OFAI Aptitude Testing
- Online testing is held in a proctored computer lab at the GTAA Fire and Emergency Training Institute (FESTI) in Mississauga, ON
- Firefighter candidates have three hours to complete the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT).
- If a firefighter candidate has a disability within the definitions of the Ontario Human Rights Code and needs to request testing accommodations for the FACT test, they are to contact the OFAI Administration office at least 10 weeks before the assessment to obtain accommodation request forms.
- OFAI Aptitude Test Cost: $75 +HST
Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test
- Number of questions 110 multiple-choice questions
- Types of questions Multiple choice, general aptitude and personal characteristics
- Weighted components 45% aptitude, 55% character
Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Questions
- Reading Ability – 15 questions
- Mathematical Reasoning – 15 questions
- Map Reading – 10 questions
- Writing Ability – 10 questions
- Personal Characteristics – 60 questions
OFAI Aptitude Test Scoring System
- Pass/Fail Candidates do not receive their FACT Test results immediately. If successful, the firefighter candidate’s account will be updated with a certificate within 72 hours. OFAI Municipal Partners do not receive a candidate’s results.
- Failed Attempts If a candidate does not pass the firefighter FACT test, they may retake it after 15 days if it’s their first attempt or after 30 days on all subsequent attempts. If additional OFAI tests are booked on the same day, candidates are able to complete them as scheduled.
- Feedback Firefighter candidates are not told their results, nor are they given a mark. The proctor is not permitted to discuss the results of a candidate’s FACT test, but a candidate can email the OFAI administration office after their second failed attempt to request general feedback.
- OFAI Aptitude Test Validity Period: 24 months
What to Study for OFAI Stage 1
Reading Ability
- Fire-related material
- Interpreting tables and charts
- Answering factual information questions
Mathematical Reasoning
- Rational numbers (whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages)
- Steps to solve word problems
- Calculations. Calculators are not permitted, but paper is provided.
Map Reading
- Read and interpret directions
- Read and interpret directional locations
- Read and interpret legends
Writing Ability
- Vocabulary and understanding the meaning of words
- Written skills (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
- Synonyms and antonyms
Personal Characteristics
- Firefighter situational judgement
- Most appropriate/ Least appropriate firefighter human relations questions
- Firefighter personality (interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment, honesty, integrity, emotional stability)
How to Study for OFAI Stage 1
- FPSI, the creator of the FACT test, sells a Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Orientation Guide. This OFAI Stage 1 practice test will help candidates understand the FACT test format and the types of questions they are likely to see.
- The OFAI website provides a free Pre-Assessment Guide to download. Use this guide to help you understand what to expect on your OFAI Stage 1 assessment day.
- Our 60-question Firefighter Aptitude Test PDF is free to download. Use this firefighter practice test to assess your skills in Oral Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Writing Ability, Mathematics, Mechanical Aptitude, Map Reading, Spatial Reasoning, and Human Relations.
Get your Firefighter Aptitude Test PDF Here >>
When preparing for the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test, aim to achieve 8/10 or greater in each testing component before attempting the FACT.
OFAI Tutor
The S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring FPSI Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation Course is designed for future firefighters who want to pass Fire and Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI) tests including the FACT Test (OFAI Stage 1).
After taking this Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation Course, OFAI Stage 1 firefighter candidates will know what to expect and how to approach the FPSI Firefighter Test.
Lou-Anne McPherson
