Irish Firefighter Aptitude study plan
Irish Firefighter Aptitude · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Verbal Reasoning & Numerical Reasoning
Diagnose baseline accuracy in verbal and numerical reasoning by completing one timed mixed set of each
Categorise every verbal error as passage-comprehension, inference, vocabulary-in-context, or logic
Categorise every numerical error as arithmetic, ratio/percentage, data-interpretation, or word-problem setup
Build a personal error log template with columns for question type, cause, and corrective rule
Your checkpoint
A completed error log with at least 40 logged questions and a written list of your three weakest question types across domains 1 and 2
Verbal Reasoning & Numerical Reasoning
Practise skimming a passage for structure before reading the question stems
Drill percentage, ratio, and average conversions until each is solved without a calculator
Answer inference questions by eliminating options unsupported by the passage text
Interpret tables and bar charts by extracting only the figures a question requires
Your checkpoint
Two timed 20-question sets (one verbal, one numerical) completed with a recorded score and a one-paragraph reflection on speed versus accuracy
Numerical Reasoning & Spatial and Mechanical Reasoning
Solve multi-step word problems by writing the given values before calculating
Estimate answers to numerical questions before computing to catch gross errors
Practise mental rotation of 2D shapes and identify which rotations preserve orientation
Interpret simple mechanical diagrams involving levers, gears, and pulleys
Your checkpoint
A scored set of 15 numerical and 15 spatial/mechanical questions with worked solutions written for every item answered incorrectly
Spatial and Mechanical Reasoning
Identify the rule governing a sequence of abstract figures and predict the next figure
Determine gear direction and relative speed in two-gear and three-gear trains
Apply the lever principle to judge which side of a balance tips
Visualise folded or unfolded shapes and select the correct resulting pattern
Your checkpoint
A one-page rule sheet summarising spatial and mechanical principles, plus a timed 25-question set scored against your week 1 baseline
Situational Judgement / Judgement and Decision Making & Work-Style / Behavioural (Personality) Questionnaire
Apply a ranked-priority framework to situational scenarios, placing safety and procedure first
Justify each situational choice in writing using the reasoning behind it
Review the firefighter role's core values and map them to likely behavioural-question themes
Answer personality items honestly and consistently, avoiding over-editing for a perceived ideal
Your checkpoint
A written set of 12 situational scenarios with your chosen action and a two-sentence rationale for each
Situational Judgement / Judgement and Decision Making & Work-Style / Behavioural (Personality) Questionnaire
Distinguish the most appropriate action from merely acceptable actions in judgement items
Practise decision-making under time pressure with short per-question limits
Identify your consistent behavioural strengths and prepare concrete examples for each
Check personality answers for internal consistency across repeated themes
Your checkpoint
A completed timed situational judgement set with a written comparison of your answers against a stated priority framework
Verbal Reasoning & Numerical Reasoning & Spatial and Mechanical Reasoning
Re-attempt the question types logged as weakest in weeks 1 to 4
Complete full-length timed sections for verbal, numerical, and spatial/mechanical
Reduce average time per question while holding accuracy above your week 4 level
Review the error log and retire any question type now consistently answered correctly
Your checkpoint
Three full timed section scores recorded alongside your week 4 scores, showing measured improvement in at least two domains
Situational Judgement / Judgement and Decision Making & Work-Style / Behavioural (Personality) Questionnaire & Verbal Reasoning & Numerical Reasoning & Spatial and Mechanical Reasoning
Simulate a full exam sitting under realistic time conditions across all five domains
Review every remaining error and confirm the corrective rule is understood
Finalise consistent behavioural responses and rehearse your prepared examples
Set a test-day plan covering timing, question order, and handling of difficult items
Your checkpoint
One complete mock-exam score report plus a final one-page test-day strategy sheet
Milestones
Week 4: Reach at least 70% accuracy on a timed 25-question spatial and mechanical set, and show a documented improvement over the week 1 baseline in both verbal and numerical reasoning
Week 6: Complete a timed situational judgement set with a written rationale for every answer, and confirm personality responses are internally consistent across repeated themes
Week 8: Score at or above your target pass mark on a full five-domain mock exam, with no domain below 65% and all logged error types resolved