FireTEAM Test Preparation

This FireTEAM Test Preparation Resource and Study Guide is for aspiring American and Canadian firefighters who are preparing for the FireTEAM tests administered by the National Testing Network (NTN). This FireTEAM Test Preparation resource will review the following:

What Does the FireTEAM Test Consist Of?

The FireTEAM tests are developed by Ergometrics & Applied Personnel Research, an American human resource management firm specializing in personnel selection and training. The FireTEAM Firefighter Entry-Level Test consists of 170 questions across four components:

1. FireTEAM Human Relations Video Test – two parts, 28 scenarios, 76 questions
2. FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test – 36 questions
3. FireTEAM Reading Test – 27 questions
4. FireTEAM Math Test – 31 questions

The FireTEAM test is a video-based testing system. Firefighter candidates complete the test on a computer. The use of pen and paper is not permitted.

How Long is the FireTEAM Test?

The FireTEAM test takes approximately two hours to complete four components. Each section of the FireTEAM test is timed differently:

1. FireTEAM Human Relations Video Test – 57 minutes
2. FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test – 43 minutes
3. FireTEAM Reading Test – 15 minutes
4. FireTEAM Math Test – 25 minutes

How To Prepare for The FireTEAM Test?

FireTEAM Human Relations Video Test The FireTEAM Human Relations Test is given in two parts. Part One This part of the FireTEAM Human Relations Test focuses on teamwork, customer service, and interpersonal skills. Firefighter candidates watch videos based on firefighting-related scenarios. After each video, firefighter candidates are asked to choose the best course of action from four multiple-choice questions. The FireTEAM Human Relations Test plays without stopping. Candidates are not able to go back and replay a scenario. Part Two Part Two of the FireTEAM Human Relations Test immediately follows Part One. This part of the FireTEAM Human Relations Test focuses on the behaviors of the individual firefighters and supervisors who appear repeatedly in the scenarios shown in Part One of the FireTEAM Human Relations test. In Part Two, firefighter candidates are asked to observe these fire personnel characters. Then, candidates are asked questions about the characters’ actions. Part Two of the Human Relations Video Test is not covered in the Ergometrics & Applied Research Inc. practice tests. To prepare for Part Two, firefighter candidates are encouraged to pay attention to the characters in the practice test and imagine what it might be like to work with them. FireTEAM Human Relations answers must come from the information provided in the test. Prior firefighting experience or training is not required. Best answers to FireTEAM Human Relations questions demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Compassion
• Congenial with Coworkers
• Considers Coworkers before Self
• Customer Relations
• Dealing with Difficult Situations
• Industrious/Hardworking
• Integrity/Ethics
• Leadership
• Persistence in Ongoing Learning
• Safety Orientation

FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test The FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test focuses on the following:

• Analytical Problem Solving, Adapting, and Improvising
•  Anticipating Predictable Occurrences
• Mechanical Reasoning
• Understanding Mechanical Systems
• Understanding the Physical World
• Working with Complex Systems and Sequences

In the FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test, firefighter candidates watch animated videos based on a brick-making factory. It is important to pay attention to the detailed introduction of the brick-making factory in its normal operation. You will only see this video once. In this section of the test, firefighter candidates are often asked if they see or hear a problem with the normal operation of the brick-making factory. If there is a problem, candidates need to identify the station where the problem is occurring. Other FireTEAM mechanical questions assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic mechanical objects and principles such as simple machines, tools, reading gauges, and science. These FireTEAM questions are presented in multiple choice format. All of the questions can be answered based on the information presented in the videos. The FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test plays without stopping. Candidates are not able to go back and replay a video. FireTEAM Reading Test The FireTEAM Reading Test is not like other firefighter reading comprehension tests. It is more comparable to the Writing Ability sections in the FPSI FACT, NFST, and CEB. In the FireTEAM Reading Test, candidates are given a firefighter-related passage to read. In some sentences, dropdown boxes appear in place of words. Firefighter candidates are to click on the box and choose the correct word of four words given to complete the sentence. To answer FireTEAM Reading Test questions, firefighter candidates should use context to confirm their answers or self-correct their word recognition and understanding. Candidates may reread as necessary. FireTEAM Math Test FireTEAM Math Test questions are based on the type of math that firefighters must use on a regular basis as part of the job: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and proportions. Firefighter candidates watch video-based segments in the FireTEAM Math test. Candidates must pay attention and are asked to make quick calculations in their heads. The use of pen and paper is not permitted. The FireTEAM Math Test plays without stopping. Candidates are asked to type their answers into an answer box. The answer box has lines in it that indicate how many digits are in the answer. Candidates cannot type more digits than what is indicated.

