Pole climbing for Asst. Signalman

[Grunt]

I have to to take the pole climbing examination for the process of becoming a new hire for Asst. Signalman. Now, I have climbed poles before BUT only when they were already stepped. ( I worked for Verizon) I never gaffed before. Is this process veru hard ? I was told by some linemen in Verizon that gaffing takes about a week to learn and they (Verizon) provides a safety harness

After school is over, do the Signalmen actually gaff poles alot or do they use bucket trucks and/or ladders most of the time ?

 

Thank You for your responses.