The Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Online Preparation & Free Practice Questions – 2025

What Is the FCTC Test?

The Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Test is a requirement for anyone looking to become a firefighter in California. This test will cover several skills that are essential for the profession, including mechanical ability, mathematical ability, and ability to understand written and verbal information.

The test is administered quarterly, so you should be fully prepared before registering for the exam. The written test consists of 100 multiple choice questions broken up into four sections and has a time limit of two and a half hours.

Mechanical Reasoning

Firefighters must have a basic understanding of various mechanical systems in order to perform their job effectively. The mechanical reasoning test sections consist of 25 questions. These will cover mechanical topics such as rope and pulley systems, gears, levers, and fluid dynamics. The questions in this exam section use a combination of videos and written questions to assess your understanding of the concepts.

Sample Question

In the diagram below, which gears are turning clockwise?

1. Gears B and E
2. Gears B and F
3. Gears E and D
4. Gears A and G

Answer: A

Mathematical Problems

There are several areas of a firefighter’s job that require an understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to perform basic calculations, such as understanding the pressure and flow of the water being used to put out the fire, how high up the ladder must be placed, and the length of the hose from the truck to the building.

This numerical reasoning test section contains 20 questions that cover basic mathematical concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These problems will include a variety of equations you will need to solve and calculations you will need to perform.

Sample Question

If the sales tax on a new pair of boots is 15%, and the boots cost $45.60, what is the total cost of the boots?

1. $52.22
2. $50.22
3. $64.22
4. $54.22

Answer: A

Verbal and Visual Information

Firefighters must quickly comprehend the information given to them in both visual and verbal format in order to respond to crisis situations.

The verbal and visual information section will consist of two short videos and 20 questions. The section will assess your ability to comprehend the information as well as recall details from memory. You will have to remember various facts and details such as names, faces, number of people in a given scene.

The best way to prepare for this section is to take sample tests or watch practice videos that will test your memory.

Recall and Comprehend Written Materials

In addition to visual and auditory information, firefighters receive written information in the form of procedures that must be followed, reports that they receive, and details they must remember on the scene of an emergency situation.

The written materials section will examine your ability to understand written information and recall details from memory. You will receive several essays to read and will answer 35 questions about the material.

You will receive some of these essays at the beginning of the exam and will have 30 minutes to read through the passages. Afterward, you will proceed to the questions and will not be able to refer back to the text. Additionally, there will be some text passages in your test booklet that you will be able to refer back to while answering questions.

Sample Question

Watch the following video provided by the FCTC and answer the questions that follow the video. Remember that you are not allowed to take notes during the video, and you will not be able to refer back to it while answering questions.

Answers:

1. D
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. D

How to Prepare for the FCTC Assessment?

The best way to prepare for the FCTC assessment is to use study guides and practice tests. These guides will walk you through how to respond to each question so you can understand the correct answer. The practice exams will allow you to test your skills, identifying any weaknesses before the actual exam.

Passing the FCTC exam is an important step in becoming a firefighter, so you’ll want to be sure to do as well as possible on the exam. Using these resources will significantly increase your score on the test, increasing your chances of becoming a firefighter.