Study Guide and Sample Test

For The National Firefighter Selection

Test

Provided By

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 NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER SELECTION TEST (NFST)
STUDY GUIDE

Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................. 2

Preparing for the NFST ........................................................................... 3

Using this Study Guide .............................................................................. 3
Preparing Yourself Physically for Testing Day ........................................... 3

About the NFST........................................................................................ 4

Test Format ............................................................................................... 4
Time Limits ................................................................................................ 4
Marking Your Answers............................................................................... 4

Test-Taking Strategies ............................................................................ 5

Before the Test Begins .............................................................................. 5
While Taking the Test ................................................................................ 6

Sample Test Questions ........................................................................... 7

Section I – Listening Comprehension Passage ......................................... 7
Section II – Reading Comprehension. ....................................................... 8
Section III – Mathematics......................................................................... 14
Listening Comprehension Sample Test Questions .................................. 16

Sample Test Answer Key ...................................................................... 18

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Introduction

This study guide is designed to help you obtain your maximum potential score on the
National Firefighter Selection Test (NFST). Applicants are urged to read this study
guide thoroughly. People who take the time to familiarize themselves with the test’s
content and time limits, along with ways to prepare for testing, tend to feel more
confident on the day of the test and have a better chance of achieving their highest
possible score.

This study guide is divided into five parts.

Preparing for the NFST: Suggestions for things to do prior to testing to help you
achieve your highest possible score on the written exam

About the NFST: Information about the content of the test, the time limits for each
section of the test, and the proper method for recording your answers

Test-Taking Strategies: Guidelines to follow on the day of the test to help you
finish the test on time and increase your chances of scoring well on it

Sample Test Questions: Sample questions for each of the three sections of the
test

Sample Test Answer Key: Answers to each of the sample questions, along with
brief explanations

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Preparing for the NFST

You will increase your chance of obtaining your best possible score if you spend a
fair amount of time preparing for the test. This includes using this study guide to find
out as much as possible about the test ahead of time, paying proper attention to
yourself physically before the test, not becoming overly anxious about the test and
using a good test-taking strategy.

Using this Study Guide

As you read through this guide, be sure to work through and answer the sample test
items, which begin on page 7. This will give you the chance to practice answering
the types of questions you will be asked on the NFST. Working through the sample
questions can help you use your time more efficiently during the actual test and help
you feel less anxious about the test-taking process.

For the sample questions, make sure you read all the directions carefully and each
question completely before attempting to answer it. Then check your responses
against the Answer Key, which also provides a brief explanation of the answer.

Completing the sample questions may show you where extra review would be
beneficial. For example, if you find you have difficulty answering the math
questions, you may want to brush up on your math skills prior to the actual test date.
There are resources in local libraries, bookstores, and on the Internet that can help
reinforce math and reading skills.

Preparing Yourself Physically for Testing Day

The guidelines below can help you perform at your best on testing day.

• Avoid junk food and concentrate on eating well balanced meals for at least
several days before the test.

• Avoid tranquilizers and stimulants that can interfere with your mental
performance, especially on the day of the test.

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test.

• Do not drink a lot of liquids or eat a big meal shortly before the test.

• Avoid alcohol several days prior to and especially on the day of the test.

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About the NFST

Test Format

The NFST is made up of three separately timed sections: Listening Comprehension,

Reading Comprehension and Mathematics. All sections use a multiple-choice or
true/false response format. Though most of the questions on this test relate to
firefighting, no prior knowledge of the fire service is needed to answer the
questions.

Time Limits

It is important to know the amount of time allowed for each section so you can pace
yourself and avoid spending too much time on any one question. The number of
questions and the time limits for each section of the NFST are listed below.

Number
Section of Questions Test Time
Reading Comprehension
Standard Version 25 25 minutes
Mathematics 25 30 minutes
Listening Comprehension 20 20 minutes

Marking Your Answers

Since the test can be hand scored or computer scored, you must follow the test
instructions to ensure your answers are read correctly. Make no stray marks on the
test booklet; scratch paper is provided in the booklet for taking notes and solving
math problems. Below is a summary of the scoring instructions for both types of test
booklets.

Hand Scored Test Booklets Computer Scored Test Booklets

• Use a pen. • Use a #2 or softer lead pencil. Do
• Make heavy black marks that not use ink.
completely fill the circle. • Make heavy black marks that
• To change your answer, mark an X completely fill the circle.
over the incorrect response like this • Completely erase any marks you
. Then mark the new answer. wish to change.

