While there are a number of CPS's Firefighter Tests that you may encounter on your path to joining the fire crew, we will focus on the widely used CPS Entry-Level Test and the Gledhill Shaw OS Firefighter Test. We have developed a comprehensive guide covering the same type of multiple-choice questions you will see on the actual test.
True, our CPS's Entry-Level Test does not have the exact questions you will find in the real exam, but you will get enough practice to gain comfortability with each question variant on the actual test. There is no doubt that our practice resources and study guides will give you the tools and confidence needed to wash out the competition on test day.
CPS Firefighter Entry-Level Test Format
The entry-level CPS firefighter test is generally divided into five sections, although there are seven possible areas the CPS assesses applicants in. JobTestPrep provides practice materials for all seven of them to ensure you are as prepared as possible for anything that may come your way.
- Understanding Oral Information – Firefighters need a commanding understanding of oral information so that when they are at the scene of a fire oral commands are clearly understood, even if they are not explicitly written out or explained.
- Reading and Understanding Written Information – During an emergency, there is usually an LED sign with a scroll explaining the situation. It is important that your reading comprehension skills are up to par. It is also important to be able to study and learn the correct information about all the equipment used by firefighters.
- Understanding Written Instructions – If a firefighter cannot understand the rules of how to fight a fire correctly, then they become a danger not only to themseleves but also to the rest of the crew and to civilians.
- Mathematical Ability – Firefighters uses a lot of math—they must able to understand what hose length reaches the scene, which ladder is the correct height, and how much water is still in the tank. There are numerous other examples as well.
- Numerical Skills – This section is more or less like the mathematical ability section. However, it is more specific in that it refers to calculation of water flow and is slightly more math intensive.
- Maps, Diagrams – A firefighter must be able to get to the scene as quickly as possible, and this will only happen if you understand how to read a map. You must also understand how to read floor plans to be able to find the source of the fire in buildings and structures.
- Mechanical Aptitude – The mechanical aptitude test revolves around the levers, pulleys, etc. that you will encounter during your job. It is important for you to have a basic understanding of how general mechanics work to ensure the most effective techniques are used.
- Teamwork/Public Relations/Community Living – This section is much like a personality test, with a few situational judgment questions as well. Firefighters work in teams, so it is imperative that you be able to work as part of a team and that you can live in a firehouse without causing problems. Firefighters also tend to speak a lot with civilians and victims, so it is important for you to possess good people skills.
Prepare for the Firefighter Test
Hundreds of candidates typically apply for each open firefighter position. Firehouses rank the test and pick the highest scoring candidates. JobTestPrep offers a CPS-styled firefighter test preparation package, which includes both practice tests and a comprehensive study guide. These resources will prepare you for the exam and help ensure that your name is at top of the candidate list. Our package is especially geared for the CPS Chicago Fire Dept. exam.
About CPS
CPS HR is one of the largest assessment test companies in the United States that works with public safety. It provides assessment tests for fire departments in some of the top cities nationwide, including Chicago, Orange County, Sacramento, Akron, and many, many more.
Related Links
| Firefighter Basic Practice Pack | Firefighter Premium Practice Pack |
| Gledhill Shaw OSFF Test | Firefighter Test Preparation |
| Firefighter Exam by Company | Firefighter Test by State |