FCTC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FCTC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An employee disagrees with a new workplace policy but must implement it. What is the MOST professional response? → Implement the policy while using proper channels to voice concerns
2. A spring stretches 3 inches when a 6-lb weight is hung from it. How far will it stretch with a 9-lb weight, assuming elastic behavior? → 4.5 inches
3. What is the recommended footwear for the FCTC Physical Ability Test? → Running shoes or cross-trainers with closed toes
4. Two gears are meshed together. Gear A has 30 teeth and Gear B has 10 teeth. If Gear A rotates at 60 RPM, how fast does Gear B rotate? → 180 RPM
5. During CPAT orientation, candidates are required to complete a practice session. What is the primary reason for the mandatory orientation? → To familiarize candidates with equipment and safety requirements, reducing injury risk
6. Which United Nations agency oversees the implementation of the FCTC? → World Health Organization (WHO)
7. A structure fire room measures 20 feet × 15 feet × 9 feet (height). What is the total volume of the room in cubic feet? → 2,700 cubic feet
8. A fire department responds to 1,248 calls in a year. If 37.5% are false alarms, how many calls are actual emergencies? → 780 calls
9. A block-and-tackle system has 4 rope segments supporting the load. If the load weighs 200 lbs, how much pulling force is required (ignoring friction)? → 50 lbs
10. All firefighters must complete annual physical fitness assessments. Carlos is a firefighter. What can be concluded? → Carlos must complete an annual physical fitness assessment
11. A policy states: 'No officer shall engage in any conduct that compromises the integrity of the facility.' Which behavior VIOLATES this policy? → Accepting a gift from an inmate's family member
12. Which of the following materials is the best conductor of electricity? → Copper
13. A supervisor tells an officer: 'Ensure all post orders are reviewed prior to assuming your assignment.' What should the officer do FIRST? → Read the post orders before starting the shift
14. A thermal imaging camera (TIC) is primarily used in firefighting to: → Detect heat signatures to locate victims or fire sources in low-visibility conditions
15. Which piece of equipment is used during the Forcible Entry event of the FCTC PAT? → Sledgehammer striking a target device
16. On a Class 1 lever, the fulcrum is positioned very close to the load. What is the effect on effort and distance? → Less effort, greater distance moved
17. A fire department needs to purchase 20 SCBA sets at $4,800 each and 10 spare cylinders at $320 each. What is the total equipment cost? → $99,200
18. You are completing a count and one cell block comes up one inmate short. What should you do? → Recount immediately and notify your supervisor if the count remains off
19. A fire department uses 3 gallons of foam concentrate per 100 gallons of water. How much concentrate is needed for 800 gallons of water? → 24 gallons
20. What body position must candidates maintain during the FCTC PAT Search event? → Hands-and-knees crawl throughout the entire course
21. In fire behavior, heat transfer by 'conduction' occurs through: → Direct physical contact between materials
22. How long do candidates have to complete all eight events of the CPAT? → 10 minutes 20 seconds
23. Which of the following best describes the Equipment Carry event in the FCTC PAT? → Removing two saws from a compartment, carrying them 75 feet, and returning them
24. A crowbar is being used to pry open a crate. The fulcrum is near the crate (load). What class lever is this? → Class 1
25. A hydraulic door ram forces entry. The device operates on which principle? → Pascal's Law — fluid pressure transmits force equally in all directions
26. An electric circuit has a 12-volt battery and a resistance of 4 ohms. What is the current flowing through the circuit? → 3 amps
27. Which of the following words is most OPPOSITE in meaning to 'volatile'? → Stable
28. What is the term for the technique of venting a roof to release heat and smoke from a structure fire? → Vertical ventilation
29. 'If a structure has more than four stories, a ground ladder will not reach the roof.' Headquarters tower is 6 stories tall. Which conclusion follows? → The tower roof cannot be reached by a ground ladder
30. What does crew resource management (CRM) primarily emphasize in the fire service? → Effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making under stress