Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test: Study Guide & Practice Tests
A career in firefighting is extremely rewarding, which attracts numerous applicants throughout the year. To become a firefighter in Ontario, applicants have to face several screening tests, one of these tests is the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT).
This examination holds a big significance in the selection process, that is why we have developed our course with expert inputs, in-depth exam guidelines & detailed test formats. Our comprehensive course includes easy-to-understand guides and realistic practice tests to guide you to significantly boost your chances of success.
Let’s take a look at the exam and what sections it contains.
What is the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test?
The Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT), developed by Fire & Police Selection Inc., is utilized by the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) to assess candidates. This exam measures skills in Reading Ability, Mathematical Reasoning, Map Reading, Writing Ability, and Personal Characteristics.
This assessment contains 110 questions & takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
It is important to note that the FACT operates on a pass/fail basis. If the applicant fails on the first attempt, they can retake it after 15 days. If they fail again on a second or subsequent attempt, the applicant will need to wait for 30 days before making another try.
For specific details regarding your firefighter exam, we recommend contacting the department before submitting your application.
Sections on the FACT Exam
The exam is divided into two main sections: the general aptitude section, which accounts for 45% of the overall score, and the character section, which carries a weightage of 55%.
Let’s take a look at the sections & subsections included:
Reading Ability
This section is designed to evaluate your capacity to read and understand a large amount of written text within a limited time frame. In this section, you will encounter passages related to firefighting, and your task will be to read and respond to multiple-choice questions based on the content.
Here’s an example to show you what kind of questions appear in this section
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow
On March 15, 2023, at approximately 9:30 AM, Fire Station 57 responded to an emergency call from Maple Street Elementary School. The initial report indicated a small fire in the school's science lab. Upon arrival, Captain Rodriguez's team found that a chemical experiment had gone awry, leading to a minor blaze. Quick action from the school staff, using a nearby fire extinguisher, had mostly contained the fire. However, lingering fumes necessitated the evacuation of the west wing of the school. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but an assessment revealed minor property damage, particularly to lab equipment. The incident report underscored the importance of staff training in handling chemicals and recommended quarterly safety workshops for all school personnel handling potentially hazardous materials.
Maths
This section is designed to evaluate your capacity to comprehend and perform mathematical calculations across essential concepts and problem-solving. Within this section, you will come across mathematical questions that are relevant to scenarios involving fires.
Here’s an example to show you what kind of questions appear in this section
Map Reading
Map Reading involves the ability to understand and interpret geographical data as presented on maps, including scales, directions, and symbolic representations. Firefighters often need to navigate quickly and effectively to emergency sites, mainly in challenging conditions, making map reading and understanding of geographical layouts essential.
Within this section, you will come across different kinds of maps, such as street maps, residential or commercial floor plans, or water distribution maps.
Here’s an example to show you what kind of questions appear in this section
Writing Ability
This section evaluates your ability to convey information through written communication, including language comprehension (grammar, spelling, and punctuation). Effective writing is important for firefighting, where incident reporting and documentation can take up to 30 minutes using specific forms, and accurate recording of equipment issues is essential.
Here’s an example to show you what kind of questions appear in this section
Personal Characteristics Section
This section of the test is designed to explore your suitability for the job. It focuses on specific qualities necessary for carrying out the duties of a firefighter effectively. These qualities include interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment, honesty, integrity, and emotional stability.
Fire departments aim to ensure that the individuals they select are of the highest possible caliber. This section may include moralistic scenarios related to both on and off-the-job situations. Please note that the results of this questionnaire are just one of several factors that will be considered in your application for employment. These results are confidential and will only be disclosed to those involved in the hiring process on a need-to-know basis.
Here’s an example to show you what kind of questions appear in this section
Scenario: You are a firefighter responding to a harrowing incident in a densely populated area. As you arrive at the scene, you are confronted with a difficult moral dilemma. A large building is engulfed in flames, and there are reports of people trapped inside. You have limited resources, and time is running out. Amidst the chaos, you see a child standing alone, visibly frightened, and crying for help. Your team is already engaged in rescuing trapped individuals.
- Quickly inform the child that they need to find a way out on their own and continue with the ongoing rescue operations to save as many lives as possible.
