IPMA-HR Firefighter Exam Prep (FF-EL) - Practice Tests & Study Guidee (2026)
Updated: August, 2026
The IPMA-HR Firefighter Test, officially known as the FF-EL (Firefighter Entry Level) series, is a written pre-employment assessment used by fire departments across the United States to screen entry-level firefighter applicants. It's typically administered early in a department's hiring process, before oral boards, background investigations, and physical ability testing, though the exact stage order varies by department.
The exam is licensed through PSHRA (formerly IPMA-HR) and delivered directly by the hiring department, either on paper or by computer, depending on which format the department selects. Departments choose from three versions: the FF-EL 100 Series (cognitive only), and the FF-EL 201/301-NC and FF-EL 202/302 (TIP) Series, both of which add a Test Information Packet (TIP) study session and a non-cognitive Firefighter Interest Questionnaire.
Across all versions, the cognitive sections assess memorization, mathematical reasoning, number facility, mechanical reasoning, reading comprehension, flexibility of closure, and spatial orientation. The TIP-based versions additionally evaluate work ethic, accountability, and service orientation.
Try our free IPMA-HR Firefighter practice test covering the exam's key sections. Those practice questions are just a sample from our complete IPMA-HR Firefighter PrepPack and practice library, which include timed section simulations, , detailed answer explanations, and full-length performance tracking to help you walk into test day fully prepared.
IPMA-HR Firefighter Exam Practice
1-Month Complete Access
Our IPMA-HR Firefighter PrepPack includes:
- 28 Verbal aptitude drills
- 11 Numerical aptitude drills
- 28 Spatial and Reasoning aptitude drills
- 14 Mechanical and Tools aptitude drills
- 17 Situational Judgement drills
- 5 Apply Information drills
- 4 Reading Measures drills
- 1 Thinking Skills Study Guide
*Each practice test is coupled with full explanations and score reports.
What is the IPMA-HR Firefighter Exam?
The IPMA-HR Firefighter Test, officially known as the FF-EL (Firefighter Entry Level) series, is a written pre-employment assessment used by fire departments across the United States to screen entry-level firefighter applicants. It's licensed through PSHRA (formerly IPMA-HR) and administered directly by each hiring department, on paper or by computer depending on the department's chosen format.
The FF-EL series comes in three versions. Departments select the version that best fits their hiring process:
- FF-EL 100 Series - the most widely administered version. Cognitive ability only, no memorization component.
- FF-EL 201/301-NC (TIP) Series - includes a 20-minute Test Information Packet (TIP) session in which candidates study work-related articles, wanted posters, and maps before being tested on them, plus a Firefighter Interest Questionnaire assessing non-cognitive traits.
- FF-EL 202/302 (TIP) Series - a second TIP-based variant with a similar structure.
Across all series, the cognitive sections assess memorization, mathematical reasoning, number facility, mechanical reasoning, reading comprehension, flexibility of closure, and spatial orientation. TIP-series versions additionally evaluate behavioral attributes including work ethic, accountability, and service orientation.
Because FF-EL is licensed to individual departments rather than tied to a single agency, the exact recruitment stages, job duties, and training requirements vary by department. Entry-level firefighters generally respond to structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents, complete a probationary training academy, and work in coordination with local EMS and emergency management agencies, but the specifics differ from department to department. Check your hiring department's own careers page for its exact role description and requirements.
Recruitment processes that use FF-EL commonly follow a written exam, physical ability test, oral interview, background investigation, and medical/psychological evaluation, though the order and number of stages differs by department. For example, Fredericksburg, VA's process places the FF-EL written exam before its oral board and polygraph stages, while San Marcos, TX references all three FF-EL series versions in its own hiring materials. Check your specific department's job posting or HR page to confirm its stage order and passing requirements.
IPMA HR FF-EL Practice Questions And Study Guide
At which point will the ball be moving at a greater total velocity? If the ball moves at the same velocity in both points, choose option 3.
Which of the four possible options represent the cube in its folded form?
Explanation
Option 1 – If the facet at the front and the facet on the top represent facets 5 and 2 respectively, then the facet on the right should be represented by facet number 6 rather than number 4. This option is incorrect.
