Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test

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This practice test for the entry-level firefighter recruitment process consists of various sub-tests designed to measure the successful candidate’s aptitude and character profile. 

The test consists of two sections: a general aptitude test and a personal characteristics section consisting of multiple-choice items, including

  • Reading Ability 
  • Mathematical Reasoning 
  • Map Reading 
  • Writing Ability 
  • Human Relations

Tips for Taking the Test

  • You may NOT refer to any other study materials during the test.
  • Once you begin taking the test, clearly mark your answers to each corresponding question.
If you skip any questions during the test, keep putting your answers next to the correct answer number on the answer sheet. Putting answers next to the wrong question number on the answer sheet is easy if you do not pay close attention. When you have reached the end of the test, make sure to go back and check that you have answered ALL the questions.
  • During the test, you will be instructed to choose the “best” or “most correct” alternatives.
Most applicants find reading the entire question and all the alternatives helpful before selecting the best or most correct alternative. It is better to read all the alternatives as you may find a better answer than the one you first thought was correct.
  • If you have time after you have answered all the questions, go back and review your answers.
You may have recalled something later that may help you to answer earlier questions correctly.
  • DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWERS BLANK.
You are scored on the number of correct answers you give in response to the questions. In other words, you will be penalized for any answers left blank. Even if you are unsure of a correct answer, you SHOULD GUESS what the correct answer might be. Try to eliminate alternatives you know are wrong and guess from the remaining ones. This will increase your chances of guessing the correct answer. Answers left blank will NOT be counted towards the number of correct responses in your final score.

Reading Ability Section

For this test section, you will read the following passage on 1. Physical Properties of Substances and 2. Fire Classifications and then answer five (5) multiple-choice questions. You are allowed to refer back to the passage if needed.

1.   Physical Properties of Substances 

Explosive Range 

Explosive range is also known as flammable range or flammable limits. This physical property refers to a mixture of flammable vapors and air. It is the oxygen in the air that helps "burn" substances. With no oxygen or the improper mixture of oxygen with the flammable vapors, the vapors will not ignite or burn. This is true even if a suitable ignition source has been found. We must have a proper ratio of an air/fuel mixture. The definition of explosive range is: 

A mixture of flammable vapors and air, expressed as a percent, above or below which no ignition can occur. 

For example, gasoline vapors have been found to have an explosive range of 1.4% to 7.6%. This is a range of mixtures from 1.4% gasoline vapors and 98.6% air to 7.6% gasoline vapors and 92.4% air. Gasoline vapors will ignite or explode only when mixed with air in this proportion. The lower limit, 1.4%, is the least amount of vapor possible for gasoline. Any percent mixture less than the lower limit will not ignite. This is referred to as being "too lean." On the other hand, if the percent mixture is above the vapor limit, it is referred to as being "too rich." It will not ignite either. Only the mixtures between the lower limit and upper limit will ignite. All vapors of flammable and combustible materials have an explosive range. 

Physical Characteristics of Some Liquids

 

Flash Point*

Fire Point*

Ignition Temperature*

Explosive Range

Vapor Density

Specific Gravity

Gasoline

-45

-43

850

1.4% - 7.6%

3.00

.75

Acetone

0

2

1000

2.6% - 12.8%

2.00

.79

Kerosene

100

102

400

0.7% - 5.0%

2.80

.98

Ethanol

55

57

800

4.3% - 19.0%

1.59

.79

* Expressed in degrees F.

2.   Fire Classifications 

For many years the fire community acknowledged only three fire classifications. In 1960 the classifications were reorganized to show four fire classifications: 

CLASS A FIRES - Ordinary combustibles CLASS B FIRES - Flammable liquids, gases CLASS C FIRES - Electrical

CLASS D FIRES - Combustible metals 

Class A Fires 

Class A fires are the most common and normally involve organic fuels. They include ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, fabric, solid plastics, and rubber. 

Extinguishing agents for Class A-type fires include water, some foam types, and dry chemicals. 

Class B Fires 

These fires include all flammable and combustible liquids, greases, oils, and gases. One way to recognize a Class B fuel is by its container. No Class B fuel retains its own shape; because it is liquid and gas, it must be in a strong, rigid container. 

Extinguishing agents for Class B-type fires include carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, foam, and Halon types. 

Class C Fires 

A Class C fire involves energized electrical equipment. The extinguishing agent's electrical nonconductivity must be given special importance. Only when the electrical circuits have been de-energized may Class A and Class B extinguishing agents be used. 

Extinguishing agents suitable for Class C fires include dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, and Halon types. 

