LAFD FCA Test: Firefighter Candidate Assessment Prep Guide

Here you’ll find free LAFD FCA test practice questions, along with information about the format and score of the exam, plus tips on how to prepare. Let’s dive in.

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 to a background information survey asking about your experiences and preferences.

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 it is important that you 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.

Listening Comprehension Practice

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:

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

Correct Answer

Incorrect Answer

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.

Video Instructions Example Question

Written Comprehension Practice

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.

CPAT Requirments:

• 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.

Related Exams:

State Exams | San Francisco | Sacramento | New York Firefighter | LACoFD - LA County Firefighter Exam |LAPD Test Preparation|Firefighter CPAT Test

Also, check out our free firefighter exam questions.