Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Practice - FACT Prep Guide
The Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT) - dubbed the OFAI Stage 1 by the Ontario Fire Administration - is a firefighter aptitude exam designed to screen candidates and used by fire departments in various jurisdictions.
The FACT Test Practice Course contains accurate simulations and study guides.
- It accurately Covers reading ability, mathematical reasoning, map reading, writing ability, and the personal characteristics section.
- It replicates the time limit of the real exam, helping reduce testing anxiety and settling your nerves on test day.
FACT (OFAI Stage One) Sample Questions
Question 1 - Map Reading
The map below shows the distribution of water. Using the map, answer the following questions.
The pressure sensor in Orange street is located ______ to the pressure sensor in Lemon street.
The correct answer is D
Explanation:
The top of the map has an arrow with an “N” letter under it, which represents the direction of the north. Remember the compass rose-
The pressure sensor on Lemon Street is at the bottom of the map, while the pressure sensor on Orange Street is at the top of the map. That means that the pressure sensor on Orange Street is northern to the one on Lemon Street.
In addition, the Lemon Street sensor is between the 2nd and the 3rd blocks from the left, while the Orange Street sensor is in the middle of the 5th block – the Orange Street sensor is more to the right than the Lemon Street sensor, which means that it is also more east.
The Orange Street pressure sensor is northeast of the Lemon Street pressure sensor.
Question 2 - Writing Ability - Punctuation
Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?
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You can find more questions like these on our Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Prep Course, which contains over 1500 practice questions spread over 79 sample tests.
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Question 3 - Mathematical Reasoning - Word Problems
Read the following, then answer the question
A firefighter is assigned to a team that responds to emergency calls. On Monday, the team responds to 4 calls. On Tuesday, they respond to 6 calls. On Wednesday, they respond to 2 calls more than the previous day. On Thursday, they respond to 3 calls fewer than the previous day.
If the team responds to the same number of calls on Friday as they did on Monday, how many emergency calls does the team respond to in total over the week?
Question 4 - Reading Comprehension
Read the passage below and answer the following question regarding the information given in the passage:
Firefighting is a multifaceted profession that demands a combination of physical endurance, technical expertise, and mental resilience. Firefighters face unpredictable and often hazardous work environments where they must respond quickly to a variety of emergencies. They not only combat fires but are also trained in areas such as search and rescue, first aid, and hazardous materials management. Firefighters must be able to assess situations under extreme pressure, make decisions with limited information, and execute complex tasks with precision. Beyond their physical capabilities, their ability to function effectively as part of a team is critical. Firefighters regularly work in high-stress conditions where their actions directly impact the safety of both civilians and fellow team members. Given these challenges, the ability to think critically and remain calm under pressure is essential to success in the field.
Based on the passage, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the requirements of a firefighter’s role?
Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT) Breakdown
The Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test is a written aptitude test consisting, like many other firefighter aptitude tests, of the following topics:
Reading comprehension (15 questions), writing ability (10 questions), math (15 questions), and map reading (15 questions)
Additionally, the Personal Characteristics section (60 questions) measures personality attributes like interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment, honesty, integrity, and emotional stability.
Below you can find a detailed breakdown of the Firefighter Exam sections and question types to study with the most accurate and complete Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Practice.
Learn about other positions with our Free Civil Service Exam Practice.
Demonstration of what using the prep course looks like.
Mathematical Reasoning
The Mathematical Reasoning section includes 15 math questions related to fire. Here are some of the characteristics of fire-related math questions you may encounter in the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test:
- Graphs: After reviewing the graph, you will be asked straightforward questions about the mix of materials most responsible for fires in commercial buildings. The initial question will be followed by a series of statements, with only one being true or false.
- Expenses: These questions relate to the purchase of team equipment within the budget allocated for the firehouse. This is a practical skill, as unit members are ultimately responsible for ensuring they have all the equipment necessary to fight fires and save lives.
- Weight: These questions will use math to see how effectively and quickly you can calculate weight issues, which can mean the difference between life and death. You may be asked to calculate the weight of the number of people stuck in an elevator. Or the equipment on your back plus an injured party that you need to carry to safety.
- Statistics: Questions on statistics may also be thrown into the mix, which might relate to types of burn or road accident victims. As part of your job, and depending on the position you ultimately rise to, interpreting statistics and data can be instrumental in helping the organization to save more lives.
Writing Ability Section:
Like so many other professions, the ability to write well is an important part of a firefighter's job. For instance, every incident has to be reported and documented (forms can take up to 30 minutes to complete). Additionally, all issues with equipment must also be properly recorded. Thus, the ability to write correctly is instrumental to the job. Let's take a look at some of the types of questions you might see in this section of the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test:
- Complete the sentence: You will be provided with a broken sentence missing two words. Next, you will choose the right matching words from a multiple-choice list. Be careful, as many of the words will look similar even though they hold different meanings.