Correct Mark Incorrect Marks Be sure that you blacken only one
response for each question. If you
blacken more than one, the
question will be incorrect, even if
one of the answers is correct.
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Test-Taking Strategies

This part of the study guide provides some common sense advice for the day you
take the test. Although some of these things may seem obvious, paying attention to
such details will increase your probability of obtaining your maximum potential score.

Before the Test Begins

¾ Arrive early on the day of the test. You may be assigned a seat or you may be
able to pick your own. Either way, settle in and put your things away.

¾ Visit the restroom before test administration begins. You may not be allowed
restroom breaks during testing, or if they are allowed, you will not be able to
make up that time.

¾ Once you are seated in the testing room, try to relax, put outside distractions
out of your mind and concentrate on the test you are about to take.

¾ If you are feeling anxious, try taking a few, slow deep breaths. This tends to
relax your muscles, calm your mind and make you feel more alert.

¾ Shut off any electronic devices such as cell phones and pagers before test
administration begins.

¾ Pay close attention to the test administrator. This person will provide you with
complete and detailed instructions for completing each section. Do not read
ahead because you may miss something important.

¾ Ask questions if any instructions are unclear. It is extremely important that

you completely understand the directions before testing begins.

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Test-Taking Strategies (continued)

While Taking the Test

¾ Just before the signal to begin each section is given, make a mental note of
what time it will be when the time limit is up. For example, if the time limit is
20 minutes and it is currently 3:00, make a mental note that time will be up at
3:20. This will help you pace yourself and avoid spending too much time on
any one question.

¾ Answer every question on the test. There is no penalty for guessing since
your score is based on the total number of correct answers. This means you
should respond to every question, even when you are not certain of the
correct answer.

¾ If you are uncertain of an answer, first eliminate any alternative you know is
incorrect. Then use your best guess with the remaining alternatives to
answer the question and move on. Balance the amount of time you spend on
each question with the total amount of time allotted for the section.

¾ You will be told when to start and stop each section. If you have extra time,
check your answers in that section of the test only. Start with any
questions you may have guessed on, then review all the others in that section
if there is time. You will not be allowed to go back to a previous section or
look ahead to the next section.

¾ Be sure to stop working as soon as you are told that time is up. Do not flip
through the test booklet to look at any upcoming sections. Do not look at any
other person’s test booklet. Anything that looks like cheating will
automatically disqualify you from the testing process and from further
consideration for employment.

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Sample Test Questions

Section I – Listening Comprehension

This test measures how well you understand what you hear. The test format is
similar to listening and taking notes at a lecture on material you will be tested on
later. A passage will be read to you, and you will take notes as you deem
appropriate on notepaper that is provided in the test booklet. Later in the testing
session, you will be asked questions about the material in the passage, and you will
be able to refer to your notes when answering. The questions will be in a multiple-
choice and true/false format.

Have someone read the following sample listening passage to you so you can take
notes as you listen. Reading the passage should take no more than 5 minutes. Set
the notes aside and refer to them later on in this guide when you answer the sample
test questions.

Sample Listening Passage

(Have someone read this passage to you as you take notes.)
Last year, more than 17,000 hazardous materials incidents occurred in transit on our
nation’s roads, accounting for 85% of all haz-mat incidents. The first responder who
can recognize certain characteristics of the cargo container and its contents will
have an advantage in the initial decision-making to bring the incident under control.

Atmospheric pressure cargo tanks are easily identified by their elliptical shape and
flat ends. The most common of all road trailers, they typically haul petroleum
products and have a 9,000 gallon capacity which is loaded in the rear of the tanker.

Low-pressure cargo tanks transport flammable, combustible liquids; mild corrosives;

and poisons and have a 7,000 gallon capacity. These cargo tanks have a circular
shape, stiffening rings and top-center loading domes.

High-pressure cargo tanks transport liquefied petroleum gas and can be recognized
by their rounded circular ends and white color. Loading and unloading done through
an inlet marked “vapor spray” that is located on the driver’s side of the tank. These
cargo tanks can haul up to 11,500 gallons.

Cryogenic liquid cargo tanks haul up to 8,000 gallons of extremely cold substances
such as liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen. These tanks are circular
in shape and are distinguished by a box-like closet in the rear of the tank which
houses the controls and a relief valve. Built-up pressure from warming during transit
will cause a normal discharge from the valve.

