NFSI Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A local business owner offers a firefighter a cash gift after the crew responds to a fire at his property. How should the firefighter respond? → Politely decline and explain that accepting gratuities is not permitted
2. During a post-incident report, a firefighter realizes he made an error in judgment that contributed to property damage. What should he do? → Accurately document the error and be prepared to discuss it
3. A team's success on the fireground is most dependent on: → Mutual trust, clear communication, and a shared understanding of the objectives.
4. Why is it important for firefighters to maintain professional conduct even during off-duty hours? → Their conduct reflects on the department and affects public trust
5. A firefighter looks at a mirror image of a map. In the mirror, the exit marked on the east side of the building appears to be on which side? → West
6. During a promotional exam, a candidate notices the test administrator left answer materials unattended. The most ethical action is to: → Alert the administrator immediately about the security breach
7. Which of the following situations requires a firefighter to disclose a potential conflict of interest to a supervisor? → The firefighter owns rental property in a building the department is inspecting
8. A firefighter needs to determine which direction a gear will turn if the driving gear rotates clockwise. If two gears mesh directly, the driven gear will turn: → Counterclockwise
9. A pumper truck carries 750 gallons of water. During an operation, 40% of the water is used. How many gallons of water are remaining in the tank? → 450 gallons
10. Which of the following best describes a conflict of interest for a firefighter? → Having a personal financial stake in a business your station inspects
11. A fire station door uses a counterbalance spring mechanism. If the spring tension is set too low, the door will: → Close too fast
12. A firefighter must thread a ¾-inch hose coupling. Turning the coupling counterclockwise will: → Loosen it
13. Which of the following best defines 'Problem Sensitivity' in the context of firefighting? → The ability to recognize or identify that a problem exists or is likely to develop.
14. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and most clearly written? → The firefighter ran towards the building after seeing the smoke.
15. A firefighter suspects a colleague is showing signs of substance abuse while on duty. The best course of action is to: → Report the concern to a supervisor to protect the crew and public
16. Which action best demonstrates integrity in the fire service? → Doing the right thing even when no one is observing
17. Which of the following is the most powerful and sustainable motivator for a firefighter to maintain a high level of performance throughout their career? → An intrinsic sense of duty, purpose, and commitment to serving the community.
18. A student is ranked 13th from the right and 8th from the left. How many students are there in total? → 20
19. What is the primary reason firefighters are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive incident information? → To protect the privacy and dignity of individuals involved
20. Which of the following types of fire extinguishers is typically suitable for use on fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth? → Class A
21. Which tool would a firefighter most likely use to cut through a padlock shackle during forcible entry? → Bolt cutters
22. A hydraulic rescue tool generates 10,000 pounds of force through a cylinder with a 2-square-inch piston. The hydraulic pressure in the system is: → 5,000 psi
23. A firefighter posts a photo on social media showing the interior of a home where the crew responded to a fire. Which concern is most significant? → It could violate the privacy of the homeowner and expose the department to liability
24. What does 'accountability' mean in the context of fire department professional conduct? → Taking personal responsibility for one's actions and decisions
25. A firefighter overhears colleagues making discriminatory remarks about a new recruit. What is the most professional response? → Address the behavior or report it to a supervisor if it continues
26. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct? → When you do a job so well, you can expect praise.
27. When a firefighter disagrees with a department policy, the most professional and ethical course of action is to: → Follow the policy while pursuing change through official grievance or suggestion channels
28. A firefighter discovers that a fellow crew member has falsified an inspection report. What is the most appropriate course of action? → Report the falsification to a supervisor through proper channels
29. A firefighter is writing an incident report. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and most clearly written? → Upon arrival, the crew observed that the fire had breached the roof.
30. A firefighter is asked by a local reporter about an ongoing arson investigation. The correct response is to: → Decline to comment and direct the reporter to the department's public information officer