Becoming a firefighter usually isn’t as simple as just walking in off the street and joining up. Depending on your jurisdiction, there may be several levels of firefighter testing to pass before you can begin work.
What firefighter exams will I have to take?
While it can vary by state and department, firefighter tests often include the following:
Written exam
This initially evaluates areas like reading comprehension, basic math skills, mechanical reasoning, memory and observation, problem-solving and logic, spatial orientation and situational judgment.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
This is the physical exam commonly used by fire departments to determine whether candidates can physically do the job. It’s timed and includes eight events that simulate common firefighting tasks. It must be completed in less than 10 minutes, 20 seconds while wearing a 50-pound weighted vest. The CPAT is pass/fail, and there are no breaks between events. Strength, stamina and cardio training are essential to success.
Oral interview
This evaluates candidates’ communication abilities and overall fit for the department. It may involve scenario-based questions or a panel interview.
Medical and psychological exams
These confirm fitness for duty and may include drug testing and vision and hearing checks.
Background check
Departments will evaluate applicants’ criminal and employment histories.
Departments may also have their own unique exams or requirements, especially for EMS-trained or wildland firefighters.
What events are part of the CPAT firefighting test?
The CPAT has eight parts:
- Stair climb: Three minutes on a stair machine while wearing a 75-pound vest. (The extra 25 pounds are added for this event only.
- Hose drag: Drag a charged hose line 75 feet, turn, then advance while kneeling.
- Equipment carry: Carry two tools 75 feet and back.
- Ladder raise and extension: Raise a 24-foot ladder from the ground and extend a second one while standing.
- Forcible entry: Use a sledgehammer to repeatedly strike a weighted device until it moves a determined distance.
- Search: Crawl through a dark, enclosed maze that simulates searching in smoke or darkness.
- Rescue drag: Drag a 165-pound dummy 70 feet.
- Ceiling breach and pull: Push up and pull down a weighted ceiling device using a pike pole.
How hard are firefighter tests?
How difficult you find the firefighter exams will depend on your background, fitness level and preparations.
The initial firefighter written exam is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. It’s not overly technical but could be difficult if you haven’t studied or aren’t used to timed tests. Those taking the firefighter test are advised to take practice tests first and brush up on their math, reading and reasoning skills.
As a test of real-world strength, endurance and fortitude, the CPAT is challenging and may be very difficult for some candidates. It’s advised to start training 8–12 weeks before testing and focus on stair climbing, full-body strength and timed workouts.
Oral interviews can challenge those who don’t prepare solid answers or have trouble staying calm under pressure. They require confidence and maturity. Practice with a colleague beforehand and be able to articulate things like why you want to become a firefighter.
The medical and psychological exams and background check aren’t tests in an academic sense, but they do require candidates to be in good health, mentally stable and free of serious legal trouble.
Overall, if you’re well prepared, each of these firefighter exams can be completed successfully.
What types of questions are on the written firefighter exam?
Some sample questions similar to those found on the written firefighter exam (with correct answers bolded) include:
Reading comprehension
When approaching a structure fire, firefighters must assess the structural integrity of the building before entering. This includes checking for signs of potential collapse such as sagging floors or visible cracks in the foundation.
Based on the passage, what is the main reason firefighters assess the building before entry?
A. To determine the type of fire
B. To locate potential victims
C. To avoid entering a dangerous structure
D. To plan water usage
Basic math/word problem
A fire hose delivers 120 gallons of water per minute. How many gallons will be used in 15 minutes?
A. 1,200
B. 1,800
C. 2,000
D. 2,200
Mechanical aptitude
You’re using a pulley system to lift a heavy load. The system has two pulleys in a basic block and tackle setup with one fixed pulley and one movable pulley. If you apply 100 pounds of force, how much weight can you lift assuming no friction or loss of force?
A. 50 pounds
B. 100 pounds
C. 150 pounds
D. 200 pounds
Situational judgment
You arrive at a scene where a small child is crying and appears injured. At the same time, your captain gives you an order to begin setting up a water supply line. What should you do?
A. Comfort the child and wait for medical personnel
B. Follow your captain’s order immediately
C. Call for backup and help the child
D. Ask your captain if you can assist the child first
Memory/observation
You’re shown a diagram for 60 seconds with labeled equipment locations. After one minute, you’re asked where the Halligan tool was stored in the diagram.
A. Engine compartment 1
B. Ladder truck bay
C. Rescue unit side panel
D. Engine compartment 3
The correct answer depends on what was shown – this tests short-term visual memory.
How can I prepare for the firefighter test?
There’s a lot of assistance available if you’re looking for help passing the firefighting exam.
In addition to studying your course material, there are many good study guides you can use to help pass the firefighting exam, both online and in print. Online study guides can be especially helpful because they can give you instant feedback on your score. They can also suggest what material you need to review to improve your score.
There are also complete firefighter exam preparation online courses you can take to hone your skills and better your ability to pass the firefighting exam.
Whichever type of study guide or exam prep course you choose to help pass the firefighting exam, make sure it’s written by certified firefighters who are up to date on the latest technology and techniques for firefighting so you’re getting quality information. Also, check to see that the material is based on the NFPA 1001 Standard for firefighter professional qualifications. This is the standard most fire departments use for certification, so it’s important that study information corresponds to that requirement.
The first step is finding practice exams for your state; then look up the exam you’re taking. For instance, if you’re getting certified in Arizona at Firefighter Level One, that would be the test material you’d study and the practice test you’d want to take. Focus on the specific areas mentioned above.
Also, find a study partner or study team to help you prepare for the firefighter test. Have them quiz you on terminology that you’ll need to know. Make flashcards and carry them with you so you can use every opportunity to quiz yourself and prepare for the exam. Go over your notes and read and reread your study material until you know it by heart.
Problem-solving is a big part of becoming a firefighter and will occupy a portion of the exam, so practice those skills to prepare for it.
Lastly, talk to people who’ve taken the exam and ask them for advice on how best to prepare to pass the firefighting exam. A newly certified firefighter who’s recently taken the test can point you toward targeted areas of study and other tips that can go a long way toward helping you pass. In short, take advantage of every spare minute to increase your chances of getting a great score that will help you achieve your goal of becoming a firefighter.
This article, originally published on June 13, 2011, has been updated with additional information.
