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How to pass the firefighting exam

There’s a lot of assistance available if you’re looking at tips to help you pass the firefighting exam. Passing this test is a critical step in having a career as a firefighter. There are different exams and varying requirements for tests, depending on the state that in which you’re getting certified. There are also different levels of certification, so you need to narrow down how to pass the firefighting exam for that specific one.

In addition to studying your course material, there are many good study guides you can use to help pass the firefighting exam, both online and in print. Online study guides can be especially helpful because they can give you instant feedback on your score. They can also suggest what material you need to review to increase your score.

There are also complete firefighter exam preparation online courses you can take to hone your skills and better your ability to pass the firefighting exam.

Whichever type of study guide or exam prep course you choose to help pass the firefighting exam, make sure it’s written by certified firefighters who are up to date on the latest technology and techniques for firefighting so you’re getting quality information. Also, check to see that the material is based on the NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This is the standard that most fire departments use for certification, so it’s important that the study information corresponds to that requirement.

The first step is finding practice exams for your particular state. Then look up the test exam that you’re taking. For instance, if you’re getting certified in Arizona at Firefighter Level One that would be the test material you’d study and the practice test you’d want to take. Some of the areas of study you should focus on that will help you pass the firefighting exam would be:

  • Directional orientation
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Situational reasoning
  • Basic math skills
  • Reading comprehension
  • Spelling, grammar and vocabulary

Also, find a study partner or study team to help you prepare for the test. Have them quiz you on terminology that you’ll need to know to pass the firefighting exam. Make flashcards and carry them with you so you can use every opportunity to quiz yourself and prepare for the exam. Go over your notes and read and re-read all of your study material until you know it by heart.

Problem solving is a big part of becoming a firefighter and will occupy a portion of the exam, so practice those skills to prepare for it.

Lastly, talk to people who’ve taken the exam and ask them for advice on how best to prepare to pass the firefighting exam. A newly certified firefighter who’s recently taken the test can point you toward targeted areas of study and other tips that can go a long way toward helping you pass the exam. In short take advantage of every spare minute to increase your chances of getting a great score that will help you achieve your goal of becoming a firefighter.

Firefighting 101 articles are intended to educate a non-fire service audience about the fire service profession. These articles are written by FireRescue1 staff members and FireRescue1 contributors, and cover a wide range of topics from how to join a fire academy to how to pass the exams required to be a firefighter. If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, or are interested in writing for Firefighting 101, email editor@firerescue1.com.

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