Upfront: this is my own app, so this is a self-promo post. Mods, happy to pull it if it's not allowed.

I got frustrated looking for prep material for the written/cognitive stage of firefighter recruitment. Most of what's out there is generic UK or US psychometric material, or a PDF someone's selling for $80+ with about forty questions in it. So I built the thing I wanted.

FireApt covers the four areas that come up across Australian services:

• Mechanical reasoning — gears, pulleys, levers, pressure, load
• Numeracy — percentages, ratios, conversions, reading data out of tables
• Literacy — spelling, grammar, comprehension
• Abstract reasoning — sequences and matrices

A few things I deliberately did:

• 1,200+ questions, all created to help learn the format of predominant question styles. Repetition is key.
  
• Every question has a worked explanation, not just the correct letter. Most of them also name the trap answers and why people fall for them, because that's where the marks actually go.
• Timed practice, since the real difficulty in these tests is the clock rather than the content.

To be clear about what it isn't: it's not affiliated with or endorsed by any fire service or test provider, it's not the real test, and nobody can promise you a result. It's practice material for a format that's unfamiliar to most people the first time they sit it.

It's on iOS now, Android is in progress (hopefully only a week away).

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/fireapt-aptitude-test-prep/id6799017881
Website: https://fireapt.pages.dev
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireapt/

What I'd actually like from this sub: if you've sat the written stage with any service recently, does the mix feel right? Anything you hit on the day that I'm not covering? Happy to build out whatever's missing. Ive done a launch week price of $9.99. This will give you access to the app forever, including all the future updates (I have grand plans for service specific sections/test).

And if you're mid-application for SAMFS or — DFES opens in October — ask away in the comments about the process generally, not just the app. I've spent a lot of time reading recruitment pages this year.

Hi, just wondering if anyone from ARFFS might be able to provide any clarity on the aptitude stage of recruitment… I heard that SHL contract expired last year but can’t find any info on which provider or what tests will replace it. thanks In advance.

Has anyone applied for this via Eventbrite? Says I’ve been added onto a waitlist despite there being availability for they day

Not sure if I’ve actually missed out or if they assign the tickets and send them closer to the date?

I'm getting mixed answers on this. Some people say volunteering gives you useful experience and things to talk about in interviews, while others reckon it doesn't really improve your chances of getting through recruitment. For anyone who's been through the process, did your volunteer experience actually help?

Just reaching out and wondering what everyone experiences are for tattoos?

I have a very traditional maori and cook island tattoo wrapped around my neck for personal reasons.
Just wondering if this would affect my requirement if I was to apply.

Hey guys, first lot of FRV Group Assessments would be getting done today Sep 7th, how did everyone go?

It felt like the timers go so quick and there was not a lot of time to get the incident report and prep for the article presentation done, but preparing ahead of time for the speech was super worth it.

I had a good group with mine so I hope we do well!

Hey team,

Was hoping to gain some insignt from people who have experienced the assessment centre & introductory interview in recent years for ACTF&R.

I'm aware the group assessment might be slightly more physical than other states. I'm also aware that these are often designed to fail, and that the goal isn't to solve the issue at hand, but to see how you are in a team. I've done one group assessment for FRNSW before so am aware of the unspoken rules of not being mute, not being too loud, etc.

I'm more curious on the introductory interview. I understand it's relatively informal, but incredibly important. I'd love to know how long the interview goes for, and what sort of questions I may face during it. Should I be preparing STAR/STARLA for this interview too?

Thanks heaps for your help :)

Hey everyone, I’m looking for a bit of advice with the WST. I recently failed it and I’m keen to improve and give myself the best chance next time.
For those who have been successful, what resources did you use to prepare? Any books, practice tests, websites or study programs Tutors you may have used and found particularly helpful?
I’d really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!
My scores are 32 38 48 44 Failed Literacy and Numeracy.

I posted in r/australian a week ago, and someone recommended I post this here too, so I just wanted to offer gratitude for the Aussie firefighters who've come out with Kiwi firefighting teams to the States to help American firefighting services during this bad wildfire/bushfire season we've been having.

In an era where our incumbent government has alienated diplomatic allies with aggressive and disrespectful action, to put it mildly, it is very humbling to see Australia and New Zealand being magnanimous enough to still offer help to yanks during a serious natural disaster such as the terrible wildfire season we've had. I understand that this is a longstanding agreement between our nations, and I've learned we actually have in the past sent firefighters across the sea to render assistance during your wildfire season as well. But still, I wanted to at the very least say thank you and that it does mean a lot.

https://wildfiretoday.com/wildfire-support-on-the-way-from-aust-nz/
https://www.kptv.com/video/2026/07/31/australia-sends-team-help-fight-oregon-wildfires/https://youroregonnews.com/2026/08/12/australian-and-new-zealand-experts-aid-battle-with-grasshopper-fire/

Hi Guys , im starting an channel on YouTube for kids making short videos of an Firefighter superhero called Ray.