(Now set your notes aside and continue with the rest of this sample test.)

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Section II – Reading Comprehension

This section measures how well you understand what you read. It consists of a
number of short paragraphs, each followed by some questions. All the information
you need to answer the questions is contained in the paragraphs. In some
instances, you may need to draw a conclusion from the information.

Sample Passage #1

In recent years, nearly 80% of civilian fire deaths occurred in residential settings. A
quick search and rescue by fire personnel is essential in saving lives. During the
primary search, which is rapid and thorough, firefighters should look for victims as
close to the source of the fire as possible and work outward. Experience has shown
that victims are typically found in the area behind or near the front door. Other high-
target areas to be searched are the bedrooms and bathrooms. Children most often
hide under their beds and in closets, though firefighters should search the latter area
only as far as their arms will reach. Fire victims also seek refuge in the bathroom,
believing the tub and water will protect them.

1. According to the passage, 80% of all fires occur in the home.

A. True
B. False

2. According to the passage, the primary search

A. is slow and thorough

B. begins in the bedroom or bathroom
C. begins as close to the source of the fire as possible
D. begins at the front door

3. According to the passage, in a home fire, children

A. can be found where the fire started

B. will often hide under their bed
C. usually run out the front door
D. can always be found in the bathtub

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Section II - Reading Comprehension Continued

4. According to the passage, during the primary search, a firefighter would not
search an entire walk-in closet.

A. True
B. False

5. According to the passage, which of the following would be considered a low

priority in a search for fire victims?

A. A bathroom
B. By the front door
C. The bedroom
D. The kitchen

6. According to the passage, during a home fire, fire victims are likely to be
found

A. hiding under their bed

B. in the bathroom
C. by the front door
D. in the fire room

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Section II - Reading Comprehension Continued

Sample Passage #2

A new product on the market, called INSTA-CRIB, is offered as an aid to fire

departments for vehicle stabilization. The 15-pound aluminum device is placed
under the wheel of a vehicle and an arm extends upward that automatically adjusts
and locks to the wheel. This compact device measures 20 inches long and is taller
than most step chocks, extending to 13 inches. INSTA-CRIB is rated for a 2,500-
pound maximum load and is easily decontaminated. A larger version, which
measures 26 inches in length and extends 18 inches is also available for securing
the wheels of larger vehicles, such as trailer trucks. This version is rated for a
maximum 5,000-pound load.

7. According to the passage, INSTA-CRIB is used to

A. turn the wheels of a vehicle

B. secure the wheels of a vehicle
C. lift the wheels of a vehicle off the ground
D. deflate the wheels of a vehicle

8. According to the passage, the INSTA-CRIB for automobiles

A. is rated for a maximum 5,000 pound load

B. weighs 20 pounds
C. measures 15 inches in length
D. extends 13 inches

9. According to the passage, once the stabilization device is placed under a

wheel, it automatically adjust and locks.

A. True
B. False

10. According to the passage, the length of the INSTA-CRIB to be used for a
large moving van is

A. 13 inches
B. 15 inches
C. 20 inches
D. 26 inches

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Section II - Reading Comprehension Continued

11. According to the passage, INSTA-CRIB

A. is a type of step-chock
B. is available in two sizes
C. is made of aluminum
D. All the above

12. According to the passage, how high does the INSTA-CRIB device extend for
larger vehicles?

A. 13 inches
B. 15 inches
C. 18 inches
D. That information is not provided in the passage.

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Section II - Reading Comprehension Continued

Sample Passage #3

Before there were above ground fire hydrants, as early as the 1600s, fire fighters
would access water by digging down to the water main. They would quickly make a
hole in it and transport the water by way of bucket brigades, or later, hand pumped
fire engines. After putting out the fire, they would plug the hole in the water main
with a stopper, which became known as a fire plug. The first U.S. above ground
hydrant was developed in Philadelphia in 1803, but underground fire hydrants have
been used abroad since at least the 1700s. After the Great Fire of London of 1666,
the city put installed water mains with pre-drilled holes that were equipped with
risers, which allowed access to the fire plugs from street level. Today in the UK,
underground hydrants are indicated by a yellow sign bearing the letter “H.” For
underground hydrants in Finland, such signs are painted blue. In Australia,
underground hydrants have signs with several codes, including “H” for potable water
and “RH” for recycled water. In the U.S., flags or red, narrow posts are attached to
hydrants so they can be found during heavy snowfall. In non-snowy areas, blue
reflectors are embedded in the street to help firefighters quickly find them at night.

