NFA Test Tips: How to Prepare for Firefighter Ability Tests
Quick answer
First confirm which tests your service uses — recent recruitment material describes verbal, numerical and mechanical reasoning, situational judgement tests and questionnaires more often than the older NFA tests. Then practise those formats under timed conditions, review every mistake, and build pace over two to four weeks.
Written and online tests are an early filter in most firefighter recruitment. The older National Firefighter Ability (NFA) tests are less common now, but the preparation principles are the same for any firefighter ability test — and candidates often struggle not because they lack ability, but because the format and time pressure catch them out.
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Practise every test you'll sit — not just the one you find hardest
Most candidates are more comfortable with either numbers or words and naturally focus on whichever worries them most. That leaves gaps. Practise every test type your service uses — including mechanical reasoning if it's on the list — because a weak result on one test can hold you back.
Divide your preparation fairly across the tests. If you have two weeks, aim for at least two or three timed sessions of each.
Practice under timed conditions from the start
It is tempting to do your first few practice tests without a timer to build familiarity and confidence. This is reasonable for your very first attempt — but switch to timed conditions quickly, ideally from your second session. The time pressure in the real tests is a meaningful part of the challenge, and the only way to build composure under it is to practice under it.
Time yourself per test, not per question. Stop when the time is up even if you have not finished — this gives you an accurate picture of where you stand relative to the real test rather than a false sense of security.
Preparing for the tests
Practise the tests this article describes
Reading about them only goes so far — the tests are timed, and the pace is the part that catches people out.
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Review every answer, right and wrong
After each practice session, go through every question — not just the ones you got wrong. For questions you got right, confirm that you got them right for the right reason and not by lucky elimination. For questions you got wrong, understand specifically why — was it a calculation error, a misread question, a Cannot Say error, or a genuine gap in understanding?
Patterns in your errors are far more valuable than raw scores. If you consistently miss percentage questions, practice percentages. If you consistently mark True when the answer is Cannot Say, practice the discipline of strict source-based reading.
Read the questions carefully — especially the SJT
Situational judgement tests differ: some ask for the most and least appropriate responses, others ask you to rate every response on an effectiveness scale. Read the instructions for each question carefully before looking at the options.
SJT scenarios test your judgement against fire service values. When in doubt, ask: what would a safe, honest, respectful firefighter do? The Core Code of Ethics is a useful guide.
On test day: pace, don't race
The most common mistake on test day is trying to go too fast and making careless errors as a result. You have enough time to read each question carefully and think through your answer — what you do not have time for is re-reading questions twice, second-guessing yourself repeatedly, or spending five minutes on a single question.
Work at a steady, deliberate pace. Skip questions that are taking too long and return to them at the end. Mark an answer for every question — the official NFA booklet said marks were not deducted for wrong answers, so a blank was always a lost mark. Check your own test's instructions on this.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start preparing for firefighter ability tests?
Two to four weeks of consistent practice suits most candidates. Start earlier if you are less confident with numbers or reading, or haven't sat a timed test recently.
Is there a pass mark?
Services do not typically publish the exact pass mark. The pass threshold may vary between campaigns depending on the number of vacancies and the overall standard of the applicant pool. Aim to perform as well as possible rather than targeting a specific score.
What happens if I fail the tests?
You can usually apply again in a future campaign, but some services set a waiting period — Essex, for example, says unsuccessful candidates can't reapply for at least 12 months. Check your service's policy.
Does my test score affect my overall ranking?
It depends on the service. Some use test results as a sift and others combine them with later stages. Aim for your best score rather than a bare pass.