We’re starting to see NFPA 1001 FF I & II content on department-made written exams. This is not traditional firefighter aptitude testing content.
We’re going to talk about how to study for the Firefighter I & II written exam, so that you can transfer these skills over should you see this content on your next firefighter aptitude test.
This video is suitable for pre-service candidates and firefighters who already work with a fire service and are currently studying to obtain their NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II certification.
This is also for firefighter candidates who are preparing to write their written firefighter aptitude tests for employment in a fire department.
How to Become a Firefighter
The pre-service firefighter program includes:
NFPA 1001 – Firefighter, Level I
NFPA 1001 – Firefighter, Level II
NFPA 1072 – Hazardous Materials Awareness
NFPA 1072 – Hazardous Materials Operations
When a candidate successfully completes all training requirements through a recognized pre-service firefighter program, they will be eligible to complete the certification examinations and practical skills evaluation. In Ontario, these requirements are set out by the Office of the Fire Marshal; other provinces and states set their own — confirm the process where you are applying.
Firefighter 1 and 2 Test Formats
The NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II tests assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in firefighting. The tests include written and practical components.
NFPA 1001 Firefighter I
NFPA 1001 Firefighter I is the minimum training and certification recommendation for all firefighter certification programs. It covers the concepts and skills needed to perform the duties of a firefighter:
| The Fire Service | Firefighter Health & Safety | Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment | Fire Service Communications |
| Fire Behaviour | Building Construction | Portable Fire Extinguishers | Firefighter Tools & Equipment |
| Ropes and Knots | Forcible Entry | Ground Ladders | Search and Rescue |
| Tactical Ventilation | Water Supply Systems | Fire Hose, Appliances & Nozzles | Supply Line & Attack Line Evolutions |
| Fire Suppression | Firefighter Survival | Salvage & Overhaul | Firefighter Rehabilitation |
| Wildland & Ground Cover Fires | |||
The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Students have one hour and 40 minutes to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. Students must also pass all Fire Fighter I practical skills exams.
NFPA 1001 Firefighter II
Firefighter II training and certification is the continuing development of firefighter knowledge and skills leading to more advanced instructor and officer development training:
| Establishing & Transferring Command | Advanced Fire Suppression | Vehicle Rescue and Extrication Operations | Assisting Special Rescue Teams |
| Fire Detection, Suppression, & Smoke Control Systems | Fire & Life Safety Initiatives | Fire Origin and Cause Determination |
The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Students have one hour and 40 minutes to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. Students must also pass all Fire Fighter II practical skills exams.
If a candidate successfully completes both knowledge and skill requirements, where appropriate for an NFPA Standard, they will receive certification with an IFSAC seal and Pro Board application where applicable. These seals and certifications are recognized world-wide in the fire service, and represent completeness, fairness, security, validity and correlation to international standards.
Candidates have a maximum of three attempts for each written examination before additional training is required. After the third attempt, candidates are required to complete the full course again before attempting another certification examination. In Ontario, candidates must work with the program coordinator at their school for additional training and demonstrate that they have completed it.
How to Study for Firefighter 1 and 2
- Confirm the edition of the IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting that you need and get a copy to study from.
- There is also an audio book available if you prefer to listen instead of reading.
- If you’re in class, read/ listen the chapters before the lesson.
- Pay attention to repeated information in the chapter previews, reviews, and lectures.
- Visualize what you read/hear in your head to help you retain the information.
- Take good notes. Try the Cornell Method:
- Recite – Cover your notes and say over the facts and ideas of the lecture as fully as you can, and in your own words. Then, verify what you have said.
- Review – Spend 10 minutes every day in a quick review of your notes.
- Study in multiple short sessions instead of one long session.
- Create flashcards to assist with key terms and definitions.
- Do any quizzes, chapter review questions, or other assigned homework.
- Go for a walk in your neighborhood and apply what you are learning.
- Identify types of building construction
- Identify hazards
- Think about how you would get into a building
Firefighter 1 and 2 Practice Tests
1. IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th Edition: Firefighter 1 & 2
- IFSTA offers book packages. Look into these.
- Organized to meet the needs of students and instructors:
- Chapters 1-15 Fire Fighter I
- Chapters 16-22 Fire Fighter II
- Chapter 23 Emergency First Aid – FFI Job Performance Requirements (JPRs)
- Chapters 24-26 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations (FFI JPRs)
- Chapter 27 NIMS-ICS (FF I, FF II, and Hazmat JPRs)
- Key Terms
- True/False
- Matching
- Fill in the Blank
- Picture Identification
- Short Answer
- Multiple Choice
- Scenarios
- Essentials 7uses text, photos, illustrations, key terms and plain language for greater comprehension of this new content.
- The Essentials 7th Edition App – a student companion app is FREE to download. Stream all 173 skills videos FREE. Practice tool identification FREE. Sample the Essentials 7 Interactive Course and Exam Prep.
- A complete line of support products for students and instructors include the Curriculum, Workbook, Exam Prep, Interactive Course, Skills Videos, and eBook.
2. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th Edition Course Workbook
Key features of this workbook:
- Designed to support classroom and online instruction
- Includes more than 3,000 questions and activities covering all 27 chapters of Essentials 7 Firefighter I and II.
- Each item is page referenced so the user can quickly find the topic to review in Essentials 7
- Activities include:
- Key Terms
- True/False
- Matching
- Fill in the Blank
- Picture Identification
- Short Answer
- Multiple Choice
- Scenarios
3. App – Essentials of Fire Fighting 7
- Check to see if they have an updated edition
Key features of this App:
- The App is available for both iOS and Android devices
- Contains in-app purchases
- Included FREE
- Skills Videos
- Tool Identification
- Key Terms and Definitions Flashcards
- Exam Prep Questions, Chapter 1
- Interactive Course Content, Chapter 1
- Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th Edition Audiobook, Chapter 1
4. Quizlet
- Search for “IFSTA 7”
5. Ask your instructor or training officer for practice quizzes, study materials, and extra help.