13. According to the information in the passage, the first above ground fire
hydrant in the U.S. was developed in

A. the early 1600s

B. 1666
C. the 1700s
D. 1803

14. According to the information in the passage, before above ground fire
hydrants were available, early fire fighters

A. dug holes until they hit the water table

B. punctured the water main
C. pumped water out of fire engines
D. carried buckets from nearby homes

15. According to the information in the passage, immediately following the Great
Fire of London, the city

A. installed the first above ground fire hydrant

B. designed water mains so water could be obtained without digging
C. put up signs to indicate where hydrants were located
D. began using hand pumped fire engines

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Section II - Reading Comprehension Continued

16. According to the information in the passage, a hydrant in the country of

Finland is identified by

A. painting the hydrant blue

B. the letters “RH” on a sign
C. the letter “H” on a blue sign
D. reflectors in the roadway

17. According to the information in the passage, which of the following countries
has underground hydrants today?

A. Australia
B. England
C. Finland
D. All the above

18. According to the information in the passage, in the early days of firefighting,
the term “fire plug” referred to

A. the water mains that supplied a town

B. the first wooden fire hydrants
C. the stoppers placed in water mains
D. water main risers leading up to street level

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Section III – Mathematics
This section measures your ability to perform the basic math functions required of entry-level
firefighters. It consists of fire-related story problems and formulas that call for you to use
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. There are also some problems that call for
simple algebra, squares and square roots.

19. A firefighter searches a school that is 75 feet long and 50 feet wide. What is
the perimeter of the building?

A. 125 feet
B. 150 feet
C. 200 feet
D. 250 feet

20. 2 x 7 + 11 =

A. 25
B. 29
C. 36
D. Not given

21. If A = 2, B = 3 and C = 5, what is AB + BC?

A. 13
B. 21
C. 48
D. 90

22. A foundation wall can be divided into segments based on the number of
anchor bolts embedded in the concrete. If a 16 foot long wall is divided
into 24 inch segments, how many segments are there?

A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10

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Section III – Mathematics Continued

23. 3 + 42 + 9 =

A. 16
B. 18
C. 20
D. 28

24. .3 x 10 + 2.5 =

A. 2.8
B. 5.5
C. 12.8
D. Not given

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Section I (continued) - Listening Comprehension Sample Test Questions

Refer to the notes that you took earlier for the sample listening passage to
answer the following test questions.

25. According to the passage, what type of cargo tank is usually white in color?

A. Atmospheric pressure cargo tank

B. Low-pressure cargo tank
C. High-pressure cargo tank
D. Cryogenic liquid cargo tank

26. According to the passage, what is the hauling capacity for low-pressure cargo
tanks?

A. 7,000 gallons
B. 8,000 gallons
C. 9,000 gallons
D. 11,500 gallons

27. According to the passage, what type of cargo tank is used to haul liquid
nitrogen?

A. Atmospheric pressure cargo tank

B. Low-pressure cargo tank
C. High-pressure cargo tank
D. Cryogenic liquid cargo tank

28. According to the passage, incidents involving hazardous materials most

commonly occur during transit.

A. True
B. False

29. According to the passage, the atmospheric pressure cargo tank can be
recognized by its

A. white color
B. elliptical shape and flat ends
C. circular shape and top-center dome
D. closet-like box at the end of the tank

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30. According to the passage, liquefied petroleum gas is transported in a(n)

A. atmospheric pressure cargo tank

B. low-pressure cargo tank
C. high-pressure cargo tank
D. cryogenic liquid cargo tank

31. According to the passage, atmospheric pressure cargo tanks are loaded
through

A. the rear of the tank

B. the top of the tank
C. an inlet located on the driver’s side
D. The passage did not specify how cargo is loaded.

32. According to the passage, which cargo tanker has the highest loading
capacity?

A. Atmospheric pressure cargo tank

B. Low-pressure cargo tank
C. High-pressure cargo tank
D. Cryogenic liquid cargo tank

33. According to the passage, first responders to the scene of an overturned

cargo tanker with a box-like closet at the rear of the tank will encounter what
type of hazardous material?

