Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation - Written Test Prep
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Asif,  Firefighter Exams expert at JobTestPrep.

Have a question? Contact me at: ask_asif@jobtestprep.com

 

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.

A. True
B. False
C. Cannot Say
Correct Answer
Incorrect Answer

The correct answer is C - Cannot say.

According to the passage, E. coli bacteria grip tightly to sugar molecules that coat the surface of human cells, using the FimH protein, but it doesn’t say that the bacteria can damage the cell coating.

 

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?

A. Schedule a meeting with your manager so that he can clarify these changes.
B. Do nothing. If it's important, your manager will update you.
C. Don't worry about it either. As your colleague said, it will eventually make sense.
D. Ask another coworker to clarify these new regulations.
Correct Answer
Incorrect Answer

Best response: A
Competencies/practices: Integrity and professionalism.

In this scenario, you are uncertain about the new regulations in your department. You need to decide what the best course of action is.

Response A is the best response as it is the only one in which you take an active stance. As a firefighter, it is important to be proactive and take initiative. Response A sees you taking the initiative to clarify the regulations. As a firefighter, it is crucial that you are familiar with and understand the department's regulations. Furthermore, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are updated on any changes that occurred during the time you were on vacation.

Responses B and C are both passive responses in which you do nothing to clarify the regulations.

Response D is not a good response. You should not settle for the explanation of a colleague if something’s unclear. Instead, you should always go to the source. In this case, you should meet with your manager as he/she can best clarify these new regulations, ensuring there are no misunderstandings.

 

 

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? 

Number of widgets purchased

Number of customers

1

37

2

13

3

18

4

9
A. 77
B. 87
C. 153
D. 770
Correct Answer
Incorrect Answer

The correct answer is (C).

According to the table, 37 customers bought 1 widget each for a total of 37 × 1 = 37 widgets.

13 customers bought 2 widgets each for a total of 13 × 2 = 26 widgets.

18 customers bought 3 widgets each for a total of 18 × 3 = 54 widgets.

9 customers bought 4 widgets each for a total of 9 × 4 = 36 widgets.

The total number of widgets sold was:

37 + 26 + 54 + 36 = 153 widgets.

 

 

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:

Test Sections Details

Mathematical Reasoning

This section includes graph reading, basic math problems (i.e., time-distance), and basic numeracy.

 

Mechanical Reasoning

 This section assesses your ability to identify firefighter tools and equipment & their respective functions in the daily routine.

 

Reading Comprehension

This section assesses how well the you can understand and draw conclusions from written material.

 

Spatial Orientation

This section generally portrays a picture of a map followed by questions regarding navigation techniques. 

 

Situational Judgement

This section assesses your decision-making abilities when faced with a dilemma.

 

Observation & Memory

This section includes images that you are required to study and memorize, followed by multiple-choice questions.

Personality

 This section tries to determine if you possess the appropriate characteristics necessary to become a firefighter.

 

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.

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