Written Testing

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

The FCTC Written Exam is a 100 question, multiple choice test consisting of the following four sections:

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 – Apply Mechanical Reasoning
Section 3 – Solve Mathematical Problems
Section 4 – Recall and Comprehend Technical Information from Written Materials

Candidates will then have 2.5 hours to complete 100 multiple choice questions.

Taking the Test

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

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING 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 2.5 hours for the test and 1 hour for registration at the designated testing site.

FCTC will provide all testing materials.

Candidates will not be permitted to bring any personal belongings into the testing facility, including cell phones, watches, hats, food/drink, water bottles, backpacks, notebooks, and calculators.

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

Materials provided directly by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) are the only FCTC Written Test materials authorized and endorsed by FCTC and/or the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC). There are outside vendors selling study materials and/or programs claiming to provide FCTC Written Test assistance, but any such vendors have no affiliation with FCTC. Cal-JAC and FCTC are the only trusted source of study materials and classes related to the FCTC Written Test.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE WRITTEN TEST STUDY GUIDE.

Preparatory Class

FCTC also offers a two-hour, in-person class in which an FCTC instructor will overview the test, solve sample test questions step-by-step, provide useful test taking techniques and answer candidate questions. Candidates that attend this class consistently pass at higher rates. There is a $25 fee for this course.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WRITTEN TEST PREPARATION CLASS SCHEDULE

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions about the Written Test, check out our Written Test FAQ. If you still have questions, contact FCTC.

Testing Accommodations

Testing Accommodations are performed at the Sacramento and South El Monte FCTC locations. Testing availability and other accommodation locations will be available at the discretion of the FCTC Office.

After reviewing our Testing Accommodations FAQs and Testing Accommodations Policies and Procedures, please fill out a Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit to the FCTC office through one of the following:

Email: FCTC@cpf.org

Fax: 916-922-0972

-or-

Mail:

1780 Creekside Oaks Drive

Sacramento, CA 95833

The application will be received by FCTC and a staff member will contact you with additional details within 5 business days.

Additional Information

Click here to sign your Written Test Digital Waiver.