Written Exams
SFFMA utilizes an online testing platform to administer most of its certification exams. Exams are administered at various proctored locations throughout the state and can be taken on an SFFMA-provided laptop, a computer provided by the location, or even occasionally the individual’s own laptop in some circumstances.
Recent policy changes for 2023 require that individuals interested in challenging an SFFMA written exam must register their account in Portal. Additionally, each examination requires payment of a testing fee including retests.
Regardless of the manner in which a test is administered and taken, all qualification, registration, and scheduling is managed through the SFFMA Austin office.
Scroll down to view the steps to taking an SFFMA written exam.
Taking a Written Exam
Note: Special Accommodations:
Any requests for testing accommodations based upon special needs must be made when you are scheduling an exam with the SFFMA office, to allow time for the accommodation to be considered and arrangements to be made, should it be approved.
Step 1: Register in Portal, Log in, and Check Eligibility
Make sure you have registered your account in the SFFMA PORTAL.
Log into your PORTAL account and click the “Testing > Eligibility” link on your dashboard. Click “View” to see if you are eligible for the exam(s) you desire. Pay the required fee online if the exam or exams are still in the “Requires Payment” column. When paid, an exam will move to the “Awaiting Scheduling” column.
If the exam or exams you wish to take do not appear on the written test eligibility page, it means the training for that discipline is not recorded as 100% complete. To view the status of completed training, click the “Training > Objectives” link on your dashboard and select the discipline you wish to view. To obtain a completed-training status, upload the necessary documents or have your fire department’s certification coordinator do so.
Step 2: Getting Scheduled for Your Exam(s)
Once an exam is displayed in the “Awaiting Scheduling” column of the exam eligibility page, you will be contacted by SFFMA staff to schedule your exam. Staff will be able to provide you with testing dates and locations from which you can choose. You will receive a confirmation email when the scheduling is complete.
Step 3: Exam Day
On the day of the exam, be sure to bring a valid photo ID to the testing location.
Cell phones and other electronic devices must be kept in a secure location (not easily accessible by you), and be set so that they do not cause a disruption during the exam.
Step 4: Addressing Exam Content
Concerns about specific questions must be addressed to the exam proctor prior to leaving the testing session. These concerns will be forwarded to SFFMA staff, and questions may be reviewed to determine if a problem with the question exists.
Step 5: Knowing Your Exam Results
When taking an online exam, the overall score will be displayed to you immediately upon clicking the “Submit” button at the end of the exam. A more in-depth report regarding your exam results will be emailed to you as soon as possible following the session that day.
Additional Information about SFFMA Testing
Number of Questions per Exam:
HazMat Awareness and HazMat Operations exams consist of 25 questions each, with a period of 30 minutes per exam.
All other written exams (including Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 exams) consist of 50 questions each, with a period of one hour per exam.
Those retesting for HazMat will only need to retest the area failed (Awareness and/or Operations).
Exam Grade Expiration:
Exam results are valid for two years from the testing date, and will be voided at the end of the two-year period. The candidate must meet all certification issuance requirements within this period (skill exam completion, completion of any other prerequisites or requirements, etc.) and obtain certification.