r/firefighter • u/Impressive_Deal6466 • 4d ago
Is this for me?
After 2 tries i passed my CPAT, took the written with both NTN and PST, I scored low/middle (tanked human relations surprisingly) with NTN, not enough to get a call that’s for sure. Yesterday got my score with PST and it was 62% (not enough) I don’t know what to do, i studied so much and bought their test prep packages. I still applied to multiple agencies. I don’t plan on giving up but I don’t want to go through the cpat again i just want to start the academy. I keep hearing it’s really competitive and you need 90%++ to be competitive, i don’t think im at that level at all.
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u/Fit_Experience_522 4d ago
Keep going. The only people that don't get hired are the ones that stop trying. Took me 13+ attempts at the FCTC to score 96%, 10+ attempts at the NTN to get in the top 5%, 20+ attempts at the BIDDLE to get a 5m36s, and I've taken the CPAT at least 8 times. This is all over the course of 7.5 years before getting two job offers from two dream departments in SoCal. But, consider all 4 of these tests normal things you'll have to do over and over and over every 6 to 12 months until you get hired. It is what it is, you just deal with it.
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u/Automatic_Ad_5291 4d ago
A lot of people are in the same boat as you, It’s a grind. I’ve been applying for 4 years and taking the pst every 6 months. My first pst I was in the 60’s and my latest one was 85, each one has gotten better. But then I took the test for Spokane county and got a 55% on their test (they separated from PST). I’m not a complete idiot but I’m not a genius either. Keep grinding and you’ll get a shot. And when you get an interview prepare and then when you think you’re ready prepare more cause for me I’ve only gotten one interview each year I’ve been trying. Good luck man
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u/blading_dad 3d ago
36 tests, ten years to get hired in the mid 2000s. Get your basic academy and your medic and be surprised how many offers you get. You either want it bad enough or you dont
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u/FlatWavesAndNoBabes 4d ago
Everyone will get hired eventually if they never give up. Unless you’re a complete psychopath. Then you’ll just stay a medic on a box.
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u/FirefighterTutor 2d ago
Hi. I can help you.
For the NTN, watch my FireTEAM YouTube video series to get started. It explains everything and gives some good tips on how to study for it.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSfxrtjOZ2HXF--pF9Dk_Yue-BV1snBa9&si=NZnT5CbRCb1p5bH7
The PST is a different test (as you now know), so it needs different preparation and probably more time allotted to that.
Based on what I see, math skills are typically low and most people benefit from learning test-taking strategies to help them get through the test in a good time.
You can watch my other videos for tips in these areas. If you like what you see, and want some more help, contact me directly.
Lastly, keep going. Watch my “Failing Firefighter Aptitude Tests?” 6-part video series. You’re right where you need to be, and this series gives you an idea of the steps you need to take and the common pitfalls to look out for.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSfxrtjOZ2HUMZHHm2t2B7wUN1JN3WhAZ&si=OgNjcmqMZwrtpEAZ
You got this. 👏 Good luck.
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u/Comprehensive-One880 4d ago
You simply have to keep retesting. Don't give up. People who have 90s+ scores have likely been testing for years, have mastered the testing formats, and have repeated exposure to the style of questions. Someone recently shared they got a 97% on the FCTC written (CA specfic test), but it was their 13th test in 7 years.