OS Test Preparation

The following is a breakdown of the different CPS Firefighter Entry-Level Tests:

2134D

• Reading Comprehension, 30 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 30 questions
• Mechanical Reasoning, 25 questions
• Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living, 15 questions

2152D

• Oral Communication, 15 questions
• Reading Comprehension, 20 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 25 questions
• Mechanical Reasoning, 25 questions
• Written Communication, 15 questions

2177B

• Reading Comprehension, 30 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 30 questions
• Mechanical Reasoning, 25 questions
• Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living, 15 questions

2187C

• Reading Comprehension, 30 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 30 questions
• Mechanical Reasoning, 25 questions
• Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living, 15 questions

2190D

• Reading Comprehension, 30 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 25 questions
• Written Communication, 20 questions
• Analytical Ability, 25 questions

Metric versions of these CPS Firefighter Entry-Level Tests are available to accommodate Canadian fire services in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. The following is a breakdown of the different CPS Entry-Level Firefighter (Metric) Tests:

2012B-M

• Oral Communication, 20 questions
• Reading Comprehension, 20 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 20 questions
• Mechanical Reasoning, 20 questions
• Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living, 20 questions

2105M*

• Understanding Oral Information, 20 questions
• Reading and Understanding Written Information, 30 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 25 questions
• Maps, Diagrams and Mechanical Reasoning, 25 questions

* Test Available in French

2125M

• Understanding Written Instructions, 30 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 30 questions
• Mechanical Aptitude, 25 questions
• Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living, 15 questions

2127A-M

• Oral Communication, 20 questions
• Reading Comprehension, 20 questions
• Mathematical Ability, 20 questions
• Mechanical Reasoning, 20 questions
• Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living, 20 questions

NOTE: Some versions of the CPS test may not contain Oral Comprehension questions or Public Relations questions.

Regardless of the version, the CPS test is a multiple-choice aptitude test. Firefighter candidates are given a test booklet and an answer sheet. They are to complete the test with the use of pen and paper.

The Entry-Level Firefighter Exams have a total number of 100 questions. Firefighter candidates are allotted 2 hours and thirty minutes to complete these CPS tests.

The Entry-Level Firefighter (Metric) Tests have a total number of 100 questions. Firefighter candidates are allotted 2 hours to complete these CPS tests.

How To Prepare for The CPS Test?

CPS Test Instructions

Firefighter candidates will be informed of the name of the test, such as the Entry-Level Firefighter (Metric) Test. Only #2 pencils and erasers are permitted; all other items should be removed from the table in a testing situation.

If a candidate is found with unauthorized materials, they will be collected by the proctor and documented in the proctor’s report.

Test booklets and answer sheets will be distributed, and candidates must not open their booklets until instructed.

When told to begin, you will be asked to complete the following on your answer sheet:

• CPS test title
• CPS test control number located at the top edge of the test booklet
• CPS Testing agency name
• Candidate Identification number
• Answers to optional research questions. No employment decisions are based on these research responses.

Firefighter candidates will be asked to sign and date their answer sheets.

The proctor will provide an overview of the examination process, including guidance on how to record your answers on the Scantron system.

In certain situations, you may be permitted to write in your test booklet. Pay close attention to the proctor’s instructions.

Before the test starts, the proctor will also give you the chance to ask procedural questions. Questions about test content cannot be answered.

Once all instructions are given, the CPS test will begin.

Oral Communication / Understanding Oral Information

This part of the test is designed to measure a firefighter candidate’s ability to remember oral instructions. On the fire ground, firefighters must listen for, understand, and remember oral communication. These skills are critical for building trust, preventing errors, and avoiding dangerous misunderstandings.

The proctor will read or play a recording of a passage. The information contained in the passage is not real. Candidates will hear the passage only once, so listen carefully. Candidates are not allowed to take any notes during the oral passage.

After the passage is read, the proctor will say, “This concludes the oral passage.” This is the signal to begin, and you may pick up your pencil at this time.

Answer CPS test Oral Communication questions based on the material you hear in the passage. To answer, shade in the box on the answer sheet with the corresponding best answer for each question.

Reading Comprehension / Understanding Written Information

Reading Comprehension questions on the CPS Test are designed to measure a firefighter candidate’s ability to read and understand written material. This includes text, tables, diagrams, charts, and captions.

Professional firefighters are expected to read and understand written information throughout their careers. New firefighter recruits are often required to read technical material and apply what they learn on the job. Veteran firefighters read to stay current in firefighter training, public education, and firehall operations. It’s also worth noting professional firefighters have to study for and pass tests to move up in rank.

Expect to read multiple short passages in this section of the CPS test. Unlike the Oral Communication section, the reading passages are factual information passages.

Each reading passage is followed by one or more questions about the material in the passage. Candidates are expected to answer questions based on the content in the reading passages, not their prior knowledge.

