CPS CPS Firefighter Verbal Reasoning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fire department policy states: 'Firefighters must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education per year. At least 10 of those hours must cover hazardous materials.' Firefighter Chen completed 35 hours of continuing education, including 12 hours on hazardous materials. Which statement is most accurate?
- Chen met both requirements.
- Chen met the hazardous materials requirement but not the total hours requirement. (Correct answer)
- Chen met the total hours requirement but not the hazardous materials requirement.
- Chen failed to meet both requirements.
Correct answer: Chen met the hazardous materials requirement but not the total hours requirement.
Chen completed 35 of the required 40 total hours but exceeded the 10-hour hazardous materials minimum with 12 hours.
Question 2: Read the following passage: 'Structural integrity during a fire depends on the building material. Steel loses approximately 50% of its strength at 1,100°F, while wood char forms a protective layer that can slow combustion.' Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?
- Steel is always safer than wood in a fire.
- Wood buildings are more fire-resistant than steel buildings.
- Steel can weaken significantly at high temperatures that occur in fires. (Correct answer)
- Building material has no effect on firefighting strategy.
Correct answer: Steel can weaken significantly at high temperatures that occur in fires.
The passage states steel loses half its strength at 1,100°F, a temperature commonly reached in building fires.
Question 3: A dispatch log reads: 'Unit 7 arrived on scene at 14:22. Unit 7 requested backup at 14:35. Unit 12 arrived at 14:48.' How many minutes passed between Unit 7's arrival and Unit 12's arrival?
- 13 minutes
- 26 minutes (Correct answer)
- 23 minutes
- 11 minutes
Correct answer: 26 minutes
From 14:22 to 14:48 is exactly 26 minutes.
Question 4: A notice states: 'All firefighters assigned to Ladder Company must hold a valid driver's license for vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVW. Exceptions may be granted by the battalion chief.' Firefighter Davis holds only a standard Class C license. Which of the following is true?
- Davis cannot be assigned to Ladder Company under any circumstances.
- Davis may be assigned to Ladder Company if the battalion chief grants an exception. (Correct answer)
- Davis automatically qualifies for Ladder Company assignment.
- Davis must obtain the license within 30 days of assignment.
Correct answer: Davis may be assigned to Ladder Company if the battalion chief grants an exception.
The notice explicitly states exceptions may be granted by the battalion chief.
Question 5: Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'exacerbate.'
- Alleviate
- Worsen (Correct answer)
- Stabilize
- Evaluate
Correct answer: Worsen
'Exacerbate' means to make a problem or situation worse.
Question 6: A report states: 'Of the 24 injuries recorded last quarter, 8 occurred during training, 10 during active suppression, and the remainder during overhaul operations.' How many injuries occurred during overhaul?
- 4
- 6 (Correct answer)
- 8
- 10
Correct answer: 6
24 minus 8 (training) minus 10 (suppression) equals 6 overhaul injuries.
CPS CPS Firefighter Verbal Reasoning 2
A fire department policy states: 'Firefighters must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education per year.
At least 10 of those hours must cover hazardous materials.' Firefighter Chen completed 35 hours of continuing education, including 12 hours on hazardous materials.
Which statement is most accurate?