FireTEAM Test Tips and Study Guide

The FireTEAM Test is an American test, so use American firefighter test preparation materials:

• FireTEAM practice tests (basic & extended) on https://ergopracticetests.com
• Firefighter Candidate Exams by Barron’s Educational Series
• Norman Hall’s Firefighter Exam Preparation Book by Norman Hall

Review the answers in the FireTEAM practice tests to better understand the test’s expectations. Understand the American firefighter personality and its characteristics. These are considered dimensions that are evaluated separately throughout the FireTEAM test. Stay alert and pay attention to the details. There are visual cues you must watch and verbal cues you must listen for over an extended period of time. FireTEAM Human Relations Video Test Study Guide

• Only rely on the verbal and visual information given.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with people.
• Demonstrate teamwork. Your superiors are part of your team.

FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test Study Guide

• Pay attention to the detailed introduction of the brick-making factory in its normal operation. You will only see this video once.
• Increase your eye span – analyze the video frames in a Z-shaped pattern
• Play memory games to assist your ability to recall information

FireTEAM Reading Test Study Guide

• Look at what comes before and after the word drop down box
• Play games to improve your vocabulary
• Read fire-related materials

FireTEAM Math Test Study Guide

• Study multiplication facts
• Play mental math games
• Use estimation

FireTEAM Test Time Management

• If the timer is an issue, cover the counter with a sticky note
• Remember, you waste time worrying about time
• The more prepared you are, the less time will matter to you

What is a Good Score on the FireTEAM Test?

The FireTEAM test measures teamwork and cognitive skills, which are necessary to be a successful firefighter: interpersonal skills, mechanical aptitude, reading ability, and basic mathematical skills. After completing the FireTEAM Test, firefighter candidates typically receive their test scores in a few days via email. A FireTEAM test cut-off score is determined based on a fire department’s needs, the potential for adverse impact, and other factors. 70% – 80% is generally considered a good score on the FireTEAM Test. However, cities with larger recruitments may require a higher cut-off score. In addition to receiving numerical FireTEAM scores, fire departments also receive dimensional scores based on a firefighter candidate’s response pattern. A dimension on the FireTEAM test is an independent evaluation aspect that allows firefighter candidates to be evaluated in a structured way according to their strengths and weaknesses in various testing areas. For example, questions in the FireTEAM Human Relations Video Test and questions in the FireTEAM Mechanical Reasoning Test can be tagged with “safety orientation” as a dimension. Departments can then look at how a firefighter candidate responded to all “safety orientation” questions across the two FireTEAM Tests or within just the FireTEAM Human Relations Video Test. FireTEAM Test questions can be assigned to one or more of these dimensions:

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Compassion
• Congenial with Coworkers
• Considers Coworkers before Self
• Customer Relations
• Dealing with Difficult Situations
• Industrious/Hardworking
• Integrity/Ethics
• Leadership
• Persistence in Ongoing Learning
• Safety Orientation
• Supervisory/Management Support
• Mechanical Reasoning
• Understanding Mechanical Systems

A fire department will receive all data collected from each firefighter candidate who specifically applies to the fire department: all application information, FireTEAM test scores, and dimensional scores. All or only parts of the FireTEAM test may be used by a fire department to determine top candidates. A fire department may receive a generated eligibility list composed of all firefighter candidates who have applied and met its requirements. Generally, the top 50-100 firefighter candidates move forward in a fire department’s recruitment process.

FireTEAM Test Questions

There are two FireTEAM practice tests available for purchase on https://ergopracticetests.com According to the website, both the Basic and Extended FireTEAM Practice Tests will help you become familiar with the FireTEAM Test format. Review the answers in the FireTEAM practice tests to better understand the test’s expectations. The Extended FireTEAM Practice Test

• $38.99 for two run-throughs of the same test
• 20 Human Relations video items and explanations
• 12-item Mechanical Aptitude Test and explanations
• 30-item Reading Test
• 14-item Math Test

The Basic FireTEAM Practice Test

• $24.99 for two run-throughs of the same test
• 5 Human Relations video items and explanations
• 12-item Mechanical Aptitude Test and explanations
• 15-item Reading Test
• 7-item Math Test

Free FireTEAM Test Practice Questions Join the Firefighter Career Test Prep Mailing List for free firefighter aptitude test practice questions. Every week, firefighter candidates receive free firefighter test practice questions to help them prepare for these firefighter aptitude tests:

• CPS Test
• FireTEAM Test
• FPSI Tests: CEB, FACT, NFST
• OS Test
• Other general entry-level firefighter written exams