A. Flammable substances
B. Extremely cold substances
C. Liquefied petroleum gas
D. Petroleum products

34. According to the passage, what is the most common type of tanker seen on
the road?

A. Atmospheric pressure cargo tank

B. Low-pressure cargo tank
C. High-pressure cargo tank
D. Cryogenic liquid cargo tank

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Sample Test Answer Key

Section II - Reading Comprehension

1. B (False), because the passage states that nearly 80% of fire deaths
occurred in residential settings, not fires.

2. C, since according to the passage, during the primary search, firefighters

should look for victims as close to the source of the fire as possible and work
outward.

3. B, since according to the passage, children most often hide under their
beds and in closets.

4. A (True), since the passage states that when firefighters search closets, they
should search only as far as their arms will reach.

5. D, since the passage does not discuss the kitchen in a home being a high-
target area.

6. C, since according to the passage, experience has shown that victims are
typically found in the area behind or near the front door.

7. B, because according to the passage, the INSTA-CRIB is offered as an aid to

fire departments for vehicle stabilization.

8. D, because according to the passage, this compact device measures 20

inches long and is taller than most step chocks, extending to 13 inches.

9. A (True), since according to the passage, an arm from the device extends
upward that automatically adjusts and locks to the wheel.

10. D, since according to the passage, a larger version which measures 26

inches in length is available for securing the wheels of larger vehicles.

11. D, because according to the passage, the INSTA-CRIB is a type of step

chock, is available in two sizes, and is made of aluminum making all of the
answers correct.

12. C, since the passage states that a larger version of the INSTA-CRIB which
measures 26 inches in length and extends 18 inches is available for securing
the wheels of larger vehicles.

13. D, because the passage indicates that the first U.S. above ground hydrant
was developed in Philadelphia in 1803.

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Section II - Reading Comprehension Continued

14. B, because the passage states that before there were above ground fire
hydrants, firefighters would access water by digging down to the water main,
quickly make a hole in it and transport the water away using bucket brigades.

15. B, since the passage states that after the Great Fire in London, the City
installed water mains equipped with risers which allowed access to fire plugs
from street level

16. C, because the passage states that underground hydrants in Finland bear
signs with the letter “H” such as in the UK, but the signs in Finland are painted
blue, not yellow as in the UK.

17. D, since the passage indicates that each of the countries listed has
underground hydrants.

18. C, since the passage indicates that after putting out a fire, firefighters would
plug the hole in the water main with a stopper, which became known as a fire
plug.

Section III - Mathematics

19. D, because the perimeter of the school is calculated by adding the width of
the four sides: 75 + 50 + 75 + 50.

20. A, because 2 multiplied by 7 is 14 and adding 11 equals 25.

21. B, because 2 (A) multiplied by 3 (B) is 6; 3 (B) multiplied by 5 (C) is 15. 6

plus 15 is 21.

22. B, because 24 inches equals 2 feet and 16 divided by 2 is 8

OR because a 16 foot wall is 192 inches (16 x 12), and 192 inches divided by
24 is 8.

23. D, because 3 plus 4 squared (16) plus 9 equals 28.

24. B, because .3 multiplied by 10 equals 3, and 3 plus 2.5 equals 5.5.

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Section I - Listening Comprehension

25. C, since the passage indicates that high-pressure cargo tanks can be
recognized by their white color.

26. A, because according to the passage, low-pressure cargo tanks have a 7,000
gallon capacity.

27. D, since the passage states that cryogenic liquid cargo tanks haul extremely
cold substances, such as liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen.

28. A (True), because according to the passage, more than 17,000 hazardous
materials incidents occurred in transit on our nation’s roads, accounting for
85% of all haz-mat incidents.

29. B, because according to the passage, atmospheric pressure cargo tanks are
easily identified by their elliptical shape and flat ends.

30. C, since the passage indicates that high-pressure cargo tanks transport
liquefied petroleum gas.

31. A, since the passage states that atmospheric pressure cargo tanks have a
9,000 gallon capacity which is loaded in the rear of the tanker.

32. C, because according to the passage, high-pressure cargo tanks can haul up
to 11,500 gallons, compared with atmospheric-pressure cargo tanks which
have a 9,000 gallon capacity, low-pressure cargo tanks which have a 7,000
gallon capacity, and cryogenic liquid cargo tanks which have an 8,000 gallon
capacity.

33. B, since the passage indicates that cryogenic liquid cargo tanks, which haul
extremely cold substances, are circular in shape and are distinguished by a
box-like closet in the rear of the tank which houses the controls and a relief
valve.

34. A, since the passage states that atmospheric pressure cargo tanks are the
most common of all road trailers.

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