Chicago Firefighter exam-day guide
Chicago Firefighter · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current driver's license, state ID, or passport. The name must match your application exactly. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second ID is required.
Printed test admission or scheduling notice
If your scheduling system issues a confirmation email or admission document, print it and bring it. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or whether a digital copy on your phone is acceptable.
Candidate orientation materials
Review any candidate information packet, test plan, or orientation video the department or testing provider sent you. These describe the test format and administrative rules. Confirm with the provider that you have the most current version.
Comfortable athletic clothing and shoes
The Chicago firefighter entry process includes physical ability testing. Wear clothing you can run, climb, and crawl in, and closed-toe athletic shoes with good grip. Confirm with the provider what attire is permitted and whether you change on site.
Water and a light snack
Physical ability components can run long. Bring water and a snack for after the test. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the waiting area or must stay in a locker.
Directions, parking, and arrival plan
Know the exact testing address, which entrance to use, and where to park. Plan to arrive well before your report time. Confirm with the provider the report time, entrance, and parking arrangements.
Leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronics are commonly restricted in secure testing areas. Confirm with the provider the full list of prohibited items and where they must be stored.
Medical clearance or accommodation documentation, if applicable
If you have a medical restriction, injury, or approved testing accommodation, bring the documentation the provider requires. Confirm with the provider well before test day what documentation is needed and how to request accommodations.
Know your test components and scoring
Be able to state which components you will face, such as a written exam, physical ability test, or oral interview, and how each is scored or ranked. Confirm with the provider the current test plan, passing standards, and how results are used.
Rest and hydration plan
Protect your sleep in the days before the test and hydrate normally. Avoid heavy training, alcohol, and unfamiliar supplements in the final 48 hours. Confirm with the provider any rules about supplements or medications on test day.
Backup transportation and contact number
Arrange a backup ride and save the provider's contact number in case of delay or emergency. Confirm with the provider whom to call if you are running late or cannot attend.
Review the department's candidate conduct expectations
Read any candidate conduct, integrity, or social media policy the department publishes for applicants. Confirm with the provider which policies apply during the testing process.
Plan the day
Confirm your report time, testing address, entrance, and what to bring with the provider. Re-read the candidate information packet and test plan so you know each component and how it is scored. Lay out your ID, admission document, clothing, shoes, water, and snack. Do light technique practice only; skip heavy workouts and new exercises so you are not sore on test day. Check the weather and traffic for the route, and arrange a backup ride. Confirm with the provider any open questions about ID, attire, prohibited items, or accommodations.
Eat familiar meals and hydrate normally. Avoid alcohol and unfamiliar supplements. Set two alarms and go to bed at your normal time. Charge your phone and any devices, and pack your bag by the door. Review your plan for each component, such as pacing on the physical ability course or how you will structure answers in an oral interview. Do not start new training or try to cram facts you have not already studied. Confirm with the provider if you have not received any expected scheduling information.
Eat a normal breakfast you have eaten before training or testing. Dress in your approved athletic clothing and shoes. Take your ID, admission document, water, and snack, and leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle. Leave early enough to arrive ahead of your report time with margin for traffic and parking. Use the restroom before check-in. Confirm with the provider the report time and entrance if anything is unclear.
Follow staff instructions exactly and stay with your assigned group. Listen to the briefing for each component, including safety rules, rest periods, and what counts as a failed attempt. Pace yourself on physical components rather than sprinting the first station. On written or interview components, read each question or prompt fully before answering. Report any injury or equipment problem to staff immediately. Do not discuss or compare answers with other candidates during breaks. Confirm with the provider how and when results will be released and what the next step in the process is.
Rules to check
Bring the identification the provider requires and make sure the name matches your application. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Arrive by your assigned report time. Late arrivals may be turned away or rescheduled. Confirm with the provider the grace period, if any, and the procedure if you are delayed.
Follow all instructions from test staff, including where to wait, how to move between stations, and when you may speak. Failure to follow directions can result in dismissal. Confirm with the provider the specific conduct rules that apply.
Leave prohibited items such as phones and smartwatches out of secure testing areas. Confirm with the provider the full list of prohibited items and the storage arrangements.
Attempt every component unless you are injured or excused. If you are hurt or cannot continue, tell staff immediately rather than pushing through. Confirm with the provider how injuries and withdrawals affect your standing in the process.
Do not share, photograph, or discuss test content. Treat written questions, physical course details, and interview prompts as confidential. Confirm with the provider which confidentiality and integrity rules apply.
Use only the breaks staff announce, and stay in designated areas. Confirm with the provider the break schedule and whether water or restroom access is available between components.
Understand how each component is scored and ranked before you arrive. Ask the provider in advance how passing standards, rankings, and result notifications work rather than asking staff on test day.