What to Expect on Firefighter Selection Day
Quick answer
Firefighter selection day typically includes the three NFA written ability tests (Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, Situational Awareness), the Job-related Fitness Test (JRFT) including the bleep test, and sometimes the structured interview — all in a single day or across two separate assessment dates.
For most firefighter applicants, selection day is the most important day of the entire process. After weeks of preparation, it all comes down to how you perform on the day. Knowing exactly what to expect — the format, the sequence, and the small logistical details — means you can walk in focused on performance rather than anxious about the unknown.
How the day is typically structured
Selection day varies slightly between services, but most follow a similar format. Candidates are invited to an assessment centre — either a fire station or a hired venue — where they complete the written tests, the physical fitness test, and sometimes the interview on the same day. Some services run the written tests online before assessment day and assess fitness and interview in person separately.
If everything is on one day, expect a long one — often 7 to 9 hours including breaks. Arrive early. Being punctual demonstrates exactly the kind of reliability and professionalism that fire services are looking for.
The NFA written tests
The four NFA assessments — Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, and Situational Awareness — take a combined total of approximately 1 hour 55 minutes of active testing time, plus briefing and transition time between tests. They are typically sat consecutively with short breaks in between.
You will be given a question booklet and an answer sheet, or may sit the tests online on a computer depending on the service. Read the instructions on the answer sheet carefully before you start. If the tests are paper-based, make sure you understand how to mark your answers — a mis-marked answer sheet can cost you points that have nothing to do with your actual ability.
Bring rough working paper if you are permitted to — or use what is provided. Do not try to do the Working with Numbers calculations entirely in your head.
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The physical fitness assessment
The Job-related Fitness Test (JRFT) typically includes a shuttle run (bleep test), a ladder climb, equipment carry, and casualty drag. The order may vary between services. The bleep test standard for wholetime selection is 8.8 — reaching the cone on the 8th shuttle of level 8.
Arrive already warmed up. The transition from sitting tests to running a bleep test is jarring if you have been sedentary for several hours. Take the time to stretch, warm up your legs, and get your breathing settled before the run begins. Nerves elevate your heart rate — start the bleep test at a sustainable pace rather than sprinting.
The equipment carry and casualty drag test grip strength, upper body endurance, and coordination. Practice these movements if you can — carrying equipment in an uncomfortable grip position is a specific skill that benefits from repetition.
The competency interview
If the interview is on the same day as the tests, it typically comes after the written and physical assessments. By this point you may be tired — mentally from the tests and physically from the fitness assessment. Prepare for this. Eat and hydrate properly throughout the day.
Bring prepared STAR-format answers for the key PQA competencies. Even if you feel the interview questions are different from what you practiced, your preparation gives you a bank of real examples to draw from rather than improvising under pressure.
Practical preparation for the day
Lay out everything the night before — ID, confirmation letter, any required documents, appropriate clothing for both the written tests (smart-casual) and the physical assessment (comfortable sports kit). Check travel time to the venue and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Eat a balanced meal beforehand — not too heavy, not too light. Stay well-hydrated. Avoid excessive caffeine before the tests. Get enough sleep the night before — easier said than done, but genuinely important for cognitive performance.
Most importantly: trust your preparation. If you have done timed practice on all four NFA assessments, trained for the physical assessment, and prepared your interview answers, you have done what you can. On the day, the job is to execute — not to prepare further.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to firefighter selection day?
Smart-casual for the written tests and interview; comfortable, appropriate sports kit for the physical assessment. Bring both and change if necessary. Check whether the service gives specific guidance in your invitation letter.
What if I fail one part of the assessment?
Failing any mandatory stage typically means you cannot progress in that campaign. Some services allow you to reapply in a future campaign. Check the specific policy with your service.
Can I bring anything into the tests?
No calculators, phones, or external materials are permitted in the NFA tests. You will be given rough working paper for the Working with Numbers test. Check your invitation letter for any service-specific rules.
How long until I hear back after selection day?
Typically 1–4 weeks, depending on the service and how many candidates attended. Some services provide results on the day for some stages.