Firefighter Written Exam Preparation

What is the Firefighter Written Exam?

This firefighter exam is a firefighter aptitude test battery, generally containing between 100–150 questions and comprised of 6–9 sections (see below). The test takes between 2–2.5 hours to complete (varies by district). While questions are usually in the multiple-choice format, the test may also include true/false questions. Depending on the fire department to which you are applying, the firefighter test format may vary. You can find the information you need by contacting the department of interest (probably your local department).

This exam is usually taken at a firefighter exam testing center or testing facility, or sometimes at your local fire station.

Free Sample Questions

Verbal Reasoning Sample Question

Read the paragraph, then decide if the statement is true, false, or indeterminably true/false ('Cannot Say') based on the text.

About half of all women and many men will experience urinary tract infections at some point in their lives. They are usually caused by Escherichia Coli (E. coli) bacteria.
It is common knowledge that E. coli can grip to human cells using appendages with tiny protein hooks on their tips, but this protein's structure, or how it interacts with human cells, is less-known.
The hooks consist of interlinking chains of this protein, called FimH, which are difficult to pull apart into separate molecules. Researchers in Switzerland have recently managed to isolate individual FimH molecules for the first time.
They found that when FimH is pulled by tensile forces – as during urination – the protein grips tightly to the sugar molecules that coat the surface of human cells, making it very hard to flush out. When urination stops, the force disappears, and the protein can release its grip, and the bacteria now move to the bladder.

Statement: 

E. coli can cause damage to the coating of human cells.

Situational Judgement Sample Question

You have been away on a family vacation. When you get back to the fire department, you are informed by another firefighter that several changes in regulations took place while you were away. She fills you in on these changes. However, you are unclear about several of the points she has made and ask her if she can clarify or expand on what she has told you. She tells you that she is unclear about these points herself. She also tells you that she is not worried about her lack of clarity regarding these changes as she is sure it will be discussed again and that it will make sense with time.

What should you do?

Basic Math Sample Question

A store sells widgets. The number of widgets sold per customer on a particular day is in the table below. According to the table, how many widgets were sold on this day? 

Are all Firefighter Written Exams the Same?

Although a majority of them are very similar, there is no single uniform firefighter aptitude test for all fire departments. Each fire department differs in its demands and manages its own recruiting process according to the state or municipality. Please make sure you apply to each fire department you are interested in working for separately.

Note that fire departments will also have you take a physical abilities test- so make sure you get into shape!

Firefighter Written Test Sections

The firefighter entrance exam covers an extensive range of skills important to the firefighter position, including cognitive skills, speed, and accuracy. Most fire departments administer firefighter aptitude tests that contain the following sections:

Firefighter Test Practice

By using practice exams, you can be prepared on test day and be on your way to becoming a firefighter. Where do you start? the first step is using a firefighter entrance exam practice pack that includes both the written test and the personality test. Our pack also includes detailed answer explanations to help you better understand the test and improve your scores.

Related links

Firefighter Test by State

Firefighter Sample Questions

Learn About Firefighter Test Preparation