What is the FCA Exam Cost?

The cost of the FCA exam is $73.00. If you cannot afford the exam, you can submit a fee waiver request.

LAFD FCA Test: Firefighter Candidate Assessment Prep Guide

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-Scroll down for an overview video guide and free practice tests-

The Firefighter Candidate Assessment (FCA) is a computer-based test consisting of 5 FCA exam portions that will test your Reasoning, Listening Comprehension, Written Comprehension, and Basic Math skills. In addition, it includes a background information survey asking about your experiences and preferences. The self-description portion requires candidates to provide information about themselves, covering biographical data, situational responses, and work attitudes.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the FCA Firefighter test:

You will start the test with a request to watch a video that will teach you about a piece of fictitious equipment (parts, function, and operational procedures) accompanied by questions about it that assess your listening comprehension and reasoning abilities.

Next, you’ll move to a written comprehension section that requires you to read passages of information on a computer screen, and then answer questions about what you read.

Basic Arithmetic - There will be some questions that will require you to perform basic arithmetic such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

The Firefighter Candidate Assessment includes a strict time limit, so you must time yourself and manage your time effectively.

Here are some sample questions to get you started.

In this free firefighter candidate assessment practice test, you’ll find examples of FCA test questions covering both Listening Comprehension and Written Comprehension topics.

Press the green button below each FCA practice test section and a second question will appear.

Video Instructions

Each of the sections of the full LAFD practice test will start with an instruction video followed by questions that will challenge you on what you just saw; here is an example of what you'll find in the prep.

Example Question

The questions you'll find in each section can come in 3 forms: Images, Audio, and text. Most questions are multiple-choice. Here is an example of how an image question will look like.

Which of the following is most likely to contain parts manufactured by the small machine?

Click the correct answer:

View Explanation

The correct answer is (D).

According to the video, “The small model only manufactures nuts and four sizes of screws.” In the Training Guide, a table is partly drawn, with room for you to decide what it looks like. In the Training Guide – Example, you can see the first column was headlined “what it makes” and the details regarding what each machine manufactures were put in there.

Information Ordering Question

Read the following passage and answer the question below

RX-2000 Operating Course

Dear Candidate, after passing the screening process and entering the RX-2000 Operating Course, you are now about to go through your first exams in the training. These exams will test your knowledge and familiarity of the small model of the RX-2000, apart from the medium and big models. The following information must be memorized and understood.

1.0 The small RX-2000
1.1 The height of the small RX-2000 is four feet, while its width and length are three feet each. Although this model is relatively small, it is stationary as the other two models, and unlike them, it is screwed to a working table.
1.2 There are four models of this kind in the factory, working in accordance with customer demand.

2.0 Production
2.1 The small model of the RX-2000 can produce nuts and four sizes of screws. The production speed varies from one product to another:
Smallest screws: five screws a minute
Largest screws: two screws a minute
Second smallest and second largest: three screws a minute
Nuts: ten nuts a minute
2.2 Due to a manufacturing error in all the machines, after 50 minutes of work, they shut down and can only be turned on after ten minutes. This shutdown is not a complete shutdown and no warming up process will be needed when the machine is turned on again.

3.0 Essential Procedures
3.1 When first approaching the RX-2000, some precautions must be considered in the following order: clean the area around the machine, check the table is stable and balanced, and finally, the operator’s chair must be unfolded and stationed. Only then should you turn on the machine by pressing the red button.
3.2 After the machine finished its warming up process, which will take about 12 minutes, you can operate it. The machine has many levers and buttons that their functions will be covered before the mid-training exams. For now, you need to know that, during the work process, you must inspect every nut and screw, tossing the imperfect ones into the red basket near the chair.
3.3 Shutting down the machine is the most crucial part of the operating process. Not following the exact protocol can harm the machine and cost the company thousands of dollars. Before you turn the machine off by pressing the red button, you must first remove all the metals from the machine, then press the blue button that cleans the machine from inside. After you shut down the machine, you must retake the steps mentioned in clause 3.1 taken before turning on the machine.

In what order do the following events occur to a potential RX-2000 operator?

The candidate takes the exams of the small model of the RX-2000.
The candidate studies for the mid-training exams.
The candidate memorizes the information in the passage.
The candidate passes the screening process.

Click the correct answer:

A. 4,3,1,2

B. 4,1,3,2

C. 3,1,2,4

D. 4,2,3,1

View Explanation

The correct answer is (A).

When encountering an ordering question that refers to different parts in the passage, it can help to create a timeline, finding the location of the different items in the passage first, and placing them in the timeline after.

From the opening passage, most of the ordering can be understood. It is stated that the coming exams are based on knowledge of the small model of the RX-2000–event 1, and for these exams, the information in the passage must be memorized–event 3. It is stated these exams come after the candidate passed the screening process–event 4. By the opening passage, you can order three of the four events in the following manner: 4, 3, 1.

Clause 3.2 states some functions of the machine will be covered later, before the mid-training exams. This places event 2 after the three events mentioned above.

