Phoenix Firefighter study plan
Phoenix Firefighter · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Reading Comprehension & Mathematics
Complete a timed 20-question reading comprehension diagnostic and a timed 20-question math diagnostic to establish baseline scores
Categorize every missed item into a named error type (main idea, inference, detail, vocabulary-in-context, arithmetic, ratio, word-problem translation, geometry)
Set up a written error log with columns for item source, error type, root cause, and corrective rule
Schedule four fixed 90-minute study blocks per week on a calendar and commit to them
Your checkpoint
A completed error log containing baseline scores for both diagnostics plus at least 15 categorized missed items
Reading Comprehension
State the main idea of ten practice passages in one written sentence each before checking answer choices
Distinguish fact, opinion, and inference across 15 practice items and justify each label in writing
Resolve 15 vocabulary-in-context items by substituting each answer choice back into the sentence
Reduce average time per passage to under four minutes while maintaining accuracy
Your checkpoint
A timed 25-question reading comprehension set scored at 80% or higher, with the one-sentence main-idea summary written for every passage
Mathematics
Compute with fractions, decimals, and percentages without a calculator across 20 drill items
Set up and solve 15 ratio, rate, and proportion problems using a consistent written method
Translate 12 word problems into equations before solving, showing the translation step explicitly
Check every answer by estimating the result first and comparing magnitude
Your checkpoint
A timed 30-question arithmetic-and-word-problem quiz scored at 80% or higher with all translations shown
Mathematics & Reading Comprehension
Apply perimeter, area, volume, and angle-sum formulas to 15 geometry items
Convert between units of length, weight, volume, and time across 12 items
Read tables, charts, and graphs to answer 10 data-interpretation questions
Review the error log and re-solve every item missed in weeks 1 through 3
Your checkpoint
A 40-question mixed reading-and-math test taken under time limits, with a written score summary and a list of the three error types still recurring
Mechanical Reasoning
Classify levers by class and compute mechanical advantage for 10 lever problems
Determine the direction and relative speed of driven gears and pulleys in 12 diagrammed set-ups
Explain in writing how pressure, flow, and vacuum behave in a closed fluid system
Trace a simple series and parallel circuit to predict the effect of a break or added load
Your checkpoint
A 30-question mechanical reasoning quiz with a one-sentence written explanation for every answer, right or wrong
Spatial Orientation
Rotate and flip 15 given shapes mentally and select the matching orientation from choices
Sketch and follow turn-by-turn directions on a hand-drawn grid, tracking heading after each turn
Predict the folded or unfolded result of 10 paper-folding and box-net items
Verbalize a fixed step sequence for each spatial item type to use on test day
Your checkpoint
A 25-question spatial orientation set plus a hand-drawn map-and-directions exercise, both scored and logged
Human Relations
Rank response options by effectiveness in 15 workplace conflict and teamwork scenarios
Apply a chain-of-command and incident-command framework to decide who to notify first in 10 scenarios
Identify the most and least effective handling of stress, criticism, and safety pressure in 12 items
Draft a five-step personal protocol for peer conflict and for receiving orders under pressure
Your checkpoint
A 25-question human relations set with a written rationale for the most and least effective choice on every item
Reading Comprehension & Mathematics & Mechanical Reasoning & Spatial Orientation & Human Relations
Complete two full-length timed simulations covering all five domains
Re-solve every item still flagged in the error log until each is answered correctly twice
Rehearse pacing rules for each section and record actual versus target time
Assemble a one-page formula, rule, and strategy sheet from personal notes only
Your checkpoint
Two scored full-length simulations with a written comparison showing improvement over the week 4 mixed test
Milestones
Week 2: Baseline vs. week 2 reading score recorded in the error log, with average passage time under four minutes
Week 4: Mixed reading-and-math test completed under time limits at 75% or higher overall, with no more than three recurring error types
Week 6: Mechanical and spatial sections both completed at 75% or higher, and every missed item has a written explanation
Week 8: Both full-length simulations scored, all five domains at 80% or higher, and the error log fully cleared