Written Tests

We do not require candidates to have any formal educational qualifications, it is important to remember that Firefighters are required to interpret a variety information, problem solve and work with numbers on a daily basis.

At this stage you will be required to sit 4 multiple choice papers (detailed below) in formal examination conditions and you will be provided with a question and answer booklet.  You should expect the assessment to last approximately 3 hours.

National Firefighter Questionnaire (NFQ) – The NFQ uses 127 questions to assess the candidate’s attitude and motivation in relation to the following PQA’s:

• Working with Others

• Commitment to Diversity and Integrity

• Confidence and Resilience

• Commitment to Excellence

• Commitment to Development

• Situational Awareness

• Openness to Change

National Firefighter Ability (NFA) Tests cover the following areas and PQA’s:

• Effective Communication

• Problem Solving

• Situational Awareness

Situational Awareness and Problem Solving – assessing candidate’s ability to ensure the safety of themselves and others and their ability to use information to solve problems. There are 30 questions, describing situations and scenarios that you would be likely to face in the role of Firefighter, requiring candidates to choose one of four answers that most closely describe what to do in a situation.

Understanding Information – assessing candidate’s ability to read and understand written information, typically encountered in the role. Candidates are required to respond to 25 questions, extracting relevant information on fire safety drills, memos and extracts from a training course manual.

Working with Numbers – assessing candidate’s ability to understand and work with numerical information that a Firefighter may typically encounter. 32 questions cover six scenarios; candidates are required to perform combinations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as estimations of numerical data.  Calculators cannot be used, however we will provide you with rough paper for your workings (your workings will not be assessed).

You must pass each stage of the four tests and achieve a nationally agreed minimum combined score in order to progress to the next stage of the selection process. A practice leaflet is available to download below and we recommend that you work through this booklet prior to attending the written tests.

Following completion of the written tests, you will receive a comprehensive and accurate feedback report in relation to the responses you gave, serving to highlight your strengths and areas for development.