- Grammar and Punctuation: These question types will come in the form of several multiple-choice options. Choose the most well-constructed sentence by looking at grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Alternatively, you might be provided one sentence and be asked to choose the problem from a multiple-choice list (spelling, grammar, punctuation, or no issue.)
- Synonyms: You will be provided with a single sentence with one word underlined. You will have to find the Synonym for the underlined word from among a list of multiple-choice options.
Map Reading Section:
A map reading question might involve a street map, a residential or commercial floor plan, or a water distribution map. You'll be asked to determine the most efficient route between two points, follow directions indicating a particular route or locate an object in relation to another, or find the fastest route to reach your destination. This will assess your map reading firefighter aptitude abilities.
Reading Ability Section:
The Reading Ability section in the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test includes fire-related passages that you must read and answer questions in multiple-choice format. The goal of this section is to test your capacity to read and process large amounts of text within a limited time frame.
For free firefighter aptitude and character test practice questions, see our general Firefighter practice test questions and answers page or press the get started now button for accurate test-like firefighter aptitude and character test practice questions.
Personal Characteristics Section:
The last section is comprised of eight paragraphs with different moralistic scenarios both on and off the job. After reading each scenario, you will (1) choose your response from a multiple-choice list; and (2) choose which of the answer choices is the most or least appropriate response. It must be understood that values, human dignity, and trust are a significant part of the job. Fire companies want to ensure that the people they choose are of the highest caliber possible.
OFAI Prep: Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test
The FACT Test or OFAI stage 1 exam is your first step in the recruitment process, so it would be a shame to fail and throw away all your hard training. Instead, make sure you come fully prepared by taking advantage of JobTestPrep's comprehensive Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Practice. We provide accurate and timed testing with in-depth guides and explanations to learn your strengths and focus on your weaknesses with the most thorough practice experience on the market.
Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Hiring Process
Now that you have a basic understanding of what you will see on the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test, let's take a brief tour of the hiring process.
OFAI Stage 1 & OFAI Stage 2: CV and Questionnaire
The OFAI will first review your Cover Letter and CV as the first step in the screening process at Ontario fire departments. The second stage will require you will take a questionnaire, which will help the administration assess how serious and committed you are.
Stage 3: Registration, Testing Process, and OFAI FPAT Exam
Once you are pre-assessed and approved, you will go through a six-stage assessment process:
A. Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT)
See above.
B. Hearing Assessment
Hearing loss greater than 40 decibels (500 Hz/DB, 1000 Hz/DB, 2000 Hz/DB, and 3000 Hz/DB) in either ear is a fail
C. Vision Assessment
This is not conducted at the OFAI; you must see your private optometrist and return a form to the agency.
D. Encapsulated Treadmill Test
You will undergo a pre-screening by a doctor and an Aerobic Fitness Evaluation-Encapsulated Treadmill Protocol.
E. Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job-Related Tests (FPAT)
These are six individual tests that must all be passed to continue.
- Equipment Carry/Vehicle Extrication with a total walking distance of 105m, you will pick up tools about 20-44 kg (30 times in 3 minutes 45 seconds or less) and place them correctly on disks.
- Charged Hose Advance – Walking as fast as possible (you are not allowed to run), you must advance a hose to the finish line at 30M. You must complete this task in less than 27 seconds.
- Weighted Sled Pull – Pull a sled back and forth three times at 15.24 m per pull in less than 1 minute and 50 seconds.
- Forcible Entry Simulation – Using a 4.5-kilogram sledgehammer, you must break through a surface safely in under 19 seconds.
- Victim Rescue – Pickup and carry a mannequin weighing 83 kg 15 meters to the finish line. You will have 57 seconds to complete the exercise.
- Ladder Climb - You have 1 minute and 57 seconds to climb a ten rung later ten times while placing both feet on the top rung.
F. Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment
These are six individual tests that must all be passed to continue. All tests are to be completed within 10 minutes each.
- 10 Meter Ladder Climb, Ropes, Knots, and Tool Lift – After tying your knots properly, climb up to a third-floor balcony with an axe and come back down successfully.
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Proficiency Test – Crawl through a complex in full gear by following all search procedures. You only pass this test when you get to the exit on time.
- Medical Skills – Wearing PPE, you must verbalize all treatments for any injury described to you and administer first aid in practice.
- Roof Ventilation – Wearing PPE and SCBA, you must determine if the roof is safe, climb up, and cut a ventilation hole. If the hole is too big, you automatically fail; if the hole is too small, you will get a chance to correct it.
- 7 Meter Ladder Raise/ Roof Ladder Deployment - Wearing PPE and SCBA and completing a beam or flat raise with a 7-meter ladder. You can only ask for assistance to stabilize the ladder.
- Fine Motor Skills Hose Assembly – In PPE assemble an assortment of hoses and appliances safely while hooking it up to water supplies. After everything is assembled, you will be raised and must fire the hole into a directed hole.
After receiving a pass, you will be invited to apply for a position in various municipalities fire departments.
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