Ace the FDNY Firefighter Exam: Join FDNY in 2024
The FDNY exam is a firefighter aptitude test administered by the New York City Fire Department once every four years. It is an assessment tool used by the FDNY.
- Length: 4 hours
- Question categories: 6 sections
Prepterminal’s FDNY Firefighter Exam Prep Course is your best option when it comes to preparing for this challenging exam. You won’t get a second chance for four years if you don’t come out on top in this exam, so it’s critical that you take the necessary steps to get ahead right now. Our 18-module course is packed with in-depth instructional guides and realistic practice tests to make sure you’re in top shape for exam day. Get started now to take the first step towards securing a life-changing career!
FDNY Firefighter Test Course
Introduction to the FDNY Exam
The FDNY test itself does not require the candidate to have any special knowledge of firefighting or the Fire Department. Yet, it will include multiple-choice questions on reading, problem-solving, and applying rules and concepts.
Only after you manage to pass this FDNY firefighter written exam will you be allowed to go on to the next part of the application process. This is the in-person interview with an experienced or senior FDNY officer or a panel of FDNY officers.
FDNY Application Process
The application process for becoming an FDNY firefighter is as follows:
- Apply for the written exam
- Take the written exam
- Take the physical exam
- Pass medical (including drugs), background, and psychological checks
- Graduate from their academy; an 18-week classroom-based and physical course which prepares you for the role and gives you the mandatory training and qualifications all of their working firefighters need, including Certified First Responder.
FDNY Exam Entry Requirements
In order to be eligible to sit the FDNY test, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 17 ½ and 29 years of age (up to 36 if you were in the military)
- Be a US Citizen and have proof of this (e.g., birth certificate, driver’s license, military ID, passport)
- Hold a GED or high school or college diploma/degree
- Hold a driver’s license which is valid in New York State
- Be a resident of New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, Orange County, Putnam County, Rockland County or Suffolk County.
- You are required to bring an ID to the test on exam day to provide proof that you are the applicant. The whole exam is around four hours long.
What does the FDNY Exam Include?
The competition to join the FDNY is tough. This means that if you want to work for them as a firefighter, you need to achieve very good results in your FDNY exam.
FDNY Test Firefighter Written Exam
There are three sections on the FDNY Firefighter written exam:
- Video learning
- Reading comprehension & basic math questions
- Background and personality test.
Video Learning
This section of the FDNY exam has three sections. These sections assess your listening comprehension skills, your ability to process new information, and your reasoning skills.
Reading Comprehension & Basic Math
The next section of the FDNY exam is based on the material contained in an operations manual. A total of three different passages will be presented to you, each followed by a set of questions, which you will need to answer. There will also be basic math questions in this section as well.
Background and Personality Test
The last part of the FDNY exam evaluates your personality and verifies whether you have the necessary traits to be a firefighter. The qualities that the test is designed to estimate are conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, honesty, and dependability, among others.
This test is different from other firefighter exams. Thus, it is important to practice with a firefighter exam prep course study guide – like that offered by Prepterminal.
FDNY Test Firefighter Physical Exam
Also known as a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test). This part of the FDNY exam ensures you have the level of fitness required of a firefighter by taking you through several physical exercises.
The exercises used in the CPAT are as follows:
- Sit-ups
- Pull-ups
- Burpees
- Strict Press
- Air Squats
- Push-ups
- Walking Lunge
- Farmer’s Carry
- Running
If you are a candidate that managed to score 100 or higher in the FDNY exam, you will then be invited to the CPAT for practice sessions. If you managed to pass one out of the two practice sessions, you will have to have passed the CPAT.
Why Should I Join the FDNY & Pass the FDNY Exam?
Firefighters in New York have some of the best career benefits, including a starting salary of $43,904 with a five-year potential to earn up to $100,000 as well as comprehensive health insurance and one of the most generous pension schemes for civil service workers.
How Prepterminal’s FDNY Exam Prep Can Help
The FDNY exam is a challenging test to get through because most people only have one or two chances to get it right.
Our comprehensive FDNY Exam Prep Course is designed by firefighting experts and fire department professionals. Our full curriculum-based course provides a structured learning experience that covers everything in the FDNY exam.
