OFAI FACT Test: Sections, Scoring, Cost And How To Prepare

110Multiple choice items

3 hrsMaximum time

24 moPass is valid

$75Plus HST, as listed

What Is On The Test

The FACT is a proctored computer test. Per OFAI it is weighted 45% aptitude and 55% character.

Section	Items	Part of the test
Reading Ability	15	Aptitude
Mathematical Reasoning	15	Aptitude
Map Reading	10	Aptitude
Writing Ability	10	Aptitude
Personal Characteristics	60	Character

Personal Characteristics covers interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment, honesty, integrity and emotional stability. More than half of the test is about who you are, not what you know, which surprises many candidates who only drill math.

Scoring, Validity And Retakes

Pass or fail only. There is no mark to compare against other candidates, and departments do not see your result.
Valid for 24 months. Plan your timing so your certificate is still valid when postings open.
Retakes: a 15 day wait after a first failed attempt, and 30 days after later failed attempts.
Accommodations: request them through OFAI Support at least 6 to 8 weeks before your test date.
Same day testing: for first time bookings, the hearing assessment and treadmill test may follow on the same date if they appear in your OFAI account. Vision is completed separately.

How To Prepare

1. Start with the official material

OFAI offers its Stage One Pre Assessment Guide, and the FPSI FACT Candidate Orientation Guide has 40 practice questions (ordered from FPSI, not OFAI). Use these to see the real format before anything else.

2. Reading and math reasoning

These are skills you can sharpen with steady practice. Work timed sets, read the explanation for every miss, and keep a short list of the question types that slow you down.

3. Map reading and writing

These two sections are short but easy to neglect. Practise following directions and distances on street style maps, and practise clear, correct written sentences. Review grammar, spelling and sentence structure so nothing about the format is new on test day.

4. The character section

You cannot cram for 60 questions about who you are, and trying to guess an ideal answer is a poor strategy. What helps is knowing the job well enough to answer honestly. If you have not looked closely at what the work involves, talk to serving firefighters first and ask them about the parts of the job nobody advertises.

What Top Candidate covers, honestly. Our aptitude trainer covers nine categories: mechanical reasoning, math, reading comprehension, observation and memory, situational judgment, spatial orientation, firefighter knowledge, map reading and writing. Reading comprehension and math build the same skills as two FACT sections. The map reading and writing sections are original practice in the same skills, not copies of the real test, because OFAI does not publish those formats. Use OFAI's official guides to see the real format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FACT stand for?

Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test. It is Stage One of OFAI's testing pathway.

Do I get a score?

No. OFAI reports a result of pass or fail only. Candidates do not receive a mark, and municipal fire services do not receive results.

How long is a pass valid?

A passing certificate is uploaded to your OFAI account within three business days and is valid for 24 months.

What happens if I fail?

You can retake after a 15 day wait following a first failed attempt, and after a 30 day wait following later failed attempts.

How much does the FACT cost?

$75 plus HST, as listed on OFAI's site. Confirm the current fee when you book.

Is there an official study guide?

OFAI does not provide a free printable study guide. Its optional resources are the OFAI Stage One Pre Assessment Guide and the FPSI FACT Candidate Orientation Guide, which includes 40 practice questions and is ordered from FPSI.

Information checked against OFAI's Stage One page in October 2026. Fees, formats and policies can change, so confirm everything on OFAI's current page before you book. Top Candidate is independent and not affiliated with OFAI or FPSI. See the full Ontario recruitment guide.

The OFAI FACT Test, Explained