- Approach the child calmly, assure them, and take their hand to guide them to safety, even if it means momentarily diverting your attention from the ongoing rescue efforts.
- Delegate the task of rescuing the child to another team member while you continue assisting with the ongoing rescue operations, prioritizing the overall evacuation process.
- Yell at the child, urging them to run out of the building immediately, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need to move quickly.
What is the MOST appropriate response?
What is the LEAST appropriate response?
Free Practice Test
Now that you know the test structure, here are some Free Practice Tests for You.
Our FACT Course Modules
Introduction2 Steps - 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Reading Ability4 Steps - 1 Hours & 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Mathematical Reasoning4 Steps - 1 Hours & 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Map Reading4 Steps - 1 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Writing Ability8 Steps - 3 Hours & 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Intro to Personality Section1 Step - 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Personality Traits5 Steps - 3 Hours & 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Personality Section Practice Questions3 Steps - UntimedBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Full Size Practice Quizzes2 Steps - UntimedBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Here is What You Can Expect in Our Prep Course
- Comprehensive Coverage: Our curriculum leaves no stone unturned, addressing every facet of the test, from Reading Ability to Personal Characteristics.
- Flexible Learning: Accessible on any device with on-demand flexibility. A whopping 85% of our students appreciate the convenience of studying at their preferred time and place.
- Clear Answer Explanations: Gain a deep understanding of your answers through detailed explanations that clarify the significance of your scores.
- Regular Updates: We regularly update our course to ensure you receive the latest materials and strategies for success in the firefighter exam.
- Additional Tips & Strategies for Success: Discover expert tips and techniques that can help you navigate the exam with confidence and efficiency. From time management strategies to effective study habits, we offer valuable advice tailored to the unique demands
- Authentic Practice Tests: Our course features full-length, realistic practice tests that closely mimic the actual exam. These tests familiarize you with the format and time limits while also evaluating your readiness, helping you pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Interactive Quizzes: Our extensive set of over 500 questions covers all topics.
The Hiring Process
Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT) is consistently used by the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) and several Municipal Fire Departments, such as Toronto Fire Services, Kitchener Fire Department, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services, Sarnia Fire Rescue, etc.
Here are the steps in the hiring process:
This step includes reviewing the requirements for a firefighter position, such as minimum qualifications, creating a cover letter and resume, interview preparation, and understanding legal and medical requirements.
OFAI website offers guidance on cover letters, resumes, and interview preparation, encouraging early preparation.
Step Two in the OFAI process allows candidates to self-assess their qualifications for the firefighter position. This questionnaire helps applicants determine if they meet the requirements. Once candidates complete this self-assessment, and confirm their commitment, motivation, and ability to complete recruitment activities and maintain firefighter requirements, they can proceed to Step Three.
In this step, you will select dates and times for testing sessions and complete your online registration. OFAI provides pre-assessment guides that contain instructions and information about everything you need to know, including preparation, required items, necessary forms, and strategies for successful performance. The OFAI considers these pre-assessment guides essential for each assessment.
This step involves three stages of assessments leading to OFAI certificates, which are necessary for candidates to apply to participating municipalities.
The tests include:
Stage 1: Firefighter Aptitude and Character Testing (FACT)
Stage 2: Hearing, Vision Assessment, and Treadmill Test
- Hearing Assessment (2-year validity)
- Vision Assessment (2-year validity)
- Encapsulated Treadmill Test (6-month validity)
Stage 3: FPAT and Technical Skills Assessment
- Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job-Related Test (FPAT)
- Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment
If you successfully pass all the assessments and tests in Stage 3, you will be invited to apply for a position in various municipal fire departments.
Upon completing each Stage, your certificate(s) will be uploaded to your online account within two to four business days. There are six certificates, each with different validation periods. It is recommended to download and save certificates to your personal computer. Expired certificates cannot be re-downloaded.
Applicants submit their applications for a municipal fire department vacancy with OFAI certificates. Municipalities review applications, invite candidates for interviews, and may offer conditional employment, followed by reference, security, driver’s checks, etc.
It is important to note that each municipality in Ontario sets its own hiring criteria.
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