Our prep course has study guides, video guides, firefighter practice tests, and questions that contain all the subjects, questions, and question formats that will appear in the actual FDNY exam.
Here at Prepterminal, we know that there are no bad test-takers, only ones that are more informed and more prepared. Secure your future at the FDNY by studying and practicing today with our FDNY Exam Prep Course today!
FAQs: FDNY Firefighter Test
When is the next FDNY exam?
The FDNY exam (#4044) is scheduled for January 31, 2025. The application period for the Firefighter exam usually opens every 4-5 years, though this schedule may vary.
What happens after I pass my FDNY exam?
Depending on your exam performance, your name will be placed on a civil service list in numerical order. You will then be invited to complete the physical portion of the exam, which consists of challenges assessing four key areas of fitness important for firefighting. Once your name is called, you will also undergo a medical and psychological exam, a drug screening, and a character and background investigation. Additionally, your eligibility requirements will be reviewed at this stage.
What is the passing score for the FDNY written exam?
The passing score for the FDNY written exam is typically set at 70%. Candidates are required to achieve this score to be considered for further processing in the recruitment process. However, it is important to note that while passing the exam is necessary, it does not guarantee immediate employment; candidates are ranked based on their scores, with higher scorers being prioritized for recruitment opportunities.
Is the FDNY exam hard?
The FDNY exam is challenging due to its competitive nature and broad content, including reading comprehension, problem-solving, rule application, video-based questions, and personality assessments. While the passing score is 70%, only the highest scorers are considered for recruitment. Adding to the difficulty, the exam is offered only every 4-5 years, with just 10% of applicants successfully completing the hiring process.
What is the best way to prepare for the video learning section of the FDNY exam?
Here are some of the best strategies to prepare for the video learning section of the FDNY exam:
- Active Listening: Pay close attention while watching videos to capture essential information.
- Take Detailed Notes: Focus on key points, procedures, and terminology to reinforce your understanding.
- Practice with Sample Videos: Use practice videos similar to the exam format to test yourself and build confidence.
- Learn Firefighting Concepts: Familiarize yourself with common firefighting concepts and terminology to enhance comprehension.
- Manage Time Wisely: Practice quick and accurate responses and use the time allotted for note-taking and review.
- Stay Focused on Exam Day: Avoid distractions, stay calm, and apply your knowledge effectively to answer the questions.
How can I prepare for the FDNY 4044 exam?
To excel in the FDNY 4044 exam, it’s essential to adopt effective strategies and commit to consistent preparation. Dedicate 2-3 hours of study each day, focusing on areas where you need improvement. Use practice tests and study guides to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Prepterminal offers real test simulations and tailored study guides for each exam section, including video learning, reading comprehension, and personality assessments. Additionally, mastering multiple-choice strategies can boost your score by 40-50%. Aim for a score of 90% or higher on both practice tests and the actual exam, as anything lower might not be enough.
Can I retake the FDNY exam if I don’t pass?
Yes, you can retake the FDNY exam if you do not pass. Candidates are generally allowed to retake the written exam during future application periods, although the number of retakes and specific conditions may vary. If you fail the on-site exam, which follows the written exam, you are permitted to retake it up to two times. If you fail a second time, you may need to retake both the FDNY Fire and Non-Fire computer-based exams.
What kind of background checks are conducted during the FDNY hiring process?
During the FDNY hiring process, a comprehensive background check is conducted to ensure that candidates meet the necessary standards for becoming a firefighter. Here are the key elements involved in the background check:
- Criminal History Check: The FDNY will review the candidate’s criminal history to identify any felony or serious misdemeanor convictions that may disqualify them from employment.
- Employment History Verification: Candidates must provide a detailed employment history, which will be verified to ensure accuracy and assess reliability and work ethic.
- Personal References: Candidates are typically required to provide personal references. These references may be contacted to gather insights into the candidate’s character and suitability for the role.
- Credit History Check: A review of the candidate’s credit history may be conducted to assess financial responsibility, which can be relevant in evaluating overall character.
- Drug Screening: A drug screening is part of the medical evaluation process. Candidates must pass this test to proceed in the hiring process.
- Medical and Psychological Evaluations: Candidates will undergo medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they are physically and mentally fit for the demands of the job.
