QFD Firefighter Aptitude study plan

QFD Firefighter Aptitude · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Reading Comprehension & Numerical / Mathematical Reasoning

Read 4 fire-service passages (2-3 paragraphs each) and write a one-sentence main-idea summary for each
Answer 20 numerical word problems involving unit rates and proportions, showing your setup line before each calculation
Build a one-page formula sheet covering percentages, ratios, averages, and unit conversions
Time yourself reading 3 passages at 90 seconds each and record words-per-minute and comprehension score

A 10-passage reading log with main-idea summaries plus a scored 20-question math set (score and error notes)

Week 2

Paraphrase 5 short technical excerpts without changing meaning, then compare against the source
Solve 15 multi-step arithmetic problems (hose flow, ladder heights, pressure) and label each step
Identify the specific detail in 8 passages that answers a stated question, citing the exact sentence
Review every missed math item from Week 1 and rework it correctly

A 25-question mixed reading-and-math practice set completed under a 35-minute timer with a written error analysis

Week 3

Convert 20 measurements across inches, feet, yards, gallons, and liters until conversions are automatic
Explain in writing how a lever, pulley, and wheel-and-axle trade force for distance, using one fireground example each
Solve 15 proportion and percentage problems drawn from apparatus and water-supply scenarios
Sketch and label 5 simple machines found around a station or home

A completed 20-item conversions quiz (90%+ target) plus a labeled diagram set of 5 simple machines

Week 4

Predict the direction of motion or force in 10 described mechanical setups (gears, valves, pivots)
Complete 30 spatial-rotation items mentally, then verify with a hand-drawn sketch
Assemble 4 flat-fold or mirror-image puzzles and time each attempt
Describe in writing why a gear train reverses direction and how pulley count changes lift effort

A timed 30-item spatial-rotation set with accuracy percentage plus a 10-item mechanical-reasoning log

Week 5

Draw 5 valid conclusions from short written scenarios and flag any unsupported inference
Identify the logical flaw in 10 reasoning statements (overgeneralization, false cause, circular reasoning)
Practice 20 figure-series and pattern-completion items under a 15-minute clock
Rewrite 5 weak arguments so the conclusion follows from the stated evidence

A 10-item flaw-identification worksheet with corrected arguments plus a scored 20-item pattern set

Week 6

Respond to 8 interpersonal scenarios in writing, choosing an action and justifying it against teamwork and chain-of-command norms
Rank 10 work-behavior statements by integrity priority and defend the top three
Draft a 5-sentence response to a conflict-with-a-coworker scenario emphasizing de-escalation and reporting
List 6 concrete examples of dependable work behavior you can describe in an interview

A written scenario-response portfolio of 8 answers with a self-scored rubric on teamwork, judgment, and integrity

Week 7

Memorize and recall a 12-item equipment or procedure list after a 60-second study window, repeated 5 times
Complete 15 observation drills (spot the difference or detail recall) and log accuracy
Summarize a 2-minute spoken or read passage from memory in 3 bullet points
Review Weeks 1-6 error logs and re-answer the 20 most-missed items

A memory-drill scorecard tracking recall accuracy across 5 trials plus a re-test score on the 20 most-missed items

Week 8

Take two full-length timed practice tests covering all eight domains and record per-domain scores
Review every missed item and classify each error as knowledge, carelessness, or time pressure
Re-drill the two weakest domains with 20 focused items each
Finalize a one-page test-day strategy sheet covering pacing, guessing policy, and scenario-answer rules

Two completed full-length practice tests with per-domain score breakdowns and a finalized one-page test-day strategy sheet

Week 2: Score 75%+ on the timed 25-question reading-and-math set and show a written error analysis for every miss

Week 4: Score 85%+ on the 20-item conversions quiz and 80%+ accuracy on the timed 30-item spatial-rotation set

Week 6: Complete all 8 written scenario responses and self-score 4 or higher out of 5 on teamwork, judgment, and integrity

Week 8: Score 80%+ overall on both full-length practice tests with no single domain below 70%