FRS Candidate Preparation

1.1 Ability tests: What are ability tests and why does the fire service use them?

Ability tests measure your ability to use logic and reasoning on topics such as numerical, verbal, and mechanical reasoning.

If you are applying to become a firefighter with a Fire & Rescue Service, you will probably be asked to complete a selection of online ability tests as part of the application process.

Ability tests, also known as aptitude tests or reasoning tests, are standardised assessments used to measure certain cognitive abilities. For example, verbal reasoning tests are designed to measure a candidate’s ability to work with written and spoken information, whereas numerical reasoning tests are designed to measure a candidate’s ability to work with numerical data.

Cognitive ability is important because it underpins a firefighter’s capacity to learn, quickly solve problems, and make effective decisions. When several ability tests are used together, they collectively provide a good measure of overall general cognitive ability.

Cognitive abilities are the ways that your brain remembers, reasons, holds attention, solves problems, thinks, reads and learns. In the workplace, cognitive skills help you interpret data, remember team goals, pay attention during an important meeting, make complex judgement calls, and more.

Research clearly shows that ability tests rank among the strongest predictors of performance in firefighting roles (Henderson, 2010). As a result, Fire and Rescue Services use ability testing in their selection processes to help ensure that applicants have the required capabilities for the role. Although ability tests are very useful predictors of performance in firefighting roles, they are only a single piece of the puzzle; and firefighter performance is influenced by a wide range of different traits and abilities.

1.2 Why do Fire & Rescue Services use ability tests?

The Fire & Rescue Service, like most organisations, use a range of assessments and tests to assess applicants’ skill levels and their suitability to fit the role they are applying for, in this case firefighter. They allow them to fairly select the best applicants from the large number who apply to the role. Whilst online tests are used early in the recruitment process, they are always followed by further selection stages, such as medicals, fitness tests and interviews, before final decisions are made.

The FRS Ability Tests used because they are designed to be fair to all applicants, regardless of ethnicity, gender or age. They are set at the academic level of ability relevant to the role and are in the context of a firefighter. This makes them very fair, valid to the role, and relevant.

They are administered online via the internet which makes them easily accessible and available 24/7 to suit your schedule.

Reading the tips and advice given on this page and completing the example tests, will help you familiarise yourself with the test format tests and gain a preview of the test content before you go on to complete the real tests as part of your application. We also recommend you download the PDF briefing guides on this page.

1.3 Advice for candidates taking the FRS ability tests

The FRS wants you to perform well on your ability tests, and thus want to ensure that you are fully prepared for your assessment. Here are a few tips to help maximise the probability of showing your true potential during the ability test stage of the FRS recruitment process.

1. Familiarise yourself with the format: Uncertainty can be a cause of test anxiety, particularly if candidates have no idea what to expect. On this page, we provide some example tests which outline the exact layout and format of the real assessments, putting your mind at ease and giving you the opportunity to practice beforehand.

2. Make sure your tech is up to date: We strongly advise making sure that your chosen device has a stable internet connection, an up to date internet browser, and that your operating system has been updated. This will minimise the probability of unexpected errors with your device, giving you a smoother and more reliable testing experience.

3. Reasonable adjustments: Employers are obligated to provide reasonable adjustments to accommodate candidates with disabilities, including dyslexia. If you feel that this applies to you, ensure that you contact your chosen FRS and formally request any necessary adjustments, including extra-time on the ability tests.

4. Don’t try to cheat: Naturally, in the long-run you will only be cheating yourself by attempting to cheat on the FRS ability tests. The FRS reserves the right to use “verification tests”, and may require successful candidates to complete short versions of the ability tests in-person, verifying the original score and catching out any potential cheaters.

5. Complete the tests somewhere quiet: The tests can be completed anywhere with a stable internet connection, but to avoid distractions and interruptions we recommend completing the tests somewhere private. After finding somewhere quiet and distraction free, we also recommend turning off your phone, further reducing the probability of interruptions.

6. Use a calculator and rough paper: The FRS numerical reasoning test permits the use of a calculator and rough paper, and we strongly advise having these to hand before starting the assessment. Although ultimately you may not even need to use them, having easy access to them can help put your mind at ease, and will give you more options for calculations.

7. Complete the assessments well before the deadline: Although it may be tempting to wait until the last minute, it's best to give yourself plenty of time. If you do encounter technical problems, little can be done to remedy the situation if you start your assessment an hour before the deadline. Instead, complete the tests well ahead of time and avoid the stress.

1.4 Download the Ability Tests candidate briefing guide

To read more about the FRS ability tests, including what to expect and how to prepare, please download the FRS Ability Tests Candidate Briefing Guide.

2.1: What is the Assessment for Firefigher, and why does the fire service use it?

The Assessment for Firefighter is a behavioural assessment, which means it assesses your personality and how you naturally tend to behave. Selection processes for firefighters often include behavioural assessments, which are completed before, after, or alongside the ability tests.

Behavioural assessments are designed to measure certain behavioural characteristics, such as personality traits, values, strengths, or behavioural styles. Decades of research has shown that certain behavioural characteristics influence how we work, and how effectively we work, and which particular occupations we are best suited to. The Assessment for Firefighter has been designed using data from operational firefighters, so it looks at the specific behaviours shown to be important for becoming a successful firefighter.

It's important for the FRS to identify applicants who are likely to become successful firefighters, and enjoy their role. That's what the Assessment for Firefighter has been designed to measure.

2.2: Advice for candidates taking the Assessment for Firefighter

Here are a few tips to help you complete your Assessment for Firefighter behavioural assessments.

1. It's not about ability, it's about fit: Behavioural assessments help identify person-job fit, so it's in your best interest to be honest. Working in a role that doesn’t suit your personality is difficult, and may lead to disappointment.

2. Take your time: Unlike ability tests, behavioural assessments have no time limit, so there is no rush to complete your assessments. It makes sense to complete the assessment at your own pace, as there is no benefit to completing the assessments quickly and no penalty for completing them slowly.

3. Thoroughly read instructions: Behavioural assessments tend to be simple and straightforward, but give yourself the best chance by reading and understanding the instructions. Take time to carefully read instructions and preparation materials beforehand. It's always worth the extra effort.

4. Treat questions independently: Some candidates may overthink their responses to behavioural assessments. For example, they may worry about saying “Strongly Agree” too often, or not often enough. Assessments aren’t tracking your response patterns across questions, so just answer each question one at a time.

5. Feel free to take short breaks: Behavioural assessments don’t have time limits, so if you find yourself needing a short break then feel free. Naturally, over time some people may find themselves going into autopilot during behavioural assessments, and taking a quick break can help refocus your attention.

2.3 Download the Assessment for Firefighter candidate briefing guide

To read more about the Assessment for Firefighter, including what to expect, and why it's used, please see the AfF Candidate Briefing Guide.

Practice tests

We have some short practice tests to help you get familiarised with the style of the FRS ability tests.