Study plan
An F-80 study plan to fit around your course and your shifts
Two plans built on the 12 zones we split the Study Material into: two weeks if your test is close, four if you have time. Both end with the timed mock exam, the length of the real 50-question test (Source: Study Material p. 6). Keep the flashcards for short breaks on shift.
Plan ref 10Updated October 25, 2026
Pick the plan that fits your shifts
The zones are grouped so each one builds on the last: the role and the terms first, then the alarm system, then what you do with it.
For when your course is done and your test date is close. About 40 minutes a day.
- Days 1–2
The role and the words
Read the coordinator role and the key terms. Walk both rounds.
- Days 3–4
The alarm system
Read the alarm panel and the alarm devices. Note every signal you mix up.
- Days 5–6
Plan, drills, procedures
Read the preparedness plan, the drills and procedures and log books.
- Days 7–8
Systems down, systems on the wall
Read out of service and fire watch, sprinklers and standpipes and extinguishers.
- Days 9–10
The shelter itself
Read shelter fire hazards and emergency shelter rules.
- Days 11–12
Mix the zones
Run the mixed practice round and go through the whole deck of flashcards twice.
- Days 13–14
Test under the clock
Take the mock exam in one sitting. Then re-read the zones that scored lowest in its by-zone table.
For study alongside the course, or around full shifts. About 25 minutes a day.
- Week 1, days 1–3
Who you are on site
Read the coordinator role, then the key terms. Walk each round once.
- Week 1, days 4–7
Panel and devices
Read the alarm panel, then the alarm devices, the largest zone. Take two evenings for it.
- Week 2, days 1–3
The plan and the people
Read the preparedness plan, then the drills.
- Week 2, days 4–7
Records and outages
Read procedures and log books, then out of service and fire watch.
- Week 3, days 1–3
Equipment
Read extinguishers and sprinklers and standpipes.
- Week 3, days 4–7
Hazards and temporary shelters
Read shelter fire hazards, then emergency shelter rules.
- Week 4, days 1–4
Mixed rounds and the deck
Run the mixed practice round twice, and the flashcards each day.
- Week 4, days 5–7
The full-length test
Take the mock exam under the clock, then open the review. Re-read the weakest zone before your test day.
Where the school course fits
You cannot book the FDNY test until you finish a course at a school on the FDNY list (the course requirement). The school gives its own graduation test, with 70% to pass and two tries (Source: Study Material p. 5).
Run the four-week plan before or around your course. Run the two-week plan once you have the diploma. It stays valid for one year for the FDNY test (facts as of October 2026, from the FDNY Study Material).
A slow week is not a failed plan
Eighty pages of code language after a night shift is hard reading. When a week goes badly, move the whole plan back by a week. Skipping a zone to stay on schedule leaves a gap in what you know.
Before you book the test
- School diploma in hand, less than a year old
- Verification letter, notarized
- F-80 application form, notarized
- Two IDs, one a government photo ID
- Every zone round walked at least once
- Mock exam taken in one sitting, and the review read
Next exit: the App Store
F-80 is on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. On any other device, the free practice here is the way through.