Master the 2023 Firefighter Written Exam and Screening Process With the Firefighter Masterclass
Every year, thousands of people apply to various fire departments in the hopes of starting a career as a firefighter. Of those who apply, the number who get the job can be as low as 2.5%.
That means just 1 in 40 applicants actually succeed and become a firefighter.
One major roadblock in this process is the Firefighter Written Exam. For the past five years, only 10% of applicants have passed this exam.
So if you’re applying to a fire department, you need to consider two important hurdles:
- Only 1 in 10 applicants pass the Firefighter Written Exam
- Out of those who did pass the exam, only 1 in 4 go on to pass the rest of the screening process
Not only do you need to pass the exam – but you also need to understand the rest of the process to ensure a smooth journey from passing the exam to receiving a job offer.
With this in mind, what can you do to ensure your success throughout this challenging process and secure your position among the 2.5% who go on to become firefighters?
Congratulations! By being on this page, you’ve already taken the first step towards exponentially improving your odds of success.
Now, you might be asking, “What could possibly get me ahead of the other 97.5% who want the same job I’m applying for?”
Great question. The answer is really quite simple: very few job applicants take the time to prepare thoroughly for their exam, due to the misconception that there’s no way to improve their score or because they underestimate the difficulty of the upcoming exam. A majority of applicants to fire departments make this mistake and end up failing badly.
Simply put, your diligence in researching your exam puts you in a prime position to reach the top of the pile. To seal the deal, you just need two things:
- The device you’re using to read this
- 3 hours of your time
Seriously – that’s all you need. Everything you need to prepare to ace your exam and enjoy a smooth screening process is readily available to you.
Now you just need to put those two components to use with the Firefighter Screening Masterclass, the all-in-one resource for 100% Firefighter Written Exam preparedness. Featuring in-depth guides and true-to-life practice tests, this quick course will have you fully prepared to secure your career as a firefighter in a matter of hours.
We’ve worked in collaboration with veteran firefighter trainers and recruitment experts from a variety of departments across the United States to cover every step of the screening process so you thrive in both the test itself as well as the rest of the process.
Ready to take a big step towards starting your career as a firefighter? Sign up now and achieve Firefighter Written Exam mastery in just a few hours!
Let’s take a look at what you can expect on your test and try a short mock test that covers some of the topics you’ll find on the real exam.
Take a Free Practice Test
What is on the Firefighter Written exam?
Depending on the department with which you are applying, the Firefighter Written exam may be administered either in a pen-and-paper format or digitally.
- Length: 2-2.5 hours
- Number of questions: 100-150 questions
Every component of the test is presented in a manner that is relevant to the required skills to perform effectively on the job.
You can find the information you require about your specific firefighter exam by contacting the department you’re applying to.
Firefighter Written Test Sections
The firefighter entrance exam includes a range of skills that are needed when working as a firefighter. For example, speed, accuracy, and cognitive skills. Many fire departments use firefighter aptitude test that features the following sections:
Math
This section of the firefighter test assesses your ability to do basic to slightly complex calculations using addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. It also tests your ability to understand charts, tables, and graphs.
Mechanical Aptitude
This assesses your ability to identify tools and devices for solving mechanical problems and your understanding of mechanical concepts. You might be asked questions about water pressure and valves, as you will need to operate these regularly as part of your job role. You will need a basic understanding of gears, levers, pulleys, and circuits.
Written Aptitude
This part of the firefighter test measures your reading comprehension and written English abilities, including spelling and grammar. You will be provided with short samples of text and then asked to answer questions about them.
Spatial Orientation
As a firefighter, you will need to be able to understand maps and blueprints and memorize routes when you enter a building. This section focuses on your ability to read a map and infer directions from the information given.
Observation and Memory
This section of the test contains images where you are given a specific timeframe to memorize the image. It is followed by questions related to the image that you saw previously.
Personality and Situational Judgment
This part asks you multiple-choice questions about what you would do in certain situations. It relates to how well you work in a team and on your initiative. This section of the firefighter test aims to gauge the candidate’s trustworthiness and conscientiousness.
The Firefighter Application Process
The application process may differ across departments; however, all steps are included:
1. Application form
2. Firefighter exam aptitude tests
The firefighter aptitude test contains questions related to your cognitive and oral abilities. The cognitive aptitude section of the written test generally consists of questions that measure your ability in mechanical reasoning, mathematical skills, spatial orientation, memory & observational skills, reading comprehension, and Situational Judgement Tests.
3. Oral Interview
Each department will ask its own set of questions. Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before the interview.
4. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
The CPAT is a high-level physical endurance test. It is designed to measure your physical abilities. The test may include hose dragging, stair climbing, carrying equipment, ladder raising and extending, forcible entry, searching, rescuing, ceiling breaching, pushing, and other firefighting-related work.
5. Medical examination including drug screening
For this exam, they want to see if you are physically fit and can do everything that is required on the job without putting yourself or others at risk. You must undergo a complete physical by a certified physician.
6. Psychological Exam
The written personality is designed to see if you can stay calm and cope with stress. It also measures if you can maintain a positive attitude and control over emotions, flexibility, decisiveness, resourcefulness, make critical decisions under life-threatening conditions, and more.
Ready to Kickstart Your Firefighting Career?
Becoming a firefighter is a difficult process, and many candidates fail.
Make the right choice, and you’ll become part of the 2.5% who succeed.
Prepterminal’s Firefighter Screening Masterclass is the premier tool for 360° screening prep, covering both the exam and the rest of the screening process. It only takes three hours, making it the most time-effective way to drastically increase your performance.
It really is that easy. Sign up now for immediate online access and secure your spot as one of the top 2.5% who get the job.
