Written Testing

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The FCTC Written Test


The FCTC Written Test was developed by the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC).

It is a fully validated general knowledge written test with questions and examples tailored to the profession and designed to demonstrate your ability to process information and think critically.  

Test Overview

  • Section 1 – Recall and Comprehend Verbal and Visual Information. This section requires candidates to watch two short videos and answer questions based on the scenarios presented.
  • Section 2 – Recall and Comprehend Technical Information from Written Materials
  • Section 3 – Solve Mathematical Problems
  • Section 4 – Apply Mechanical Reasoning

The testing process consists of a 90 minute pre-test session designed to give you information that is necessary to be successful on the written test. After the pre-test session, candidates will have a 30 minute break before beginning the testing process. 

Candidates will then have 2 hours to complete 100 multiple choice questions.

 

Taking the Test

The FCTC Written Test is administered quarterly. Additional tests will be added as needed, so check this website frequently. FCTC does not administer online tests. 

Register and schedule your test here.

Check the schedule of future test dates.

On test day, candidates must bring one form of valid government identification -- driver's license, state ID card or U.S. passport -- to be admitted to the test.

Candidates should allow four hours for the entire testing process, and should try to arrive early to their designated testing site.

FCTC will provide all testing materials.

Candidates will not be permitted to bring backpacks, notebooks, calculators or any other personal belongings into the testing venue. 

Cell phones should be left outside or turned off for the duration of the test. Any candidate whose cell phone audibly rings or buzzes during the test will be immediately dismissed from the test and given a failing grade.

Scores will be added to a candidate's FCTC record within one week of the test date. 

Preparing for the Written Test

In order to prepare candidates for the Written Test, FCTC has created a study guide that covers the four sections of the exam, providing study tips and sample questions for prospective test takers.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE WRITTEN TEST STUDY GUIDE.

In addition to FCTC’s study guide, there are numerous online sites that are designed to help you improve your math and mechanical scores, as well as books at the library or on Amazon that cover all of the subject matter contained on the test.

If you are still in school, keeping up on your studies, particularly in English and math, will greatly enhance your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the Written Test FAQ for more information. If you still have questions, please contact FCTC.