NWCG FFT1/FFT2 exam-day guide
NWCG FFT1/FFT2 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Bring your agency-issued photo ID and any candidate authorization or referral paperwork
Carry your government or agency photo ID and whatever document shows you are authorized to test (task book, nomination, or referral). The exact document set can vary by host unit and course coordinator, so confirm the required list with the provider before test day.
Bring your completed and signed task book or prerequisite documentation
FFT2 and FFT1 performance requires documented completion of required training and position task book entries. Bring your task book and any prerequisite certificates in case evaluators ask to verify eligibility. Confirm exactly which documents the evaluator wants to see in advance.
Bring the personal protective equipment (PPE) your host unit requires for field portions
Expect to need fire-resistant clothing, leather work gloves, helmet, eye protection, and sturdy boots for any practical field evaluation. Requirements for line gear and shelter can differ by unit and scenario, so confirm the PPE list with the provider.
Bring water, food, and sun protection for a full day outdoors
Practical evaluations often run long and may occur in heat or smoke. Plan for more water and calories than you think you need, plus sunscreen, a hat, and layers for changing weather.
Review the current standard fire behavior and operational references you were taught
Refresh the current versions of the basic fire behavior, suppression, and safety references used in your training. Use the editions your course specified rather than older copies, since content and terminology change over time.
Rehearse the standard firefighter safety and lookouts-communications-escape-routes-escape-routes concepts aloud
Be able to state and apply the standard watch-out situations, the ten standard firefighting orders, and LCES without notes. Evaluators often ask you to explain how these apply to the scenario in front of you.
Practice giving a clear operational briefing and radio report
Rehearse a concise size-up or situation report: identify yourself, location, what you see, what you are doing, and what you need. Clear communication is scored in many practical tasks.
Prepare your gear the night before and stage it by the door
Pack boots, PPE, documentation, water, and food the night before so the morning is calm. Check that boots are broken in and gear fits.
Confirm the start time, location, and parking or check-in instructions
Contact the course coordinator or host unit to confirm report time, gate access, and where to check in. Arrival logistics vary by site and are not standardized.
Plan your travel and sleep
Aim to arrive early enough to check in without rushing. Prioritize sleep in the final nights; fatigue degrades both physical performance and decision-making.
Plan the day
Re-read your course materials and the current reference guides for fire behavior, suppression tactics, and safety. Write out the standard orders, watch-out situations, and LCES from memory, then check yourself. Walk through the practical tasks you expect (for example, constructing line, sizing up a fire, or giving a briefing) and practice each aloud or with a partner. Confirm your eligibility documents and PPE list with the provider. Avoid cramming new material; consolidate what you were taught.
Do a light review only: key safety concepts, radio protocol, and the sequence of practical tasks. Pack and stage all gear and documents. Confirm report time and location one last time. Eat well, hydrate, and get a full night's sleep. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity that could leave you sore or injured.
Eat a real breakfast and hydrate. Arrive early with time to check in, stow gear, and settle. Do a personal gear check: boots, PPE, water, food, documentation. Listen carefully to the safety briefing and ask clarifying questions about the scenario and evaluation criteria before you begin.
Work deliberately and narrate your decision-making where the task calls for it. Apply LCES and the standard orders to the scenario rather than reciting them. Communicate clearly on the radio and to your evaluator. If you make a mistake, correct it calmly and continue. Manage your pace and hydration across a long day, and ask the evaluator to repeat instructions if anything is unclear.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from evaluators and the incident or training safety officer. Safety violations can end your participation regardless of your performance on other tasks.
Carry and present photo ID and authorization documents when asked. If you are unsure what is required, confirm with the provider before test day.
Ask before leaving the evaluation area, and tell the evaluator if you need a break, water, or medical attention. Do not wander off alone during field portions.
Treat the scenario as live: follow LCES, wear your PPE, and do not take shortcuts for speed. Evaluators watch for unsafe habits as much as for task completion.
Scoring is based on the performance criteria for each task, which vary by position and host unit. Ask the evaluator to clarify the criteria before you start rather than guessing.
Do not coach or assist other candidates during their evaluation unless the evaluator directs it. Stay clear of active evaluation stations.
Use only the equipment and references you were told to bring. Confirm with the provider whether any reference materials are permitted during the evaluation.
If you believe an evaluation was conducted improperly, raise it through the provider's process after the task rather than arguing with the evaluator in the field. Confirm the appeal or review procedure with the provider.