Firefighter Aptitude Tests:

CPS, FPSI FACT & FireTEAM

Prepare for entry-level firefighter careers in Canada and the United States with expert guidance on CPS, FPSI FACT, and FireTEAM tests.

Aspiring firefighter preparing for CPS, FPSI FACT, and FireTEAM aptitude tests


CPS Firefighter Entry-Level Test

The Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) Firefighter Entry-Level aptitude exams are used across the U.S. and parts of Canada, including Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. CPS tests assess cognitive skills such as thinking, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Test Versions & Components

  • 2134D: Reading Comprehension (30), Mathematical Ability (30), Mechanical Reasoning (25), Teamwork & Public Relations (15)

  • 2152D: Oral Communication (15), Reading Comprehension (20), Mathematical Ability (25), Mechanical Reasoning (25), Written Communication (15)

  • 2177B: Reading Comprehension (30), Mathematical Ability (30), Mechanical Reasoning (25), Teamwork & Public Relations (15)

  • 2187C: Reading Comprehension (30), Mathematical Ability (30), Mechanical Reasoning (25), Teamwork & Public Relations (15)

  • 2190D: Reading Comprehension (30), Mathematical Ability (25), Written Communication (20), Analytical Ability (25)

Metric CPS Test Versions & Components

(Canadian Fire Services)

  • 2102B-M: Oral Communication (20), Reading Comprehension (20), Mathematical Ability (20), Mechanical Reasoning (20), Teamwork & Public Relations (20)

  • 2105M*: Understanding Oral Information (20), Reading and Understanding Written Information (30), Mathematical Ability (25), Maps, Diagrams, and Mechanical Reasoning (25) *Available in French

  • 2125M: Understanding Written Instructions (30), Mathematical Ability (30), Mechanical Aptitude (25), Teamwork & Public Relations (15)

  • 2127A-M: Oral Communication (20), Reading Comprehension (20), Mathematical Ability (20), Mechanical Reasoning (20), Teamwork & Public Relations (20)

Test Duration

  • Standard CPS Tests: 100 questions, 2 hours 30 minutes

  • Metric CPS Tests: 100 questions, 2 hours

Preparation Tips

  • Oral Communication: Practice listening, simulate distractions, use memory strategies

  • Reading Comprehension: Read carefully, confirm what you know, improve fluency

  • Mathematical Ability: Review arithmetic, ratios, percentages, and practical firefighter math

  • Mechanical Reasoning: Understand simple machines, practice spatial reasoning and map reading

  • Human Relations: Read scenarios carefully, answer objectively, understand teamwork and firefighter personality

  • Time Management: Plan test approach, monitor section timing, budget wisely

Practice & S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring

Free CPS Practice Test | Study Guides | One-on-One Tutoring | CPS Test Prep Course


FPSI-FACT-Test-(OFAI-Stage-1)

The FPSI FACT test is used at the OFAI candidate testing center in Ontario, Canada, where Toronto firefighters and other candidates must demonstrate their aptitude and personal characteristics to move forward in the recruitment process.

Toronto firefighters who successfully passed the FPSI FACT firefighter aptitude test

FACT Test Details

  • 110 multiple-choice questions

    • Reading Ability – 15 questions

    • Mathematical Reasoning – 15 questions

    • Map Reading – 10 questions

    • Writing Ability – 10 questions

    • Personal Characteristics – 60 questions

  • Weighted Components: 45% aptitude, 55% character

  • Duration: 3 hours

Scoring & Retakes

  • Pass/Fail; certificate issued within 72 hours

  • Retake: 15 days after first attempt, 30 days for subsequent attempts

  • Validity: 24 months

Study Focus

  • Reading Ability: Fire-related material, charts, factual questions

  • Mathematical Reasoning: Rational numbers, word problems, calculations (no calculator)

  • Map Reading: Directions, locations, legends

  • Writing Ability: Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, punctuation

  • Personal Characteristics: Situational judgment, teamwork, integrity, emotional stability

Preparation Resources

Free Firefighter Aptitude Test PDF | Firefighter Math Tutoring | FPSI FACT Course


FireTEAM Test (NTN)

The FireTEAM test is a video-based assessment administered by the National Testing Network (NTN) for both U.S. and Canadian firefighter candidates. It evaluates human relations, mechanical reasoning, reading, and math skills.

FireTEAM video-based firefighter aptitude test on computer

FireTEAM Test Components

  • Human Relations Video Test: 28 scenarios, 76 questions

  • Mechanical Reasoning Test: 36 questions

  • Reading Test: 27 questions

  • Math Test: 31 questions

Duration

  • Total: ~2 hours

  • Human Relations Video Test: 57 minutes

  • Mechanical Reasoning Test: 43 minutes

  • Reading Test: 15 minutes

  • Math Test: 25 minutes

Test Preparation Tips

  • Human Relations: Focus on information provided, demonstrate teamwork and communication

  • Mechanical Reasoning: Pay attention, know science principles, practice tool recognition

  • Reading Test: Use context to confirm answers, improve vocabulary

  • Math Test: Mental math, estimation, and practical calculations

Scoring

  • 70–80% generally considered good

  • Dimensional scores evaluate adaptability, communication, integrity, leadership, safety orientation, mechanical reasoning

Practice & S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring

Free FireTEAM Test Preparation Video Series | One-on-One FireTEAM Tutoring


Preparing for All Firefighter Aptitude Tests

  • Assess Your Current Skills: Free practice tests to identify strengths and weaknesses

  • Use Study Guides: Structured materials for reading, math, mechanical reasoning, and human relations

  • Consider Tutoring: One-on-one guidance builds confidence

  • Enroll in Prep Courses: Comprehensive mastery of all testing components

Resources

Download Free Practice Test | Purchase Study Guides | Register for Test Prep


 

FAQ

What are firefighter aptitude tests?

They evaluate skills required for entry-level firefighting, including reading, math, mechanical reasoning, human relations, and personal characteristics.

Which firefighter aptitude tests are used in Canada and the U.S.?

CPS Firefighter Entry-Level Test (U.S. & parts of Canada), FPSI FACT Test (Ontario, Canada), FireTEAM Test (U.S. & Canada).

How long are the CPS, FPSI FACT, and FireTEAM tests?

  • CPS: 2–2.5 hours
  • FPSI FACT: 3 hours
  • FireTEAM: ~2 hours, timed per section.

What is a good score on these tests?

  • CPS: 70% passing, aim 85%+ for competitiveness.
  • FPSI FACT: Pass/Fail; aim 8/10 or higher per component.
  • FireTEAM: 70–80%; higher for large recruitments.

Can I retake these tests if I fail?

  • CPS: Policies vary by department.
  • FPSI FACT: First retake after 15 days, subsequent after 30 days.
  • FireTEAM: Retake policies vary by department.

Are calculators allowed?

  • CPS: No.
  • FPSI FACT: No.
  • FireTEAM: No.

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