Preparing for the online tests

In stage two of the recruitment process to become an on-call or wholetime firefighter, you’ll take five online tests. These tests have been designed to reflect the types of activities and decisions firefighters often need to make.

Verbal reasoning test

Time limit: 15 minutes  

In this test, questions will be presented as short passages of information about a specific topic. You’ll need to decide whether the statements are true, false, or not possible to say. Your decision-making process should only rely on the information in front of you. This will assess your ability to interpret and evaluate verbal information. 

Mechanical reasoning test

Time limit: 17 minutes 

Your questions will be made up of images and very little text. You’ll use your cognitive reasoning to solve mechanical, physical and practical concepts. No specific training or previous knowledge is required to answer the questions.

Numerical reasoning test

Time limit: 18 minutes 

This test looks at your ability to interpret and analyse numerical information. This will be presented to you in a graph, table or short passage. You’ll need to be able to calculate basic equations that are similar to GCSE level. You’ll need to consider how the problem can be solved and identify the information to do so before you do the calculations. You can use a calculator. 

Firefighters need to be able to make basic mathematical calculations, for things like interpreting gauges or calculating how much hose is needed in a fire.

Situational awareness test 

Time limit: None 

This test looks at your ability to keep yourself and others safe, as well as use information to problem solve. You’ll be presented with scenarios and will have to choose between four alternative answers. No specific training or previous knowledge is required to answer the questions.

Behavioural styles questionnaire 

Time limit: None 

This is to see whether your behavioural traits suit the role of a firefighter. You can’t prepare for this test.