The Firefighter Written Test

Preparation for the firefighter written test isn’t as hard as most would imagine. However, it does take a time commitment, a willness to practice, and some study time. I’ve proctored many hiring processes and reviewed dozens of tests. I will cover the best resources for preparing for the test, find many here, Written Test Study and Preparation. I will also discuss some of the peculiar parts of the test that may surprise you.

The firefighter written test is usually the first part of the hiring process. For some, it can also be the toughest. This test is fire service focused with a heavy focus on problem solving, human relations, mathematics, and mechanical aptitude. It is critical to be well prepared for the test.

Firefighter Written Test, Step One – Research

The first step in preparing for the written test is to ask the department if they are providing an study materials for the written test. Often time there will be at the very least a list of suggested study materials or an overview of the test.

The department might be using a testing service, such as the Firefighter National Testing Network, NTN. Many departments now use testing services such as NTN to facilitate their testing process. Most testing services will provide some study materials. As great as this sounds understand that the study guides are very general in information provided and are primarily provided to give the candidate a general understanding of what the test will be covering. To score well on the test you need much more in depth study materials.

Many city fire departments still fall under civil service regulations. If the department falls under Civil Service then this will impact the testing process. This is another good question to ask while doing your research. There are specific study materials for a civil service test.

Firefighter Written Test Study Resources

There are many study guides available to help you prepare. When purchasing study guide it is important to use resources that are current and relevant for the firefighter testing process that your are preparing for.

Your first resource as mentioned earlier is any study materials provided by the department for the test. Don’t stop there after receiving your study guide, I would suggest you go to amazon and order study guides in addition to the provided materials. Again, look at our resource section for the latest study materials. I have also added some amazon links below.

If the department is bound by Civil Service regulations then you will want to pick up study materials that are specific to a civil service test in addition to the other study guides.

Study and Preparation

Study and preparation for the firefighter written exam is not a weekend quick read. Setting aside regular study time several months before the test is a must. Even though an enter level exam is relatively basic, the process is very competitive. Often the cut-off score to move on in the process is well above a passing score of 90%. Some testing processes are accumulative, meaning your scores during the process are added to your final score. in this situation, a “just got by” test score is not going to place you in the top 1% of the hiring list.

Most of the study materials will have practice tests included in the booklet. Take one test early in your study time to evaluate areas you may need more time to study for. I would also suggest setting aside a regular time to study several times a week.

Success in your life that is important and will have a big impact on you begins with preparation. I would suggest that you set goals and objectives for the entire firefighter hiring process. I have several posts that address goal setting and organization. Here are some links to these posts.

The 12 Commandments Of Goal Setting

7 Keys To Success

Test Day Preparation

The big day is here, your prepared and confident, great job! This is not the time to be late to the test or being unprepared.

Find out where the test is taking place and know how long it will take you to get there. When the doors close there is no getting in late! Show up early will also help you to relax.

Be prepared. Have your ID with you along with any items that are allowed. This can be as simple as some scratch paper up to a calculator. Have items ready to take in with you if you’re not sure what is allowed. When you are checking in for the test you will be told what you can bring in. It’s better to be prepared and told you can’t use a calculator than to be the one in the room doing long hand division because you didn’t come prepared. Honestly, most test will not allow anything to be brought in. Most testing facilities will provide any materials needed for the test. But again, it never hurts to ask either during the application process or at the test.

When you apply for the firefighter position you will receive testing process information. Read through these materials several times. Important information about what you need to bring to each of the testing events will be outlined.

Final Thoughts

The firefighter written test is not a hard test. If you have a high school diploma and have applied some study time you will do fine. However, fine, typically isn’t going to get you high enough into the process to be place in the top 1%. Apply good study habits and take several practice tests and you will do well.

This is the first step in defining your future. Make it your top priority by applying dedication and focus to come out on top!

Good luck to you.