Written Comprehension Question

Read the following passage and answer the question below

RX-2000 Operating Course

2.0 Production
2.1 The small model of the RX-2000 can produce nuts and four sizes of screws. The production speed varies from one product to another:
Smallest screws: five screws a minute
Largest screws: two screws a minute
Second smallest and second largest: three screws a minute
Nuts: ten nuts a minute
2.2 Due to a manufacturing error in all the machines, after 50 minutes of work, they shut down and can only be turned on after ten minutes. This shutdown is not a complete shutdown and no warming-up process will be needed when the machine is turned on again.

3.0 Essential Procedures
3.1 When first approaching the RX-2000, some precautions must be considered in the following order: clean the area around the machine, check the table is stable and balanced, and finally, the operator’s chair must be unfolded and stationed. Only then should you turn on the machine by pressing the red button.
3.2 After the machine finished its warming-up process, which will take about 12 minutes, you can operate it. The machine has many levers and buttons that their functions will be covered before the mid-training exams. For now, you need to know that, during the work process, you must inspect every nut and screw, tossing the imperfect ones into the red basket near the chair.
3.3 Shutting down the machine is the most crucial part of the operating process. Not following the exact protocol can harm the machine and cost the company thousands of dollars. Before you turn the machine off by pressing the red button, you must first remove all the metals from the machine, then press the blue button that cleans the machine from the inside. After you shut down the machine, you must retake the steps mentioned in clause 3.1 taken before turning on the machine.

Which of the following is not mentioned in the passage?

Click the correct answer:

A. The dimensions of the small RX-200 model.

B. During-work procedures.

C. Nuts production speed.

D. The length of the RX-2000 operating course

View Explanation

The correct answer is answer (D).

In this kind of question, it is best to go through the answers, locating each in the passage, and finding the one answer not mentioned. If you are not 100% sure about the correct answer, try to rule out the other answers.

Answer (A) is mentioned in the passage and therefore is incorrect. Clause 1.1 states "The height of the small RX-2000 is four feet, while its width and length are three feet each," listing the dimensions of the small RX-2000 model.

Answer (B) is mentioned in the passage and therefore is incorrect. Clause 3.2, that is under Clause 3.0¬–Essential Procedures, states the candidate must know that, during the work process, he must inspect every nut and screw. During-work procedures are mentioned in the passage.

Answer (C) is mentioned in the passage and therefore is incorrect. Clause 2.1 lists the production speed of the products, among them "nuts: ten nuts a minute." Nuts production speed is mentioned in the passage.

Answer (D) is not mentioned in the passage and therefore is correct. Nowhere in the passage is the length of the course mentioned, while all other three answers are mentioned in the passage.

JobTestPrep Employes a team of cognitive specialists to create the most accurate and comprehensive LAFD FCA test prep around.

Each FCA test prep is thoroughly researched and frequently updated to ensure that you get the most accurate and comprehensive test practice available.

The FCA online test you’ll encounter is not easy; the minimum passing score is 70 but even if you pass that does not guarantee an interview. You need to score high because your score will determine your ranking on the eligible list.

Only those with the highest scores will move on to the next stage in the hiring process, making quality preparation for the exam a must.

To be accepted to work as a firefighter for the LA fire department you must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Sign up for the FCA Written exam.

Step 2: Prepare and pass the FCA Written exam (Minimum score - 70)

Step 3: If you rank well in the eligible list you’ll be invited for an interview.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) exam.

Step 6: Pass a background check.

The CPAT is a 10-minute and 20 seconds long Physical Ability Test that consists of eight critical job-related tasks simulating actual job responsibilities and situations.

You will be tested on the following: Stair Climbing, Hose Drag, Equipment, Ladder Raise & Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue, and Ceiling Breach & Pull.

You’re doing these tasks while moving along a continuous path from one event to the next. This test requires wearing a 50-pound (22.68-kg) vest in order to simulate the weight of a portable breathing apparatus and protective clothing worn by firefighters.

To simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), two 12.5-pound (5.67-kg) weights will be added to your shoulders for the stair climb section.

The City of Los Angeles will only accept the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) any other physical ability tests will not be accepted. CPAT scores are valid for one year.

Applicants must be 18 years of age.
Show at least one of the following items: Driver's license, school, or military ID; or a passport or visa.
Signup and pay for the exam (Cost: 160$)

One of the most important aspects of the test is the video comprehension section because you can only watch the video 2 times before moving on to the questions, you must be very good at taking notes so you can be ready for any question that will be thrown at you.

Here are a few effective strategies for optimal note-taking:

Document Critical Information: When watching the training video, pay close attention to significant details or facts that are essential to remember and do not appear in the written material.

Avoid Transcription: It's crucial not to attempt to transcribe the entire training video word-for-word. This approach is not only time-consuming but also distracts you from understanding and absorbing the material. Focus on capturing only the most important points.

Maintain Organization by combining video and written material: When taking notes, ensure they are noted down in relation to the related points in the written material (AKA ‘Training Guide template’) that has been provided. Take notes in the appropriate sections to prevent confusion.

JobTestPrep practice prep questions include both videos and a training guide template to simulate real test conditions.

If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, please contact us at c.serv@jobtestprep.com and we will do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming assessment.

LAFD FCA Test: Firefighter Candidate Assessment Prep Guide

What Is the Firefighter Candidate Assessment?

Free Firefighter Candidate Assessment Practice Test