WRITTEN EXAM PREP

What to Expect

Candidates looking to join a WA Fire Careers agency must take their written exam through National Testing Network (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com), either virtually or at one of their in-person testing facilities.

The written exam takes approximately two hours and covers four major categories: Human Relations, Mechanical, Reading, and Math.  Below is an overview of each of the test’s main categories:

Human Relations

This section tests candidates on their teamwork and human relations skillset.

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Mechanical

This section tests candidates on their aptitude for  basic mechanical principles.

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Reading

This section tests candidates on their basic reading comprehension skills.

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Math

This section tests candidates on their basic math skills without the use of a calculator.

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Practice Tests

National Testing Network is WA Fire Career’s chosen testing administrator. Their top recommendation for aspiring firefighters, when it comes to preparing for the written exam, is the FireTEAM Video Practice Test provided by Ergometrics. There are other resources out there, this is simply our top recommendation.

FireTEAM Video Practice Test Options
Basic Practice Test Extended Practice Test
  • 5 Human Relations video items and explanations
  • 12-item Mechanical Aptitude Test and explanations
  • 15-item Reading Test
  • 7-item Math Test

Test Cost: $24.99
  • 20 Human Relations video items and explanations
  • 12-item Mechanical Aptitude Test and explanations
  • 30-item Reading Test
  • 14-item Math Test

Test Cost: $38.99
Learn more about FireTEAM Video Practice Tests

Registering for the Written Exam

All WA Fire Careers agencies pull exam scores exclusively from National Testing Network. In order to register for your written exam with National Testing Network, follow these steps:

Visit National Testing Network

Navigate to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com.

Click the Exams menu item at the top of the homepage

At the top of the homepage, click the main navigation menu item titled, “Exams“.

Locate the written exam in the list of exam options

Scroll down until you locate the “Firefighter – FireTEAM” option under “Written Exams”. Click the “Firefighter Jobs” button to proceed.

Select the WA Fire Careers listing

Under the “Choose Your Department” section to the left of the page, filter by ‘firefighter’ and ‘Washington’, then click the “Update” button. Next, check the box next to the listing that contains “WAFIRECAREERS” in the department name on the right of the page. Then click the “Continue” button in the lower, left-hand corner of the page. Note: Our listing will list all of our agencies as the ‘department’ and end with WAFIRECAREERS. 

Confirm you qualify for the role

Read through the job description, requirements, and timeline to confirm that you qualify for the role, then click the “Continue” button in the lower, left-hand corner of the page.

Choose how you'd like to take your exam

Choose to take your exam virtually or at one of your local National Testing Network facilities. Then, select the date and time that works best for you.

Proceed with registration

You will be asked to confirm your order for the exam, as well as register for a National Testing Network account. Once you’ve paid for your exam, you’re all ready to go! National Testing Network will guide you through the process of test administration.

Register for your Exam Today!

If you feel that you’re ready to begin your career in the fire service, there is no better time than the present to register for your written exam! If you have any questions about the written exam process, please feel free to reach out to the National Testing Network directly or visit their FAQ.

Register now