Mathematical Ability

On the Firefighter CPS (Cooperative Personnel Services) test, the math section focuses on practical problem-solving rather than complex formulas. It measures skills such as:

• Basic arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (often with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).
• Word problems – translating written scenarios into mathematical operations.
• Ratios, proportions, and percentages – for things like flow rates, equipment use, or resource distribution.
• Measurement and conversions – working with time, distance, weight, and volume in both metric and imperial units.

The goal is to see whether firefighter candidates can apply practical math to real-world firefighting situations, like calculating water supply, estimating time left on an air tank, or determining ladder placement.

Mechanical Aptitude / Maps, Diagrams and Mechanical Reasoning

The mechanical section on the Firefighter CPS (Cooperative Personnel Services) test measures practical problem-solving skills across several areas:

• Mapping and spatial reasoning – interpreting city maps, floor plans, and water distribution maps; visualizing spaces to navigate safely through buildings.
• Mechanical reasoning – understanding force, motion, levers, pulleys, gears, hydraulics, and basic tool use.
• Logical reasoning – applying judgment, intuition, and decision-making to solve problems under pressure.

Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living (Human Relations)

The Human Relations portion of the Firefighter CPS test evaluates a candidate’s ability to work effectively with others and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. It measures skills such as:

• Judgment – prioritizing tasks, managing conflicting responsibilities, and making sound choices.
• Emergency decision-making – responding effectively and calmly to urgent situations.
• Interpersonal skills – communicating clearly, respecting the chain of command, and working as part of a team.
• Professional conduct – cooperating in shared living and working environments, and interacting respectfully with colleagues and the public.

These skills are essential in firefighting, where teamwork, trust, and professionalism directly affect safety, efficiency, and public confidence in fire and rescue services.

CPS Test Prep

CPS Test Prep: Oral Communication

• Listen to practice oral passages. Do not read them. – Ask someone to read a practice oral passage to you or pre-record yourself reading a passage into a device that you can play back. If you have the S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring Oral Comprehension Study Guide, use the YouTube videos.
• Simulate the experience. Study in a public place, like a library, to work with distractions. If you are studying at home and preparing to write the CPS test for Firefighter Services of Ontario, listen to the oral passage in one room of your house, and then move to another room to complete the questions.
• Memory Dump – Once the proctor says “This concludes the oral passage,” write down everything you can remember on your paper. Then, start reading the accompanying questions.

CPS Test Prep: Reading Comprehension

• Read at a pace you can understand. This will help you minimize errors and increase your efficiency.
• If you think you know the answer (based on previous training and experience), confirm what you know in the text before answering the question.
• Read fire-related materials and play games to improve your vocabulary.

CPS Test Prep: Mathematical Ability

• Give yourself a long runway to develop your math skills. This section of the Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) Firefighter Entry-Level aptitude exam is arguably the most difficult. See “How To Prepare for The CPS Test?” for a detailed list of what to study.
• Know multiplication facts up to 12 x 12 and formulas for area and volume before testing.
• Don’t cheat yourself. Candidates will be required to calculate problems on paper. Do not use a calculator to prepare for the CPS test.

CPS Test Prep: Mechanical Aptitude

• See the Firefighter Map Test Questions YouTube video for details about what to expect in the map reading portion of the CPS Test.
• Understand the core principles of simple machines (pulleys, gears, belt drives, levers, etc..). Studying for application-based mechanical aptitude questions, like those on firefighter CPS tests, requires both understanding the principles and practicing real-world scenarios.
• Memorize all formulas for simple machine questions. Formulas are generally not provided on the CPS Test.
• Practice Spatial Reasoning questions. Many mechanical questions test your ability to interpret diagrams or visualize parts in motion.

CPS Test Prep: Human Relations

• Only rely on the information given to you in the scenario.
• Identify the situation and its priority to assist you with answering the question.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well with people.

CPS Test Prep: Time Management

• Plan your approach in advance.
• Watch your time and re-evaluate after completing each section of the CPS Test.
• Budget time wisely. Some sections naturally require more time to get through, like math and reading. Don’t spend too much time on one question – it is only worth one mark regardless of the time spent on it.

What is a Good Score on the CPS Test?

The Cooperative Personnel Services (CPS) Firefighter Entry-Level aptitude exam is marked out of 100. Each question is worth one mark, so do not leave any questions unanswered. Make an educated guess if needed.

70% is generally considered a pass on the CPS Test. However, cities with larger recruitments may require a higher cut-off score. To be competitive in a large applicant pool, firefighter candidates should aim to achieve 85% or greater per testing component in their firefighter aptitude test preparation.

It is important to note that some cities consider your written aptitude test marks in addition to your firefighter interview marks when recruiting new firefighters. Successful firefighter candidates don’t just meet the posted minimum requirements – they crush them.