Table of Contents
Introduction viiFirefighter Career Opportunities vii
Becoming a Firefighter ix
About the Written Exam xi
About This Book xiv
I. Diagnostic Test 1
Answer Sheet 1
Section 1: Observation 3
Section 2: Memory 8
Section 3: Spatial Orientation 14
Section 4: Reading Comprehension 22
Section 5: Verbal Expression 28
Section 6: Deductive, Inductive, and Logical Reasoning 31
Section 7: Information Ordering 37
Section 8: Problem Sensitivity 42
Section 9: Mathematics 48
Section 10: Mechanical Aptitude 51
Answer Key 56
Answer Explanations 59
II. Two-Month Cram Plan 81
III. One-Month Cram Plan 87
IV. One-Week Cram Plan 91
V. Observation, Memory, and Spatial Orientation 95
A. Observation 95
B. Memory 108
C. Spatial Orientation 117
VI. Reading Comprehension and Verbal Expression 131
A. Reading Comprehension 131
B. Verbal Expression 144
VII. Deductive, Inductive, and Logical Reasoning; Information Ordering; and Problem Sensitivity 161
A. Topics Covered on the Exam 161
B. Reasoning 163
C. Information Ordering 174
D. Problem Sensitivity 181
VIII. Mathematics 187
A. Basic Math Review 187
B. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages 196
C. Ratios and Proportions 206
D. Algebra 208
E. Geometry 212
F. Word Problems 221
Practice 227
Answers 232
IX. Mechanical Aptitude 237
A. Tools 237
B. Mechanical Devices 254
X. Full-Length Practice Test with Answer Explanations 269
Answer Sheet 269
Section 1: Observation 271
Section 2: Memory 278
Section 3: Spatial Orientation 284
Section 4: Reading Comprehension 290
Section 5: Verbal Expression 295
Section 6: Deductive/Inductive/Logical Reasoning 298
Section 7: Information Ordering 303
Section 8: Problem Sensitivity 309
Section 9: Mathematics 315
Section 10: Mechanical Aptitude 318
Answer Key 324
Answer Explanations 327
Appendix A: The Candidate Physical Ability Test 347
What to Expect on the Candidate Physical Ability Test 347
Creating an Exercise Plan 349
Appendix B: The Oral Interview 353
What to Expect 353
Prepare for the Oral Interview 356
How to Present Yourself 357
After the Interview 358
Appendix C: The Medical and Psychological Exams 361
The Medical Exam 361
The Psychological Exam 365
