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What Is on the FCTC Firefighter Written Test

One hundred multiple-choice questions in two and a half hours, split across four sections, with 70% to pass. Every question is worth the same, and no previous firefighting experience is needed.

Questions
100, each weighted equally
Time allowed
2 hours 30 minutes
Passing score
70%
Fee
$50 per test

The four sections

Recall and comprehend technical information from written materials — 35 questions. Recall and comprehend verbal and visual information — 20 questions, based on two short videos. Apply mechanical reasoning concepts — 25 questions. Solve mathematical problems — 20 questions.

FCTC states that no previous firefighting experience is necessary to pass or even to excel. Nothing on the test assumes you already know the job; every technical question is answerable from material you are given on the day.

The order things happen in

You read an essay packet for thirty minutes first. When the thirty minutes are up the packets are collected and you do not see them again. Two short video scenarios are then played, with questions immediately after each one and pencils down while they run.

Only then do you open the test booklet and answer the remaining eighty questions, which cover the essays you have just lost, further essays printed in the booklet, and the mechanical and mathematics sections.

What to expect on the day

The test is taken in person at an FCTC location — there is no virtual option. You may bring government-issued photo identification and your keys, and nothing else: no phone, no watch, no water, no scratch paper and no calculator. The test costs $50 and fees are not refundable.

Test dates change continuously, so check the current schedule at FCTConline rather than any third-party summary, including this one.

Sources

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