues to deliver the highest quality instruction, ensuring that their students are more than ready to handle any type of fire or administrative scenerio. The personalized instruction and attention to detail provided me with the tools I needed to be successful!“
Loren Hart (tied #1 Jersey Battalion Chief )
September 2016
“Hello again Chief. Just an update. I’m writing to inform you that I got promoted to Captain last month. I wanted to thank Promotional Prep for your outstanding product. You all are a great people and mentors. I will be using you again in the near future. Also I hope all is well with yourself. I heard that someone fell ill, I’m not sure if it was yourself or a family member. I will pray. Thanks and God Bless.”
Michael Smith
April 2016
“Hello Chief, it’s Mike Smith from Bayonne FD. first off Happy Holidays. I’m just reaching out to let you know that your classes for the Captains Exam aided me tremendously in scoring high on the recent testing cycle. I’m currently #3 since some guys on the new list got promoted a few months back. I also wanted to thank you for helping me through the process and answering any questions I’ve ever had. Your format is tried and true and I will continue to recommend your classes to my coworkers.”
Mike Smith, Bayonne FD
January 2016
“I want to take a minute and say a big Thank You. You guys gave great information in your prep class and helped me prepare for the exam. I am happy to say I came out #2 on my list and it looks like a promotion may happen around the end of spring. Keep up the great work helping the brothers around the state and providing the vital info that you do. Thanks again and have a happy and safe 2016.”
Steve Jason, Millburn FD
January 2016
“My name is Harold Summers Jr. and I took both your written and oral prep classes and I wanted to say Thank You. I work for Hamilton Township Fire Dist #4 and with your help I am number 1 on our list.
There is no doubt that I would not be ranked number 1 without these prep classes.
Thanks again for all the help. “
Harold E Summers Jr
January 2016
“Thank you for both the written and oral prep class in Mount Holly area. I came out 1 and the guy I came with came out 3. Your class was beneficial and I appreciate your help!!”
John Hendershott
January 2016
“Congratulations to our New Jersey Lt./Captain students!!
Test scores announced today!!
Top scoring students across the state!!”
Promotional Prep Team
January 2016
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“There is no doubt that without taking your classes, we would have not placed #1 and #2 respectfully on the promotional list.”
Keith Green and Ferdinand Mather, Hamilton Township New Jersey Fire District
“I attended your prep class for Lieutenant and came out 3rd out of 44. I’ve since been promoted and am preparing for the upcoming Captain’s Exam. You’re class was a tremendous help.”
Kevin Brady Jr, Linden New Jersey
“The professional approach and quality is second to none, Thanks!
Tom Zack Greenwich CT
“Thank you!!!”
Battalion Chief Steven Woodworth City of Atlanta GA.
“New website looks great Mike, good luck with it. Just another note, I went to DOP to review my oral presentations and found I was scored all 5’s, thanks again for giving me the extra edge over my competition and for offering me the encouragement you did. Stay safe brother.”
John Lewis, City of Passaic Fire Department
“I reviewed the site and it looks great! Its packed with a lot of information and training material that is very useful for firefighters and officers. Also I have attended several of your courses prior to getting to know you through the promotional process seminars and I am very happy with you. You are a great instructor. I say this because I have taken many many many classes throughout my career and there have been instructors that I just wanted to pluck my eyes out. They were just horrible! You keep the group going and present information in a logical and useful format. Keep up the good work.”
Todd C. Fell, City of Trenton Fire Department
“Chief, Terpak I just wanted to send you an email to say thank you. On Friday 10/20, I was promoted. They promoted a Deputy Chief, a Captain and a Lieutenant. Some new men were also hired. Thanks a million for your help through the testing process. I appreciate the effort you and your staff make to help your students.”
Brian Mulligan, City of Clifton Fire Department
“You guys are the best!”
Joe Murray, #1 Deputy Chief, City of Paterson
“Thanks Mike!”
Captain Phil Martinez, City of Newark Fire Department
“Thank you very much.”