Class D Fires 

When metals burn, they pose some unique hazards.They burn extremely hot and may react to ordinary extinguishing agents. Class D fires involve metals such as sodium, magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and uranium. 

The hazards of a metal fire are so unique that ordinary extinguishing agents should generally not be used. Instead, extinguishing agents for a Class D fire are those that have been specifically designed and approved for that type of application.

Reading Ability Test

1. Which of the following liquids has the highest explosive range?

A. Gasoline
B. Ethanol
C. Acetone
D. Kerosene

2. Which of the following liquids has the lowest vapor density?

A. Gasoline
B. Acetone
C. Kerosene
D. Ethanol

3. Which of the following liquids has the highest specific gravity?

A. Gasoline
B. Acetone
C. Kerosene
D. Ethanol

4. Which of the following descriptions is correct?

A. Class A Fires—Electrical
B. Class B Fires—Flammable liquids, gases
C. Class C Fires—Combustible metals
D. Class D Fires—Ordinary combustibles

5. Fires which involve such metals as sodium, magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and uranium are classified as:

A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Class D

    Mathematical Reasoning Section

    For this section of the test, you will answer twelve (12) fire-related math questions. These math questions require basic mathematic calculations. Calculators are not allowed for this test.

    Use the figure below to respond to questions 6 and 7:

    Residential Building Fire Causes in the U.S. (2022)

    6. Based upon the figure above, which combination causes accounted for the second MOST residential fires in 2022?

    A. Heating fires and Electrical Malfunction fires
    B. Other unintentional, careless fires and Heating fires
    C. A combined total of every type of fire cause except for Heating fires
    D. A and B each resulted in the same amount of injuries

    7. Based upon the figure above, which of the following statements is NOT true?

    A. 6.5 times as many residential fires from Cooking as from Electrical Malfunction
    B. More residential fires from a combination of Heating fires and Other unintentional than Electrical
    C. 1 ½ times as many residential fires from Heating fires as Electrical Malfunction
    D. More residential fires from Heating than from Electrical Malfunction

    8. You are using a full SCBA bottle containing 140 cubic feet of air. When the bell sounds, how much air is remaining?

    A. 25.0
    B. 28.5
    C. 35.0
    D. 45.5

    9. A group of four firefighters purchase groceries. The total cost is $9.65, $3.25, $11.60, $5.85, and $7.50. How much does each firefighter owe (rounded up)?

    A. $8
    B. $9
    C. $10
    D. $11

    10. How much additional weight could the elevator hold before exceeding capacity?

    A. 423 pounds
    B. 517 pounds
    C. 673 pounds
    D. 829 pounds

    11. If a fire engine is traveling 45 mph for 18 minutes, how far will it travel?

    A. 8.10 miles
    B. 13.50 miles
    C. 19.33 miles
    D. 27.00 miles

    12. What is the minimum number of rope sections a firefighter would need to rope off a 28 x 40 feet danger zone (50-foot sections)?

    A. 2 sections
    B. 3 sections
    C. 4 sections
    D. 5 sections

    13. About 30% of deadly automobile accidents were from drunk driving. Approximately how many?

    A. 20%
    B. 25%
    C. 30%
    D. 35%

    14. An adult victim has burns covering 1/3 of his back, half of his right leg, and half of his head. What percent of the body is burned?

    A. 10.50%
    B. 11.25%
    C. 13.00%
    D. 15.00%

    15. What is the maximum dosage of tablets a patient should take per dose?

    A. 12 tablets
    B. 12 and ½ tablets
    C. 14 tablets
    D. 15 and ½ tablets

    16. Which one of the following hose diameters is the largest?

    A. 17/20 inches
    B. 3/4 inches
    C. 3/5 inches
    D. 8/10 inches

    17. How much time elapsed between the first and second structure fire alarm calls?

    A. 12 hours and 49 minutes
    B. 13 hours and 5 minutes
    C. 24 hours and 55 minutes
    D. 37 hours and 5 minutes

      Writing Ability Section

      For this section of the test, you will answer four (4) questions. Pay attention to any instructions preceding the test questions.

      For Question 18, select the best choice of words to complete the sentence.

      18. Be ______ of your surroundings and try to ______ dangerous situations.

      A. “conscious” and “migrate”
      B. “cognizant” and “mitigate”
      C. “cognitive” and “monitor”
      D. “conscientious” and “modify”

      19. Considering grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well as ease of understanding, which of the following sentences is most acceptable?