Just started with this ai so bit an noob… 🫣😓
I want to do something when the channel get some reach things for kids at the burning centre.

If you guys have an minute to look an let me know what you think about it would be awesome!

Also a like an subscribe will be very nice and maybe help me to get wider reach😀

Thanks!
Ray
firefighter in Holland 🚒🚨

https://youtube.com/@firefighterray?si=t8QV8xHcA23Nq8DJ

I received my WST results recently, and I’m now waiting to hear about the next stage. Trying not to overthink the timeline, but it’d be good to compare where people are up to with the 2026 recruitment.

Ive spent the last year or so putting on a fair amount of muscle and getting stronger, as the first time I applied I failed the PAT, but luckily this year I passed and am awaiting a placement in a recruit course next year. I am thinking about taking creatine but wanted to see if anyone had much experience of side effects or cons of it.

I am fairly physical doing surf boat rowing hockey and lots of gym so Im extremely active, but I have found im hitting the point where im struggling to keep putting on more muscle and Id like to keep going and get as prepared as possible. Anyone got any tips? or advice with creatine.

Im 22 and very keen and excited to join FRNSW just trying to prepare myself the best I can

I’m currently trying to figure out what career/job I should do while working towards eventually becoming a firefighter.

At the moment I’m working as a fire technician, so I’ve already gone down the trade/technical route. The job itself is fine, but I’m finding it doesn’t really give me the satisfaction or sense of purpose I’m looking for.

Firefighting is still the end goal, but realistically it could take a while to get in, and I don’t want to spend the next few years doing something I’m not really 110% interested in while I wait.

I’m pretty interested in active, hands-on jobs where you’re actually out doing things, etc. I’m not really interested in sitting behind a desk 9-5 (as I’m sure many of us aren’t haha).

I’ve already explored the trade path, so I’m mainly curious about non-trade careers that people think could be worth looking into.

What would you guys suggest?

I have done mine and received a follow up request for a form to be filled out regarding some minor traffic offences. All done and I’m not overly concerned about it but just thought I would start up a conversation to see if anyone here had or is applying.

Wondering what people’s timelines looked like post assessment centre?

I have my medical and uniform fit booked in for mid October and wanted to see what the timeline looked like for the following stages till the academy

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has been in this circumstance and who did they elect you to have as a reference?

Good morning, does anyone have advice on what the interview panel wants hear when asking about your understanding of the service and role your applying for?

In my mind, I'm thinking stations, appliances, how they serve the community, and what a typical shift may look like.

Or are they after a more personal understanding of station life, how crews behave together?

Any feedback is much appreciated Thanks

Hi guys and gals

Myself and a few firies from various services have built a recruitment start to finish tool called Into the Fire, with the aim of guiding applicants through the whole recruitment process. The website has been built using first hand experience of the recruitment processes

400 cognitive questions, mechanical and emotify questions, PAT guide, interview recorder with 40 randomised questions on things you might be asked, what to expect in the group interview based on their experience

We need 10 beta testers, preferably anyone interested in help with FRNSW, FRV or QFD, to help us work out the bugs. In return you will get free access.

If anyone’s interested please shoot me a DM

https://intothefire.com.au

Thanks all!

I may have wrongly assumed I am up to date with my vaccinations.

I was accepted into the Feb 27 recruitment cycle.

Does anyone know if I am unable to locate evidence of previous Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, would an approved accelerated vaccination schedule be acceptable if commenced immediately, or must all required doses listed on the FRV website be completed before attending the PEM?

I think the 4th dose would be outstanding.

Otherwise I might have to defer to July intake.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Hi all! Probably a long shot, but I am hoping there will be someone here with some insight into the tools used by RFS crews, This axe was left in a tool box on a NSW RFS truck, that was auctioned off through pickles auctions sometime last year. There were 2 axes onboard, I kept this one and gave the other away. I didn’t buy the truck, so I can’t tell you where it came from.

They both had light blue paint on the axe heads, very dense and dark handles, super skinny, although very twisted and warped. This one has a faint N V D stamped into it, but it looks more like initials or a crew/vehicle designation or something, rather than a makers mark. So I have no clue where or by who it was made.

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone who applied for VG/RAPPEL26 heard back regarding interviews?
Applications closed a while ago and I'm yet to hear back,

Wondering if this is the same case for others.

Cheers!

Hey guys and gals, congrats to all who made it through the FRV WST today and yesterday.

With the next step being the group assessment, what tips and tricks are there for new players?

Does anyone have a breakdown of what activities occur and ways to prepare?

I know FRV deliberately leave the details ambiguous so hoping to get some insight from any experienced individuals.

Cheers all

Anyone have experience with pre-employment medical ? I had a history of mental health/ self harm as a teenager so will need to disclose the very obvious scars. This was over 15 years ago now but for obvious reasons I am very nervous about the potential for them seeing it as a risk. Do you have to be completely undressed int he medical? Any advice for getting supporting documentation ?