Option 2 – If the facet on the right and the facet on the top represent facets 5 and 4 respectively, then the facet at the front should be represented by facet number 1 rather than number 2. This option is incorrect.
Option 3 – The facet at the front, top and right hand are represented by facets 5, 6, and 1 respectively. This is the correct answer.
Option 4 – Facets 3, 4, and 5 are situated in consecutive order and therefore they could not appear alongside each other as they do in this option but rather one after the other. This option is incorrect.
Whether you are experienced campers from childhood or first-time campers looking to save money, it would be wise to be prepared for this important adventure.
You should first make sure you have a place to camp. can find campgrounds just about anywhere, in cities or in national parks. You can also find cabin resorts that have spots set aside for campers; these are ideal for families who want a more socially active environment.
It is also important to bring with you proper supplies. You will need at least a good tent and some sleeping gear. When buying a tent, choose one that is easy to assemble. If the weather's warm, you can manage with standard sleeping bags or air mattresses with sheets and blankets. If you're heading to higher elevations it's worth investing in bags that keep you extra warm and dry out quickly when they get wet.
Safety is very important as well. Most ready-to-go first-aid kits are useful and affordable. In addition, know where the closest clinic or hospital is in case of a more serious injury.
Based on the text, which statement is definitely true?
Please choose the correct answer. If none of the options is the correct answer please choose answer choice e, "N".
Archeologists found a new pyramid that was buried under the sand for centuries. If according to the measurements taken, the pyramid has a base area of 756 square feet and a height of 481 feet, what is the pyramid's volume?
How Did You Do?
That's just a small taste of what's waiting for you. In our IPMA-HR Firefighter PrepPack, you'll find:
- 11 Mechanical Aptitude practice questions
- 18 Reading Comprehension practice questions
- 28 Spatial and Reasoning Aptitude practice questions
- 11 Numerical Aptitude practice questions
Each one comes with full explanations and score reports, so you'll know exactly where you stand and what to work on before test day. If these four sample questions felt challenging, imagine walking into the real FF-EL exam having already worked through over 100 practice questions built around its actual content areas. Get started with the full PrepPack today and prep with confidence.
Course Content Breakdown
- Thorough preparation for Numerical, verbal and Logical questions.
- Introduction to format & strategies
- 67 guides and practice tests
Get a Sneak Peak
Note: Screenshots taken from our IPMA-HR Firefighter PrepPack
- 11 Mechanical drill, including basic concepts, electricity, cogwheels and pressures
- 3 Tools drills, including identification and usage
Get a Sneak Peak
Note: Screenshots taken from our IPMA-HR Firefighter PrepPack
- 7 SJT drills to sharpen your critical thinking, response habits and judgement
- 5 Applying Information drills to develop the skill of focusing on the essential details in the provided information
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RULE
Department of Criminal Justice (DCJ) - Correctional Staff Employees Regulations - Dress and Attire
Uniforms: Correctional and other uniformed employees’ dress shall be governed by JH-42.36, "Uniformed Staff Policy." A uniformed employee shall display a neat, professional, fully dressed appearance in public while wearing the DCJ uniform. Though it is understood that an employee must wear a uniform when traveling to and from work, uniforms shall not be worn during non-duty hours in a casual, unprofessional manner. An employee may not wear the uniform on the employee's day off. An employee may not wear only a part of the uniform (e.g., uniform shirt with jeans, uniform pants with casual shirt), unless doing so enhances the employee's duty performance.
Jewelry: The only jewelry items males may wear while on duty are a wristwatch, a ring, and a golden or gilded bracelet no more than 3/8" in width. The only jewelry items females may wear while on duty are a wristwatch, rings, and one pair of stud-type earrings worn in the earlobes. No dangling or over-sized earrings shall be worn. Jewelry items shall not be worn on the facial area (e.g., earrings or studs in the nose, tongue, or eyebrow).
Medical Alert Bracelet: An employee may wear a silver medical alert bracelet. The employee's supervisor may examine the bracelet to determine if it is a medical alert bracelet. A medical alert necklace or ring is not an acceptable substitute for the bracelet.
