Applying to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue?
Practise the NFA firefighter selection tests — Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, and Situational Awareness — with timed simulations built for Greater Manchester Fire candidates.
Greater Manchester Fire
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is one of the largest metropolitan fire services outside London, protecting over 2.8 million people across ten local authority areas. Wholetime firefighter vacancies attract hundreds of applications and the NFA written tests are a key filter in the selection process.
GMFRS uses the National Firefighter Selection (NFS) process, which includes the National Firefighter Ability (NFA) tests — Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, and Situational Awareness & Problem Solving. These tests are sat online and must be passed before progressing to the physical and interview stages.
The Working with Numbers test (45 minutes, 32 questions) requires candidates to read and interpret numerical information presented in tables, graphs, and fire-service scenarios. No calculator is permitted. The Understanding Information test (35 minutes, 25 questions) uses written passages modelled on operational notices and briefings.
Physical fitness is assessed separately using the Job-related Fitness Test (JRFT), which includes a shuttle run (bleep test to level 8.8), ladder climb, equipment carry, and casualty drag. Written test practice and physical training should both be underway well before your assessment date.
The three NFA tests
All three simulations are included for £14.99. Each is timed, scored, and comes with full answer explanations.
Working with Numbers
45 min · 32 questions
Numerical reasoning using fire-service data. No calculator.
Understanding Information
35 min · 25 questions
Read a passage and answer True / False / Cannot Say questions.
Situational Awareness
35 min · 30 questions
Fire-service SJT scenarios — most and least appropriate responses.
Greater Manchester Fire — common questions
Which NFA tests will I sit?
The National Firefighter Ability (NFA) tests include Working with Numbers (45 min, 32 questions), Understanding Information (35 min, 25 questions), and Situational Awareness & Problem Solving (35 min, 30 questions). All are multiple-choice. Some services may use variants — always confirm with your specific brigade.
Can I use a calculator in the Working with Numbers test?
No — calculators are not permitted. You will be given rough working paper. Practise mental arithmetic and written working as part of your preparation.
How much does it cost to practise?
Full access to all three NFA test simulations is £14.99, one-time. No subscription, no recurring charges, and access never expires.
When does Greater Manchester Fire recruit?
GMFRS runs periodic recruitment campaigns rather than continuous hiring. Watch the GMFRS careers page and set up job alerts — vacancies can close quickly once posted.
What is the GMFRS firefighter salary?
Trainee firefighters with GMFRS start on the national firefighter development rate, currently around £26,000–£28,000, rising to approximately £37,000 on full competency. Check the current vacancy for confirmed figures.
What is the bleep test level required?
The standard for wholetime firefighter selection is a bleep test score of 8.8 (8 shuttles in level 8). This is assessed as part of the Job-related Fitness Test (JRFT) and must be achieved on selection day.