100+ Free NWCG FFT1/FFT2 Practice Questions

FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2) is the entry-level wildland crewmember qualification earned after S-130/S-190/L-180/I-100/IS-700 and a Position Task Book. FFT1 (Firefighter Type 1) is the squad-boss-level supervisor qualification, earned by holding FFT2 currency and completing S-131 plus a separate Position Task Book. FFT1s supervise a squad on the fireline; FFT2s work as crewmembers under supervision.

Each NWCG course has its own written exam, typically 25-50 multiple-choice questions. The standard passing score is 70%, applied separately to S-130, S-190, and S-131 written components. Retake policies are set by each NWCG-recognized training provider.

The 10 Standard Firefighting Orders are sequential safety rules every wildland firefighter must know: keep informed on fire weather, know what your fire is doing, base actions on current/expected behavior, identify escape routes/safety zones, post a lookout when there is possible danger, be alert/calm/think clearly/act decisively, maintain prompt communication, give clear instructions, maintain control of your forces, and fight fire aggressively having provided for safety first.

LCES stands for Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones — the operational safety system used on every wildland fire assignment. Lookouts watch for changing fire behavior; communications keep the crew connected; escape routes are pre-identified paths to safety zones; safety zones are areas where firefighters can survive without a shelter.

The Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG, PMS 461) is the NWCG field reference that every wildland firefighter carries on the line. It contains the 10 Standard Orders, 18 Watch Out Situations, LCES, briefing checklists, fire behavior references, common denominators of fatal fires, and ICS organizational charts. It is used both as a daily reference and as a key study tool for S-130/S-190/S-131 exams.

Under PMS 310-1, qualification currency is maintained by performing in the position (or a higher position) at least once every three years, completing annual fireline safety refresher (RT-130), and passing the work capacity test annually at the Arduous level. Loss of currency requires re-establishing the qualification.

The qualification itself does not expire on a fixed date, but currency lapses if you do not perform in the position within three years, miss the annual RT-130 refresher, or fail to pass the annual work capacity test. Reinstatement is handled per PMS 310-1 standards.

S-130/S-190 are offered through NWCG-recognized training providers including federal land-management agencies (USFS, BLM, NPS, BIA, FWS), state forestry/fire agencies, fire academies, community colleges, and private wildland fire contractors. Tuition varies; federal and state hires often attend at no personal cost.