Arriving For The Examination

Know the exact location of the examination site. Do a test run beforehand to establish how long the drive takes. If the exam is at 9:00 a.m. on a weekday, factor in rush-hour traffic and the possibility of an accident on your route. Allow yourself at least 45-50 extra minutes for busy-time travel. Arrive at the site at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.

Use the extra time to review test-taking strategies. Don't rush in and sit down — give yourself a few minutes to settle, take four or five slow, deep breaths, and let anxiety release before the exam begins. Some anxiety is useful; it keeps you alert. But you want to start composed.

Many firefighter exams are held in large auditoriums. Bring a light sweater or sweatshirt — large testing halls are often cold. Most firefighter exams have a 2-3 hour time limit, so build your ability to concentrate for extended periods during preparation.

Bring a snack to eat after the second hour of testing. Maintaining blood sugar during a long exam improves concentration and prevents the mental fatigue that often affects performance in the final third.