Applying to Merseyside Fire & Rescue?
Practise the NFA firefighter selection tests — Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, and Situational Awareness — with timed simulations built for Merseyside Fire & Rescue candidates.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service protects over 1.4 million people across Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral. Wholetime firefighter vacancies are popular and competition is strong — thorough preparation for the written ability tests is one of the most effective things you can do before application.
Merseyside FRS uses the National Firefighter Selection (NFS) process, which includes the NFA written tests. These are sat online as part of the initial application stage. Candidates who pass the NFA tests are then invited to a physical fitness assessment and competency-based interview.
The three NFA tests — Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, and Situational Awareness & Problem Solving — test the numerical, verbal, and behavioural competencies required of a firefighter. All three are timed multiple-choice tests administered under standardised conditions.
Preparation matters. Candidates who practise timed NFA tests beforehand are significantly better placed to perform under pressure on the day — not because the questions are the same, but because the format and time pressure are no longer unfamiliar.
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.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue — 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.
What physical tests does Merseyside FRS use?
The physical assessment includes the Job-related Fitness Test (JRFT), which typically covers a bleep test (8.8 level), ladder climb, hose reel and branch carry, and casualty drag. Physical standards are the same nationally for wholetime firefighters.
What is the Merseyside FRS firefighter salary?
Nationally standardised — trainee firefighters start on approximately £26,000–£28,000 during development, rising to around £37,000 on full competency. Check the active vacancy for current confirmed pay.