Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Education Test Prep

Best Firefighter Exam Prep Books

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Norman Hall Norman Hall’s Firefighter Exam Preparation Book
Norman Hall
Norman Hall’s Firefighter Exam Preparation Book
Best for Beginners

In addition to its tips on how to improve study skills, this trusted guide has been updated to include the foundational knowledge of recent exams.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

In addition to its tips on how to improve study skills, this trusted guide has been updated to include the foundational knowledge of recent exams.

Pros

Updated version introduces tips on improving memory and time management. Provides insider knowledge on the interviewing process and career paths. Practice exams come with self-scoring tables and answer keys, so students can practice on their own.

Cons

Some users report that the guide does not accurately replicate what the actual firefighter test looks like.

Best Bang for the Buck
Barron's Test Prep Firefighter Candidate Exams, 8th Edition
Barron's Test Prep
Firefighter Candidate Exams, 8th Edition
Customer Favorite

An up-to-date and reasonably priced firefighter's exam study guide by a top publisher in the genre.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

An up-to-date and reasonably priced firefighter's exam study guide by a top publisher in the genre.

Pros

Top-selling prep book that has a brand-new chapter that covers mechanical reasoning, which firefighters are now required to demonstrate. Includes 7 practice exams with answers and explanations.

Cons

Not all details are specific to all municipalities, but it provides the basics for studying multiple areas of the real exam.

McGraw-Hill Education Firefighter Exams, 3rd Edition
McGraw-Hill Education
Firefighter Exams, 3rd Edition
Easy to Read

An easy read by a trusted professional in the field that suffices as a supplemental study guide to other texts.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Easy to Read
Bottom Line

An easy read by a trusted professional in the field that suffices as a supplemental study guide to other texts.

Pros

A revised edition of a popular firefighter's exam study book with current information, more practice tests (7 total), and new chapters. Written by New York City Fire Department Assistant Chief Ronald Spadafora.

Cons

Not quite as comprehensive as some competitors. A few readers didn't find some of the information very relevant.

Research & Education Association Firefighter I & II Exams and Flashcard Book
Research & Education Association
Firefighter I & II Exams and Flashcard Book
Most Versatile

A versatile study guide with more than 500 sample questions; written by a qualified author.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A versatile study guide with more than 500 sample questions; written by a qualified author.

Pros

Textbook was written by retired fire chief Jeffrey Lindsey, Ph.D. Paperback edition includes 400 IFSTA, NFPA, and REA flashcards and online practice to help you make the most of your study time.

Cons

More expensive than many similar books.

International Fire Service Training Association Essentials of Firefighting, 7th Edition
International Fire Service Training Association
Essentials of Firefighting, 7th Edition
Expertly Designed

A qualified guide with comprehensive chapters and realistic questions for those wanting to focus on the written exam.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Expertly Designed
Bottom Line

A qualified guide with comprehensive chapters and realistic questions for those wanting to focus on the written exam.

Pros

Made by professional firefighters. Designed specifically for the written portion of the certification exam. Arranged in 27 chapters to make it easier to comprehend. Includes over 1,500 multiple choice questions that mimic the exam, so students have a better understanding of what the test will resemble.

Cons

It does not contain information on interviewing or physical requirements.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
November 21, 2017
35
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover
The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Norman Hall
Best of the Best
Norman Hall
Norman Hall’s Firefighter Exam Preparation Book
Bottom Line
In addition to its tips on how to improve study skills, this trusted guide has been updated to include the foundational knowledge of recent exams.
Shop Now
Barron's Test Prep
Best Bang for the Buck
Barron's Test Prep
Firefighter Candidate Exams, 8th Edition
Bottom Line
An up-to-date and reasonably priced firefighter's exam study guide by a top publisher in the genre.
Shop Now
McGraw-Hill Education
Top Pick
McGraw-Hill Education
Firefighter Exams, 3rd Edition
Bottom Line
An easy read by a trusted professional in the field that suffices as a supplemental study guide to other texts.
Shop Now
Research & Education Association
Top Pick
Research & Education Association
Firefighter I & II Exams and Flashcard Book
Bottom Line
A versatile study guide with more than 500 sample questions; written by a qualified author.
Shop Now
International Fire Service Training Association
Top Pick
International Fire Service Training Association
Essentials of Firefighting, 7th Edition
Bottom Line
A qualified guide with comprehensive chapters and realistic questions for those wanting to focus on the written exam.
Shop Now
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More