We may earn a commission from some links on this page. Recommendations remain editorially independent.

“CPS Firefighter Test” can describe a department-selected written process rather than one universal national exam. Confirm the agency, administrator, sections, timing, calculator policy, and physical-test requirements in the official invitation.

These are original firefighter-style questions. They are not department, CPS, FireTEAM, NTN, or CPAT items.

For additional timed practice after you review the official invitation and format notes below, Review JobTestPrep’s US CPS Firefighter Test preparation.

JobTestPrep is an independent third-party preparation provider. Confirm the current USD price, access period and included modules on the live product page before purchase.

Do not confuse these processes

A local CPS-style written assessment can differ from FireTEAM, which National Testing Network describes as a firefighter testing system with human-relations, mechanical, reading, and math components. It also differs from CPAT, a physical ability test. A written practice page cannot replace physical-test orientation or the department’s official instructions.

“CPS” is not a reliable universal label for one nationally standardized firefighter examination. A city, county, civil service agency, or outside testing administrator can use its own written process, sections, and scoring rules. FireTEAM is an NTN-administered firefighter testing system. CPAT is a physical ability assessment and does not measure reading, math, mechanical reasoning, or human relations. A department may require one, more than one, or neither.

Treat a department announcement, candidate guide, and invitation as official sources for that hiring process. Third-party practice can build familiarity with general question types but cannot establish the agency’s cutoff, retest policy, physical requirements, or assessment content.

How to use this practice set

These original items cover four recurring written-test skills: reading exactly what is stated, basic arithmetic, common mechanical relationships, and professional judgment. For ordering questions, write the stated sequence before looking at the options. For judgment questions, prefer a safe, calm, procedure-based response that stays within the candidate’s authority. Do not use an invented practice rule as an emergency-response protocol.

25 original scored questions

  1. A report says “Unit 2 arrived after Unit 1.” Which statement must be true? A. Unit 1 arrived first B. Unit 2 arrived first C. Both arrived together D. Neither arrived. Correct answer: A. Explanation: “After” establishes the order.
  2. A crew uses 18 bottles over 6 training days. Average per day? A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 6. Correct answer: B. Explanation: 18 / 6 = 3.
  3. A lever’s pivot is the: A. load B. fulcrum C. rope D. gear. Correct answer: B. Explanation: The fulcrum is the pivot point.
  4. A candidate sees a damaged tool before training. Best response? A. Use it carefully B. Set it aside and report it C. Hide it D. Repair it without authorization. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Remove hazards through the proper process.
  5. Procedure order: inspect equipment, document findings, return equipment. What is second? A. Inspect B. Document C. Return D. None. Correct answer: B. Explanation: It is the stated middle step.
  6. A passage says only captains may approve a change. Who may approve it? A. Any firefighter B. Captain C. Visitor D. Trainee. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Apply the stated rule only.
  7. A 60-foot hose is divided equally into 3 sections. Each section is: A. 15 B. 20 C. 30 D. 180 feet. Correct answer: B. Explanation: 60 / 3 = 20.
  8. Two touching gears rotate in opposite directions. Gear A is clockwise. Gear B is: A. clockwise B. counterclockwise C. stationary D. upward. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Touching gears reverse direction.
  9. A teammate gives unclear information during a drill. Best response? A. Guess B. Ask for clarification C. Ignore it D. Criticize publicly. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Clear communication supports safe teamwork.
  10. Sequence: check assignment, gather equipment, report ready. What comes first? A. Gather B. Report C. Check assignment D. Document. Correct answer: C. Explanation: Follow the listed sequence.
  11. A tank contains 120 gallons. After 35 gallons are used, remaining volume is: A. 75 B. 85 C. 95 D. 155. Correct answer: B. Explanation: 120 - 35 = 85.
  12. A pulley mainly changes the direction of a pull when it is: A. fixed B. broken C. hydraulic D. insulated. Correct answer: A. Explanation: A fixed pulley commonly changes force direction.
  13. A policy says “Report injuries immediately.” A minor injury occurs. Best action? A. Wait B. Report it C. Conceal it D. Ask a friend. Correct answer: B. Explanation: The policy applies without an exception.
  14. Which sentence is supported: “The alarm sounded before the crew entered.” A. Crew entered first B. Alarm sounded first C. Events were simultaneous D. No order is known. Correct answer: B. Explanation: The passage directly states the order.
  15. 25% of 80 is: A. 15 B. 20 C. 25 D. 40. Correct answer: B. Explanation: One quarter of 80 is 20.
  16. A wider base generally makes an object: A. less stable B. more stable C. electrically charged D. lighter. Correct answer: B. Explanation: A wider base generally improves stability.
  17. You notice a teammate missed a checklist item. Best response? A. Complete or raise it according to procedure B. Ignore it C. Announce blame D. Alter the checklist. Correct answer: A. Explanation: Correct the safety issue through the appropriate process.
  18. Order the actions: A. notify supervisor B. identify issue C. document outcome. Correct order? A. A-B-C B. B-A-C C. C-B-A D. B-C-A. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Identify, notify, then document.
  19. A map scale says 1 inch = 2 miles. 3 inches represents: A. 1.5 B. 3 C. 5 D. 6 miles. Correct answer: D. Explanation: 3 x 2 = 6.
  20. A worn bearing may cause: A. vibration B. clearer writing C. lower gravity D. extra water pressure. Correct answer: A. Explanation: Wear can cause friction, heat, noise, and vibration.
  21. A reading passage gives no time limit. What can you conclude? A. There is definitely no limit B. A limit is not stated C. The test is untimed D. The test is physical. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Do not add facts not in the passage.
  22. Five crews each inspect 4 rooms. Rooms inspected: A. 9 B. 16 C. 20 D. 25. Correct answer: C. Explanation: 5 x 4 = 20.
  23. A circuit must be complete for current to flow. A broken conductor creates: A. closed circuit B. open circuit C. gear train D. pulley system. Correct answer: B. Explanation: The path is interrupted.
  24. An officer gives a lawful direction that conflicts with an informal shortcut. Best response? A. Use shortcut B. Follow the direction C. Ignore both D. Decide by vote. Correct answer: B. Explanation: Follow the authorized direction and procedure.
  25. First aid kit is checked weekly. It was checked Monday. Next scheduled check is: A. Tuesday B. Friday C. next Monday D. next month. Correct answer: C. Explanation: Weekly means seven days later.

Preparation plan

Practice reading precisely, doing basic arithmetic without rushing, applying simple mechanical principles, and choosing professional, safety-focused responses when a written rule is provided. Then follow the department’s official candidate guide for the actual process.

When your invitation covers several skill areas, broader Assessment test preparation can support mixed review before test day.

For ranked-response or work-style sections, situational judgment preparation may also be useful when you need extra drills under time pressure.