Preparing for the online tests
As part of the recruitment process to become an on-call or wholetime firefighter, if you are unable to provide evidence of having GCSE’s or equivalent in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above, we will require you to take two online tests.
Verbal reasoning test
Time limit: 15 minutes
In this test, questions will be presented as short passages of information about a specific topic. You’ll need to decide whether the statements are true, false, or not possible to say. Your decision-making process should only rely on the information in front of you. This will assess your ability to interpret and evaluate verbal information.
Numerical reasoning test
Time limit: 18 minutes
This test looks at your ability to interpret and analyse numerical information. This will be presented to you in a graph, table or short passage. You’ll need to be able to calculate basic equations that are similar to GCSE level. You’ll need to consider how the problem can be solved and identify the information to do so before you do the calculations. You can use a calculator.
Firefighters need to be able to make basic mathematical calculations, for things like interpreting gauges or calculating how much hose is needed at a fire.
Practice tests
To feel extra prepared before test day, we recommend you complete some practice tests. This will also help you get familiar with how to fill them out.
Verbal Reasoning Practice Test
Numerical Reasoning Practice Test
And we know it’s easier said than done but try to relax the day before the tests and get a good night’s sleep.