Captain Ed Glassman, #1 Battalion Chiefs exam, City of Camden NJ
“I want to thank you so much for all your help in preparing me for Battalion Chief. I made it to number one on the list in Paterson. I couldn’t have done it without all the tutoring I received from you. Thank you very much.”
Captain Rich Hoedemaker, # 1 Battalion Chiefs Exam, City of Paterson NJ
“I wanted to take this opportunity and thank the Promotional Prep Team. I could not have done it without you guys. I look forward to seeing you for the preparation of Deputy Chief. Please keep me on your mailing list for future seminars and information.”
Captain Mohammad Hatefi, # 4 Battalion Chiefs exam, Atlantic City, NJ
“Your classes were fantastic.”
Captain Frank Calamita, #5 Battalion Chiefs exam, City of Paterson, NJ
“You guys were right on the money. I followed your templates with no surprises. Thank you.”
Captain Louis Rucci, # 1 Battalion Chiefs exam, City of Jersey City. NJ
“You guys were terrific, thank you.”
Captain Andy Magee, # 4 Battalion Chiefs exam, City of Camden, NJ
“Thank you guys. Thanks for all the information I needed.”
Captain Bob MacReady, #2 Battalion Chiefs exam, Atlantic City, NJ
“In June of 2007, the Promotional Prep Team set a record with the highest number of students finishing at the top of each list for the rank of Battalion Chief in the State of New Jersey. Our best to all!”
North Hudson Regional #1, Jersey City #1, Camden #1, Elizabeth #1, Newark #1, Plainfield #1, Bayonne #1, Union Twp #1, Voorhees #1, Millburn #1, Paterson #1, Rahway #1, Asbury Park #1, Trenton #2, Atlantic City #2 (too many top 10’s in all New Jersey cities to list!)
“I first heard of Chief Michael Terpak at the FDIC conference in Indianapolis a couple of years ago. I was so impressed with his speech that when I was preparing for the Battalion Chief test, I attended a Promotional Prep two day seminar and bought his book “Assessment Center Strategy & Tactics”. That seminar and book were the blueprint for taking an oral exam. But more than that, the week before the exam Chief Terpak e-mailed to me tips, advice and encouragement. He did this not as a Promotional Prep instructor to a client, but as one firefighter to another. Thanks again Mike.”
Mark Erlacher, Captain
Philadelphia Fire Department
2010
“A very sincere, “Thank You” for everything. The list came out and I’m # 1. You have assisted me with invaluable knowledge and helped take “the best job in the world” and make it even better.”
Bruce Kauffmann
Captain, Kearny NJ Fire Department
2010
“I wanted to Thank You for what you do and let you know what an encouragement you are to me.”
Ken Lombardi, Lieutenant
Westport CT Fire Department
2010
“Just go the results back on the 1st. level supervisor test and I scored # 1. The review course I took with your group made all the difference. I was totally prepared and the oral test went just like the practice sessions.”
Mike Lippincott
Millville Fire Department
2010
“I’m happy to report that I did very well on my Battalion Chief’s examination. The positive comments from the test evaluators were directly related to points emphasized during our training sessions. The training you provided made the difference for me. I’m grateful to you for your superb professional assistance and support.”
Captain Bob Corrigan
Philadelphia Fire Department
2010
“Chief Terpak; I just wanted to Thank you for all your help in preparing me for my Deputy Chiefs exam. Your class definitely played a big role in getting me ready. The staff at Promotional prep does a great job. The system and teaching techniques you use are second to none. I have recommended your classes and books to many of my co-workers. Again, thanks for everything!”
Captain Frank DeAngelis
Orange NJ Fire Department
#1 Deputy Chiefs exam
2010
“Thank you for all your help. Your classes were invaluable. You made this process so much easier. You made me a true believer. Please keep me on your e-mail/mailing list.”
Allen Huggins
#2 Battalion Chiefs exam
Atlantic City Fire Department
