CPS Firefighter Test Prep: 2026 Study Guide & Practice Exams

The CPS firefighter test is a standardized written exam developed by CPS HR Consulting (formerly Cooperative Personnel Services) used by fire departments across the United States to evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities. The test assesses multiple skill areas including reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, mechanical aptitude, spatial orientation, situational judgment, and written communication. Test format and duration vary by department, typically ranging from 2-3 hours with 100-150 questions.

CPS HR Consulting provides public safety testing services to fire departments across the USA and Canada. Because departments periodically change testing vendors and specific client lists are not publicly disclosed, candidates should verify their target department's current testing procedures directly by contacting the department's human resources office, checking their official recruitment website, or reviewing the job announcement for testing vendor information.

CPS firefighter tests consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, and a passing score of 70 is typically required. However, in competitive environments with hundreds of applicants and few openings, applicants often need to score in the 90th percentile or higher to have a realistic chance of being hired. Candidates who pass are ranked on an eligibility list in order of their final score, and departments can select any person in the top 10 ranked candidates on the certified eligibility list. Eligibility lists are generally active from 6 months to one year

Retake policies vary by testing platform and jurisdiction, so check with your specific department for exact rules.

CPS HR Exams: There is no waiting period—you can retake immediately, though CPS HR recommends studying before your next attempt. (CPS HR Consulting Exam FAQs)

FireTEAM/NTN Exams: You must wait a minimum of 3 months before retaking. Your previous test scores and department applications will be deleted when you retest. (National Testing Network Candidate FAQs)

PST Exams: You must wait at least 90 days (~3 months) before retaking the written exam. (Public Safety Testing Candidate FAQs)

Civil Service Commission Exams: In most counties, you can retake the written exam exactly one year and one day after failing. However, some commissions only readminister exams every 2–4 years, meaning you may wait longer. (Columbus, Ohio Civil Service Commission; Civil Service HQ)

Critical Limitation: Once you pass and are placed on an official eligibility list, you typically cannot retake the exam. You're locked into that list for the hiring cycle. 

Other Restrictions: Some states (like Florida) allow only one retest within 6 months of your original test. Failing the retake may require you to repeat the entire certification course. Failing the Physical Ability Test (CPAT) typically has shorter waiting periods than written exams—often just weeks.

Next Steps: Contact your fire department's HR or civil service commission directly before assuming retake options. Ask about your testing platform, waiting period, eligibility list restrictions, and next testing cycle.