Applying to West Midlands Fire Service?
Practise the NFA firefighter selection tests — Working with Numbers, Understanding Information, and Situational Awareness — with timed simulations built for West Midlands Fire Service candidates.
West Midlands Fire Service
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, covering Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and the wider West Midlands conurbation. Wholetime firefighter roles are highly competitive — each recruitment campaign attracts a high volume of applications across a large candidate pool.
WMFS uses the National Firefighter Selection process, including the NFA ability tests. The written tests are typically sat online and act as an early-stage filter before candidates are invited to a physical assessment and interview. Passing the written tests is non-negotiable — preparation is essential.
The NFA Working with Numbers test assesses basic numerical reasoning in a fire-service context. Questions use data presented as tables, floor plans, and operational summaries. The Understanding Information test presents written passages and asks candidates to identify whether statements are True, False, or Cannot be determined from the passage alone.
The Situational Awareness & Problem Solving test presents firefighter scenarios and asks you to select the most and least appropriate responses from a set of options. This tests your alignment with fire service values — teamwork, safety, integrity, and communication.
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.
West Midlands Fire Service — 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.
Does West Midlands Fire Service use NFA tests?
Yes — WMFS uses the National Firefighter Selection process, which includes the NFA ability tests as part of the initial online assessment stage.
What is the West Midlands Fire Service firefighter salary?
Trainee firefighters start on the national development rate (approximately £26,000–£28,000), rising to around £37,000 on full competency. Always check the current vacancy for confirmed pay scales.