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NTN Firefighter Test Prep Guide

The National Testing Network (NTN) partners with fire departments across the country to administer the FireTEAM written exam and other firefighter assessments. Like FCTC in California, NTN allows candidates to test once and share scores with multiple participating agencies — making a strong NTN score one of the most leverage-efficient moves in the firefighter hiring process.

What's on the Exam

Reading Comprehension
Written passages with detail, inference, and main idea questions
Mechanical Aptitude
Physics, simple machines, and mechanical reasoning problems
Situational Judgment
Scenario-based questions on teamwork and firefighter decision-making
Video-Based Scenarios
Observe a scenario, then answer questions about what you saw
Score Sharing
One test score can be submitted to multiple NTN-participating departments

How to Prepare

  1. 1

    Check which departments in your target area use NTN — then register for a test date well in advance.

  2. 2

    NTN administers the FireTEAM battery, so FireTEAM-specific prep applies directly to this exam.

  3. 3

    Video scenario questions require careful attention and quick decision-making — practice interpreting situations under time pressure.

  4. 4

    A strong NTN score can open doors at many departments simultaneously, so treat this like a final exam.

  5. 5

    Take the free diagnostic to baseline your current level before committing to a test date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NTN and how does it work?+

The National Testing Network (NTN) is a testing company that partners with fire, police, and other public safety agencies. Candidates take the test at an NTN testing center or online-proctored session, then share their verified score with participating departments — eliminating the need to take separate tests for each agency.

Is the NTN test the same as FireTEAM?+

NTN administers the FireTEAM exam for many of its fire department clients. If a department uses NTN and specifies a FireTEAM score requirement, the exams are effectively the same product. Always check the department's job announcement to confirm which specific test is required.

How long is an NTN score valid?+

NTN scores are typically valid for 1–2 years, depending on the department's requirements. Some agencies accept any score within a 12-month window; others have their own validity periods. Check each agency's announcement for their specific policy.

What is a good NTN score?+

NTN scores are reported as percentiles. Most departments require a minimum of the 60th–70th percentile to make the eligibility list, but competitive hiring typically requires the 85th percentile or above. The higher your score, the better your position relative to other candidates submitting to the same department.

How do I share my NTN score with fire departments?+

After testing, candidates log into their NTN account and select which participating agencies to release their score to. Departments then pull your score during their recruitment cycle. You can add or release scores to new departments at any time while your score is valid.

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