      A. The firefighter needed to keep a copy of the report for herself, and provide a copy to the other two victims, too.
      B. The firefighter needed to keep a copy of the report for herself and provide a copy to the other too victims to.
      C. The firefighter needed to keep a copy of the report for herself and provide a copy to the other two victims to.
      D. The firefighter needed too keep a copy of the report for herself, and provide a copy to the too other victims, too.

      20. Identify the type of error that is found in the following sentence:

      "Sometimes the difference between being a good firefighter and an average firefighter comes down to weather or not the firefighter is properly trained."

      A. Spelling
      B. Grammar
      C. Punctuation
      D. There is no error

      21. The fire chief had a dynamic way of teaching his firefighters new skills. Choose the word that is synonymous (means the same thing) as the underlined word.

      A. traditional
      B. boring
      C. lively
      D. thorough

        Map Reading Section

        For this section of the test, you will answer three map reading ability questions.

        DIRECTIONS: Use the following map to answer questions 22-24.

        City block street map for first responder aptitude test

        22. You are facing South on Parker Road and turn East on Lincoln Ave. The next two-way street you will reach is:

        A. First Street
        B. Third Street
        C. 4th Street
        D. Church Street

        23. Which direction does Corner 1 face?

        A. Southeast
        B. Southwest
        C. Northeast
        D. Northwest

        24. Which intersection is Corner 4 located at?

        A. Ash Road and Main Street
        B. McArthur Boulevard and Ash Road
        C. Main Street and Second Street
        D. McArthur Boulevard and Second Street

          Human Relations Section

          For this section of the test, you will read one short fire-related situation and will then answer two multiple-choice questions relating to that situation. You will be asked to identify both the “most appropriate” response and the “least appropriate” response. There are 16 total questions in this section. For example:

          You are transporting an injured and intoxicated male who has a large amount of money protruding from his pocket. While transporting him to the emergency room you notice that the money falls out of his pocket.

          A. Pretend you didn’t see the man drop the money.
          B. Wait until you go back outside and take the money if nobody else has found it.
          C. Pick up the money and give it to the emergency room staff for safekeeping.
          D. Pick up the money and place it next to the victim’s hand. 

          1. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE? C

          2. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE? B

          Human Relations Test

          John is a firefighter at a station having dinner with his crew. He overhears a more senior firefighter saying very negative things about the department’s newly hired Fire Chief. John knows the senior firefighter hasn’t even met the new Fire Chief yet and is basing his statements on rumors he’s heard from his neighbors. John has known the Fire Chief for several years and knows these rumors aren’t true.

          What is the best way for Firefighter John to handle this situation?

          A. John should share whatever accurate information he has about the Fire Chief with the crew members at the dinner table.

          B. John should talk to the senior firefighter privately about the rumors and tell him that they could be damaging to the Fire Chief.

          C. John should tell the other crew members that the rumors aren’t true when the senior firefighter isn’t around.

          D. John should tell the Fire Chief about the rumors the senior firefighter was spreading.

          25. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          26. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          You are on duty with your crew and your engine pulls into a fast food restaurant parking lot to quickly buy lunch. While you walk up to the front door of the restaurant, you are approached by a citizen who complains that there are two young children left in a vehicle without a parent or guardian in sight. You approach the vehicle and see that the children appear to be between 10 and 13 years of age and appear to be fine. It’s a cloudy day, and the outside temperature is 65 degrees.

          How would you handle this situation?

          A. Enter the restaurant and have the workers announce that there are children in a vehicle who need assistance.

          B. Remind the citizen that you and your crew need to quickly purchase your food and get back into service and that you cannot assist.

          C. Have your crew members pick up your food and stay close to the vehicle until a parent or guardian returns.

          D. Remove the children from the vehicle and immediately assess their health.

          27. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          28. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          You are off-duty helping a fellow firefighter work on a side job. He works as a part-time construction worker to bring in extra money for his family. You’re on the job site with another 10 workers and you accidentally drop your hammer on the tile floor while walking through the newly remodeled bathroom. You discover that your hammer cracked the tile. You look around and discover that nobody else saw the accident.

          How would you handle this situation?

          A. Try to repair the broken tile, even though you don’t have experience in this area.

          B. Find your friend and inform him about what happened and offer to pay for the damage.

          C. Tell your friend that you noticed that the tile was cracked when you walked in the bathroom.

          D. Wait until the remodeling project is finished to say anything as it’s likely that there will be more damage in the coming days.

