USA

New York City Firefighter Exam

600 questions

About this exam

The New York City Firefighter Exam is a competitive civil-service examination for people seeking an entry-level firefighter position with the FDNY. A passing score may place an eligible candidate on an employment list, but it does not guarantee appointment. Candidates should also expect other selection steps, which may include physical, medical, and background evaluations. The official notice for the 2027–2028 cycle is the authority on who may apply, what the process involves, and which requirements apply; details can change between exam cycles.

The written exam’s format and tested competencies are set out in the official exam notice, so candidates should not assume every cycle covers the same material. FDNY firefighter exams may assess job-related abilities such as reading, reasoning, following instructions, or interpreting information, rather than requiring prior professional firefighting experience. Fire behavior, building construction and collapse hazards, residential suppression, and commercial or high-rise operations can build useful context, but review the published test scope before treating these as tested subjects. Timed multiple-choice practice can help strengthen accuracy and pacing.

How to prepare for the NYC Firefighter Exam

  1. Read the current NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) exam notice and FDNY hiring information first; use them to confirm eligibility, tested competencies, and later selection requirements.
  2. Build a study schedule around the abilities named in the notice. Review reading comprehension, reasoning, and instruction-following if they are included, and use timed practice to improve pacing without sacrificing careful reading.
  3. Use fire-service topics such as fire behavior, building construction, residential suppression, and high-rise operations for background knowledge, but prioritize the official exam scope over assumed technical content.

FAQ

Who can take the New York City Firefighter Exam?

People seeking an FDNY firefighter appointment may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements for that exam cycle. Age, residency, and other conditions can vary, so check the current DCAS exam notice and FDNY hiring information before applying.

What is the format of the NYC Firefighter Exam?

The exam is a civil-service assessment, and its format and competencies are specified in the official notice for each cycle. A written test may be followed by additional selection steps, such as physical, medical, or background evaluations. Consult the current notice for the exact process.

What subjects should I study for the FDNY firefighter exam?

Study the abilities and topics listed in the current exam notice; the tested scope can vary by cycle. Do not assume that fire-science topics are included unless the notice says so. Fire behavior, building construction, and suppression operations can provide useful context, while timed practice helps develop accuracy and pacing.