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.
Practice tests
To feel extra prepared before test day, we recommend you complete some practice tests. This will also help you get familiar with how to fill them out.
Verbal Reasoning Practice Test
Numerical Reasoning Practice Test
Mechanical Reasoning Practice Test
And we know it’s easier said than done, but try to relax the day before the tests and get a good night’s sleep.
