Overview
FireTEAM is an entry-level written exam for firefighter candidates, developed by Ergometrics. Fire departments such as Salt Lake City's use it as the first stage of hiring. It is a video-based test: questions are presented on computer or video rather than printed in a booklet. Along with reading, maths and mechanical skills, it covers teamwork and human relations, areas that Salt Lake City Fire Department describes as often overlooked.
No firefighting experience or training is needed. The questions are designed to be answered using common sense, judgment and careful observation.
Who can apply
You do not apply for FireTEAM on its own. You sit it when a fire department that uses it opens recruitment, and that department sets the entry requirements (such as age, education and licences) for its own firefighter jobs. Departments may give the whole test or only some parts of it.
Exam pattern
FireTEAM has four parts, each presented on computer or video:
| Part | Format | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Video-Based Human Relations Test | Watch a scenario, then pick the best and the worst course of action; a second section asks about the behaviour of the firefighters shown | Teamwork, judgment and working with people |
| Animated Mechanical Aptitude Test | Watch an animated brick-making factory, then answer questions on it | Basic mechanical principles (such as valves and water pressure), troubleshooting and spotting problems in a system |
| Mathematics | Questions shown on video, answered with mental arithmetic only | Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and proportions of the kind used on the job |
| Reading Ability | Passages based on firefighter training material with words left blank | Choosing the word that best completes each sentence |
Human Relations. In Part I you watch a video segment and choose the best response from multiple-choice options, then choose the worst. The clips play without stopping. Part II follows straight after and asks about the behaviour of individual firefighters you watched across the scenarios, so you need to keep track of who did what.
Mathematics. No paper or pencil working is allowed; every calculation must be done in your head.
Marking and results
Each department decides how to use the scores. For example, Salt Lake City Fire Department sets a cut-off score after testing based on its needs and other factors, emails results to all candidates, and invites those above the cut-off to an oral board assessment.
How to apply
Apply to the fire department that is hiring, following its recruitment notice. The department tells you when and where to take FireTEAM.
After the exam
Candidates who score above the department's cut-off move to the next stage of that department's process, such as an oral board interview.
Preparation tips
There is no official study guide. Ergometrics sells two FireTEAM practice tests through its practice-test site: a Basic version (38.99, about 90 minutes, with more questions). Both cover the same content, including human relations video items and math items from each category, and each purchase lets you take the test twice.
Practise mental arithmetic without writing anything down, since that is how the maths section works. In the human relations section, watch every character closely, because Part II asks about their behaviour across scenarios.
Do I need firefighting experience to pass FireTEAM?
No. The questions are meant to be answered with common sense, judgment and observation, not prior fire service knowledge.
Can I use a calculator or scratch paper in the maths section?
No. All calculations in the FireTEAM maths section must be done mentally.
What is a passing score on FireTEAM?
There is no single pass mark. Each department sets its own cut-off based on its hiring needs.