Firefighter Aptitude & Character Test — Your Complete Guide
The FACT is the first hurdle in the OFAI recruitment process and the gateway to a firefighting career in Ontario. 110 multiple-choice questions. Up to 3 hours. Strict pass or fail — no score, no second chances on test day. This page breaks down exactly what's on the test, how it's scored, and how to prepare.
The Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT) is a standardized written assessment administered by the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) as Stage One of the firefighter recruitment process. Created by Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI), the test has been developed and validated by active firefighters and fire captains to measure the skills and abilities directly linked to on-the-job performance.
The FACT consists of 110 multiple-choice questions completed in a maximum of three hours. It is taken on a computer in a proctored computer lab at the GTAA Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI), 2025 Courtneypark Drive East, Mississauga, near Toronto Pearson International Airport. The test is scored on a strict pass/fail basis — no numerical score is released to candidates or to fire departments, only a pass or fail result.
A passing certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of the test. If you fail, you may retake it after 15 days for your first attempt or 30 days for all subsequent attempts.
Total Questions
110 multiple-choice
Time Limit
Up to 3 hours
Format
Computer-based, proctored
Scoring
Strict pass/fail
Cost
$75.00 + HST
Certificate Validity
24 months
The FACT is weighted: 45% aptitude measures and 55% character measures. The aptitude portion contains four sections testing practical firefighting skills. The personal characteristics section is the single largest component — 60 of the 110 questions and 55% of the weighting.
You'll read fire-service-related passages and answer five questions per passage. All answers are found within the text — no outside knowledge required. The passages cover topics like equipment procedures, incident protocols, and department policies. Focus on reading speed and detail extraction.
What it tests
Main idea identification, specific detail recall, inference, vocabulary in context
FireStart prep
6 lessons + 175 practice questions
Arithmetic and numerical reasoning set in firefighting contexts. Expect calculations involving hose lengths, water volumes, response times, equipment weights, and budget figures. No calculator allowed — scrap paper is provided.
What it tests
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, word problems, data from tables
FireStart prep
8 lessons + 420 practice questions
Navigate using provided maps to answer questions about routes, distances, and locations. Maps are similar to city street maps with grid references, legends, one-way streets, and landmarks.
What it tests
Grid coordinates, route planning, distance calculation, cardinal directions, legend interpretation
FireStart prep
5 lessons + 130 practice questions
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and sentence completion. These questions test your ability to write clear, professional incident reports — a daily task for firefighters.
What it tests
Grammar rules, Canadian spelling, punctuation, synonyms, sentence structure
FireStart prep
6 lessons + 100 practice questions
Personal Characteristics is the largest section of the FACT: 60 of the 110 questions and 55% of the weighting — more than the four aptitude sections combined (45%). The FACT is scored pass/fail only, and no numerical score is released to candidates or departments.
Learn about this section →Personal Characteristics: 60 of 110 questions
Our free guide covers what's known about this section, why consistent answers matter and how to prepare honestly.
Total: 110 questions · Aptitude (50 questions, 45%) + Character (60 questions, 55%)
The FACT is administered exclusively through the OFAI as part of their standardized recruitment process. Dozens of municipal fire departments across Ontario accept OFAI certificates, including:
Toronto Fire Services, Kitchener Fire Department, Sarnia Fire Rescue, and many more.
The FACT is taken at the OFAI testing centre, FESTI, located at 2025 Courtneypark Drive East, Mississauga, Ontario. Tests are regularly scheduled — check the OFAI testing calendar at ofai.ca for available dates. Register through your OFAI candidate account. Cost: $75.00 + HST.
Cell phones, smart watches, and calculators are strictly prohibited. You cannot leave the examination room during the test. All materials are provided, including scrap paper for math calculations.
Arrive early — follow the arrival time on your OFAI booking confirmation. Dress in business casual. Fire chiefs from hiring departments may be present. Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
The FACT is pass/fail — you will not be told your score, and the proctor cannot discuss results. If you pass, your certificate will appear in your OFAI account within three business days. If you fail:
First retake: 15-day waiting period
Subsequent retakes: 30-day waiting period
After your second failed attempt, you can email the OFAI administration office to request general feedback
OFAI does not disclose the passing threshold. The best strategy is to aim for the highest possible performance across all five sections, especially Personal Characteristics.
FireStart.ca teaches the material — not just tests you on it. Our lesson-first approach means you learn the concepts before you drill.
41 guided lessons across all 7 categories. Each lesson teaches a specific skill with embedded practice quizzes and real firefighter scenarios.
516 minutes of instruction
4 practice modes — Practice, Quick Drill, Weak Spots, and Daily Challenge. Category filters let you drill exactly where you need it.
1,355+ practice questions
Your dashboard shows readiness scores, category performance, study streaks, and gap analysis. Know exactly where you stand.
Real-time progress tracking
Ready to start preparing?
Get Full Access — $67/yearNever auto-renews. That's less than the cost of one FACT test attempt.
The FACT rewards candidates who know exactly what to expect. With FireStart, you get 41 lessons, 1,120+ practice questions, and real-time tracking of your readiness. For less than the cost of a single test attempt.
Start Preparing Today — $67/yearOne subscription covers prep for all five Canadian firefighter tests.
FireStart.ca is an independent test preparation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI), Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI), or any fire department. All test details are based on publicly available information and verified against official sources. Always confirm current test details directly with OFAI at ofai.ca.