Elements of the Written Firefighter Exam
Part of the Firefighter Exam For Dummies Cheat Sheet
The written firefighter exam is usually the first step in the firefighter hiring process, after filling out an application. Written firefighter exams test candidates in a variety of subject areas. The following table outlines the most common subject areas and the types of questions related to each subject area.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Passages and question sets that test your ability to understand and interpret what you read |
| Verbal Expression | Questions that test your grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills |
| Observation and Memory | Maps, diagrams, or passages that you have to study for a set amount of time; questions that must be answered from memory |
| Spatial Orientation | Questions that test your ability to visualize and navigate using maps, floor plans, and illustrations |
| Reasoning and Judgment | Questions that ask you to make decisions using good judgment and logical reasoning based on situations in scenarios or lists |
| Mathematics | High-school math, including algebra and geometry |
| Mechanical Aptitude | Questions about tools and simple machines |