          29. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          30. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          Firefighter Sam has worked as a firefighter for two years. She feels very confident about her duties as a firefighter in all aspects except for medical assessments. She’s worried that her lack of knowledge in this area may one day put the crew in a dangerous situation. She’s mentioned to her fellow firefighters that she’d like additional training but has been told that there’s not enough time to train in this area and it’s best to just acquire this knowledge through on-the-job real-life experience with patients.

          How should Firefighter Sam handle this situation?

          A. Firefighter Sam shouldn’t worry about her lack of knowledge in medical assessments and just carry on with her assigned duties.

          B. Firefighter Sam should keep her concerns to herself, so her crew feels confident in her skills, but read and study medical assessment literature in her spare time.

          C. Firefighter Sam should inform her captain that she needs additional training in this area and ask if she can train with other crew members who are more knowledgeable in hopes of maximizing her learning potential.

          D. Firefighter Sam should tell the other crew members that she might have to leave any medical assessment responsibilities to them as she doesn’t feel comfortable with her limited skills.

          31. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          32. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          You are a new firefighter and are determined to demonstrate to your crew that you are capable of performing your duties. You and your crew arrive at a structure fire incident on a very hot, summer day. You exit the engine and begin to perform your fire suppression duties. About ten minutes into the fire extinguishment, you realize that you are starting to feel dizzy and worry that you might pass out.

          How would you handle this situation?

          A. Do your best to push through the illness because you have a very important job to do but mention how you feel to another firefighter.

          B. Quickly return to the engine to get a bottle of water and rehydrate and return to the assignment before anyone notices.

          C. Inform your captain that you feel like you might pass out and may need to exit the fireground.

          D. Try to limit the amount of physically-demanding activities you do but stay on the fireground with your crew.

          33. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          34. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          You and your crew return to the station following a fire incident. While removing your gear from the engine, you see Firefighter Mike take an expensive saw from the bay and place it in his personal truck. One week later, your captain reports the saw as missing and inquires if anyone knows where it might be.

          How would you handle this situation?

          A. Inform the captain that you saw Firefighter Mike place the saw in his personal truck last week.

          B. Tell the captain you don’t know anything about the missing saw.

          C. Inform the captain that you will help keep an eye out for the saw and do your best to help locate it.

          D. Tell Firefighter Mike that you saw him place the saw in his personal truck last week and encourage him to tell the captain that he has the saw, or you will have no choice but to report the incident to your captain.

          35. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          36. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          You are a probationary firefighter and have been assigned to your new station for three weeks. While sitting at the dinner table with your crew one evening, two senior firefighters engage in a slanderous conversation about another firefighter assigned to your station who works on a different shift. The comments are inappropriate and sexist. One of the senior firefighters looks at you and states, “Hey rookie, you better keep your mouth shut and not repeat any of this to anyone outside of this room!”

          How would you handle this situation?

          A. Remain calm and quiet and don’t say anything to anyone, unless this happens again.

          B. Participate in the conversation in hopes of fitting in with the other senior firefighters.

          C. Inform your supervisor, in confidence, about the incident and await her guidance.

          D. Inform the firefighter assigned to the other shift about what was said about her and encourage her to speak with the senior firefighters.

          37. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          38. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          It’s a Sunday afternoon in the station and you and your crew have no assigned duties for the day other than to respond to emergency calls. You are about to begin your daily exercise routine and start running on the treadmill. Your crew has been told by the chief how important it is to complete the daily workouts. You’re about five minutes into your workout and a probationary firefighter walks into the exercise room with tears in his eyes. He confides in you that he just learned that his mother is terminally ill.

          How would you handle this situation?

          A. Tell the probationary firefighter not to worry too much and that you’ll keep his mother in your prayers and continue on with your workout.

          B. Remind the probationary firefighter that you need to complete your daily workout but that you’ll be happy to listen to him while you exercise.

          C. Remind the probationary firefighter that you have a mandatory workout to complete and suggest he talk to another firefighter about his situation.

          D. Stop your workout and talk to the probationary firefighter and immediately return to your workout once you are confident the probationary firefighter feels better.

          39. WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

          40. WHAT IS THE LEAST APPROPRIATE RESPONSE?

          A.
          B.
          C.
          D.

            Answer Key

            1. B
            2. D
            3. C
            4. B
            5. D
            6. B
            7. C
            8. C
            9. C
            10. C
            11. B
            12. B
            13. C
            14. D
            15. C
            16. A
            17. D
            18. B
            19. A
            20. A
            21. C
            22. B
            23. C
            24. D
            25. B
            26. D
            27. C
            28. B
            29. B
            30. C
            31. C
            32. A
            33. C
            34. B
            35. D
            36. B
            37. C
            38. B
            39. D
            40. C