NWCG FFT1/FFT2 study guide
NWCG FFT1/FFT2 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualifications are the entry rungs of the wildland firefighter career ladder used across U.S. federal, state, tribal, and many local and contract fire organizations. The NWCG FFT1/FFT2 study guide has 10 sections and about 2,841 words.
01Fireline Safety and Risk Management
Fireline Safety and Risk Management asks you to apply LCES-lookouts, communications, escape routes, safety zones-before and during suppression, recognize the 10 Standard Fire Orders and 18 Watch Out Situations, and decide when entrapment avoidance or shelter deployment is required. FFT1/FFT2 questions often present a changing situation and ask what you do next, not just definitions.
328 words, about 2 min02Fire Behavior and Fuels
Fire Behavior and Fuels tests your ability to combine the fire triangle, fuel model, topography, and weather into a forecast of rate of spread, intensity, spotting, and probability of ignition. Expect questions on extreme fire behavior indicators and weather changes.
291 words, about 1 min03Fireline Construction and Tactics
Fireline Construction and Tactics tests whether you can build and hold line from an anchor, choose direct or indirect tactics, control spot fires, and conduct mop-up that actually secures the edge. Start from an anchor point-a road, black edge, rock, or water-so fire cannot flank behind you.
280 words, about 1 min04Use of Hand Tools, Power Saws, Pumps, and Water Handling Equipment
This domain covers safe and effective use of hand tools, power saws, pumps, and water-handling equipment. Questions test maintenance, setup, operational limits, and the safety decision that comes before production.
278 words, about 1 min05Communications, Radio Use, and Situational Awareness Reporting
Communications, Radio Use, and Situational Awareness Reporting tests whether you can pass clear, timely information that supports LCES and tactical decisions. Expect questions on radio protocol, emergency traffic, and what a complete situation report contains.
277 words, about 1 min06Incident Command System, Chain of Command, and Span of Control
ICS, Chain of Command, and Span of Control tests how you fit into the incident organization: who you take direction from, how you pass information, and why span of control matters on a fireline. Unity of command: each person reports to one supervisor.
292 words, about 1 min07Wildland-Urban Interface and Structure Defense Awareness
Wildland-Urban Interface and Structure Defense Awareness tests FFT1-level recognition: when a structure can be defended, when it cannot, and how to operate without turning a wildfire assignment into an unsafe interior attack. Structure triage considers access, water supply, defensible space, construction, roof type, and fire behavior.
291 words, about 1 min08Aviation and Heavy Equipment Support Awareness
Aviation and Heavy Equipment Support Awareness tests safe approach, communication, and spotter duties around helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and dozers. You are not expected to be a pilot or equipment operator; you are expected to keep the operation from becoming an accident.
297 words, about 1 min09Fitness, Work/Rest, Hydration, and Fatigue Management
Fitness, Work/Rest, Hydration, and Fatigue Management tests whether you can sustain performance without becoming a liability. Questions focus on heat illness, hydration, fatigue signs, and the work/rest plan.
240 words, about 1 min10Documentation, Task Book Administration, and Position Performance Evaluation
Documentation, Task Book Administration, and Position Performance Evaluation tests how FFT1/FFT2 trainees are evaluated and how performance is recorded. Expect questions on the Position Task Book, evaluator qualifications, and what counts as a completed task.
267 words, about 1 min