SITUATION
Havier Gonzales and Annie Spencer decided to have a drink together at the pub near the correction facility after their shift. Havier kept his uniform on completely and wore the rings he left at his locker before starting his shift. Annie changed her shirt to a casual one and removed the wristwatch she had worn during her shift.
Based on the information given, which of the following statements is correct?
- Had Annie not changed her shirt, she would not have been in violation.
- Had Havier removed his shirt, he would not have been in violation.
- Had Havier left his rings in his locker, he would not have been in violation.
- None of the above.
Note: Screenshots taken from our IPMA-HR Firefighter PrepPack
We've created a comprehensive IPMA-HR Firefighter prep course designed to help you succeed. Our course closely mirrors the actual FF-EL content areas, allowing you to identify and improve your weaker areas. With this focused preparation, you'll be confident and ready to excel on test day.
Why preparation matters: the FF-EL exam is a timed, multiple-choice written assessment covering memorization, mathematical reasoning, number facility, mechanical reasoning, reading comprehension, flexibility of closure, and spatial orientation, with TIP-based versions adding a strict study-then-recall session under time pressure. Our practice tests are built around these same content areas, so when exam day comes, the format and pacing won't be something you're feeling for the first time.
Who Are We?
At JobTestPrep, we’ve helped thousands of candidates pass competitive hiring assessments, including those at McKinsey and other top consulting firms. Our materials are designed by psychometric experts and updated based on real candidate feedback to reflect the latest game formats.
Founded in 1992 by David Meshulam, JobTestPrep has become a trusted leader in online test preparation. With 30+ years of experience, 220+ courses, and over a million success stories, we combine expert-crafted PrepPacks with AI tools like our CV Analyzer and Interview Prep platform to help candidates worldwide prepare with confidence.
IPMA-HR Firefighter Exam FAQs
The FF-EL exam isn't designed to be a trick test or a deep knowledge exam. It measures general cognitive abilities, memorization, reasoning, mechanical aptitude, and reading comprehension, that most candidates already use day to day, rather than firefighting-specific knowledge. That said, it's timed and multiple-choice, so the challenge usually comes from working quickly and accurately under pressure rather than from the difficulty of any single question. Consistent practice with the format is the best way to build speed and confidence before test day.
PSHRA (formerly IPMA-HR) doesn't publish one universal passing score, since each hiring department sets its own cutoff. As an example, Fredericksburg, VA requires a score of 60% or higher on its FF-EL written exam to advance to the next stage. Check your specific department's job posting or HR page to confirm the passing score for your hiring cycle.
Calculator policy is set by the individual hiring department, not by PSHRA, so this can vary. Since the exam's mathematical reasoning and number facility questions are generally built around straightforward arithmetic rather than complex calculations, we recommend practicing your mental math and preparing as if a calculator won't be provided, then confirming the exact policy with your department ahead of test day.
The math content on the FF-EL exam falls under mathematical reasoning and number facility, both entry-level constructs rather than advanced math skills. Expect questions built around basic arithmetic, word problems, and working with numbers accurately and quickly, not algebra, geometry, or advanced calculations. The difficulty usually comes from the time pressure rather than the math itself.
No. The FF-EL series is designed as an entry-level assessment, and no prior firefighting training or experience is assumed or required. The exam measures general cognitive abilities and, on TIP-based versions, behavioral traits like work ethic and accountability, not job-specific firefighting knowledge.
What you'll experience depends on which FF-EL version your department administers. If you're taking the FF-EL 100 Series, expect a straightforward, timed, cognitive-only written test. If you're taking a TIP-based series (FF-EL 201/301-NC or 202/302), expect an additional 20-minute study period at the start, during which you'll review a Test Information Packet containing work-related articles, wanted posters, and maps. The TIP is collected before you receive your test booklet, and some questions will ask you to recall details from what you studied. Bring valid photo ID, arrive early, and confirm your department's specific format and any items you're allowed to bring in advance.
You will have instant access to your PrepPack, which includes all your practice tests. You can start practicing immediately, learning from detailed explanations and guides, while tracking your performance with accurate, tailored questions to help you understand the correct approach to solving your assessment.
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