Firefighter Practice Test: What You Need to Know
Preparing for a career in firefighting requires more than physical strength — it demands sharp mental skills, quick decision-making, and strong teamwork. A Firefighter Practice Test helps candidates get ready for the written exam used by fire departments across the United States during the hiring process.
What Does the Firefighter Written Exam Include?
The written portion of a firefighter exam evaluates key abilities needed for the job, including:
Memory and Observation – Testing how well you recall details from a scene or diagram
Reading Comprehension – Understanding fire safety protocols, reports, and written instructions.
Mathematics – Basic algebra, ratios, and word problems used in hose pressure, equipment use, and emergency response.
Mechanical Reasoning – Assessing your understanding of gears, levers, pulleys, and how firefighting tools work.
Situational Judgment – Measuring your ability to respond to ethical dilemmas, teamwork challenges, and public safety situations.
Introduction to the Job of a Firefighter
Congratulations on taking the first step to be a firefighter. The job of a firefighter is physically demanding.
This firefighter exam test is usually comprised of 2 – 3 parts according to the firefighter position and fire department.
Start practice today and improve your hiring chances
Firefighter Selection Process
Firefighter Selection Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Firefighter
Becoming a firefighter in the United States involves a multi-stage selection process that tests your physical strength, mental sharpness, and emotional resilience. Understanding each step—and how it’s scored—can give you a competitive advantage.
Step 1: Online Application
Candidates submit their applications through the fire department’s website or local civil service system. Minimum requirements usually include:
- U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Minimum age (usually 18 or 21)
Step 2: Written Exam (Scored Component)
The written firefighter exam is a critical step and often carries a weighted score (e.g., 40–60% of your total ranking). It evaluates:
- Reading comprehension
- Basic math and mechanical reasoning
- Situational judgment
- Observation and memory
Scores are usually out of 100. A passing score is often 70% or higher, but top-ranking departments may require 80%+ to advance.
Step 3: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) – Pass/Fail
The CPAT includes timed physical tasks simulating fireground duties:
- Stair climb
- Hose drag
- Equipment carry
- Forcible entry
- Rescue drag
This test is pass/fail, but some departments assign bonus points for fast times.
Step 4: Oral Interview (Scored Component)
A panel interview evaluates communication, leadership, ethics, and motivation.
- Structured scoring typically rates each answer on a scale of 1–10 per category.
- The interview may account for 20–40% of your final score, depending on the department.
Step 5: Background Investigation and Psychological Evaluation
These steps are generally non-scored but can result in disqualification for serious issues such as dishonesty, criminal history, or emotional instability.
Step 6: Medical Examination – Pass/Fail
Conducted by a department-approved physician, this exam ensures you’re fit for duty. This includes:
- Vision and hearing checks
- Pulmonary and cardiovascular health
- Drug testing
Step 7: Fire Academy Training
Candidates who pass all prior steps receive a conditional offer and attend a fire academy, lasting 12 to 20 weeks. Training is scored through written exams and physical drills. Failure to meet academic or performance standards can result in dismissal.
Final Hiring Score
In most departments, your final score is a weighted average of:
- Written exam
- Oral interview
- Veteran or residency points (if applicable)
- CPAT bonus points (if offered)
Your ranking on the eligibility list determines whether you receive a job offer when positions open.
Firefighter Aptitude Test Free Exam
The firefighter aptitude test is used to assess a candidate’s abilities and suitability for a career in firefighting. The test may include sections on reading comprehension, logical reasoning, spatial orientation, mechanical reasoning, mathematical ability, and more. Below are some sample questions from various categories that you might encounter:
Reading Comprehension
- Read the following paragraph and answer the question below:“Firefighters are required to respond to a wide variety of calls, not just fires. They may respond to medical emergencies, car accidents, natural disasters, and even animal rescues.”What types of emergencies do firefighters NOT respond to, according to the paragraph?
- A) Medical emergencies
- B) Fires
- C) Natural disasters
- D) None of the above
Logical Reasoning
- If a fire engine travels 10 miles to a fire in 15 minutes, how many miles can it travel in one hour?
- A) 20
- B) 30
- C) 40
- D) 50
Spatial Orientation
- If you are facing north and turn 90 degrees to your right, what direction are you now facing?
- A) East
- B) West
- C) South
- D) North
Mechanical Reasoning
- What will happen to water flow from a fire hose if the diameter of the nozzle is decreased but the water pressure remains the same?
- A) Increase
- B) Decrease
- C) Remain the same
- D) Stop completely
Mathematical Ability
- If 3 firefighters can put out a fire in 6 hours, how long will it take 6 firefighters to put out the same fire, assuming they work at the same rate?
- A) 2 hours
- B) 3 hours
- C) 4 hours
- D) 6 hours
Situational Judgment
- You are the first firefighter to arrive at a minor car accident where no one is injured. What is the first thing you should do?
- A) Call your family to tell them about the accident
- B) Pull the victims out of the car
- C) Secure the scene for safety
- D) Leave, since no one is injured
These questions represent the variety and types of thinking that might be required on a firefighter aptitude test.
