How to study for the EVT certification tests
The short version: pick the test your next level needs, download EVTCC's learning objectives and reference list for it, read those references, then drill practice questions until you can say why each answer is right. Each test is 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions in two hours, and 70% passes.
How the EVT tests work
EVT stands for Emergency Vehicle Technician. The program is run by the EVT Certification Commission (EVTCC), and its tests cover fire apparatus, ambulances, airport rescue (ARFF) vehicles and law-enforcement vehicles.
From EVTCC's own site, checked October 2026. Dates and fees change — confirm them with EVTCC's registration portal before you book.
Which tests to take, and in what order
There are two ways to be EVT certified. Pass any single EVT exam and you are certified in that test area. Or work up the levels — Level I, Level II and Master — which pair EVT exams with ASE exams.
You can sit the exams in any order, but you apply for the levels in sequence: Level I before Level II, and Level II before Master. So the pair of EVT tests in Level I of your track is the natural place to start.
Fire apparatus track
For pumpers, aerials, tankers, squads and wildland apparatus.
| Level | EVT exams | ASE exams |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | F1Maintenance, Inspection & TestingF2Design & Performance Standards | T4BrakesT5Suspension & Steering |
| Level II | F3Fire Pumps & AccessoriesF4Fire Apparatus Electrical Systems | T2Diesel EnginesT3Drive TrainT6Electrical / Electronic Systems |
| Level III (Master) | F5Aerial Fire ApparatusF6Allison Automatic Transmissions | T1Gasoline EnginesT7HVAC |
Ambulance track
For technicians who work on ambulances.
| Level | EVT exams | ASE exams |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | E0Maintenance, Inspection & TestingE1Ambulance Design & Performance | A4Suspension & SteeringA5Brakes |
| Level II | E2Ambulance Electrical SystemsE3Ambulance HVAC | A9Light-Vehicle Diesel EnginesT3Drive TrainT4Brakes |
| Level III (Master) | E4Cab, Chassis & Powertrain | T1Gasoline EnginesT2Diesel EnginesT5Suspension & Steering |
ARFF (airport rescue and fire fighting) track
For airport rescue and fire-fighting vehicles.
| Level | EVT exams | ASE exams |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | A1ARFF — Design & Performance (A-1)F1Maintenance, Inspection & Testing | T2Diesel EnginesT4BrakesT6Electrical / Electronic Systems |
| Level II | A2ARFF — Chassis & Components (A-2)F4Fire Apparatus Electrical Systems | T3Drive TrainT5Suspension & SteeringT7HVAC |
| Level III (Master) | A3ARFF — Extinguishing Agent Systems (A-3) | L2Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis |
The level requirements are EVTCC's chart, checked October 2026. See the official chart before you plan your sequence. EVTCC also has a one-exam law-enforcement track and a two-exam management track.
A study method that works
- Get the learning objectives for your test. EVTCC publishes a “Reference Materials and Learning Objectives” sheet for every exam and says to use those objectives as the basis for preparing. It is the closest thing to a table of contents for the test. Every sheet's outline and reference list, in one place, or the PDFs on EVTCC's Exams & Prep page.
- Get the references on that sheet, in the edition it names. For the fire and ambulance tests these are mostly NFPA standards. NFPA merged its apparatus standards in 2024: NFPA 1900 now covers new vehicles (it took in 1901 and the ambulance standard, 1917), and NFPA 1910 covers in-service inspection, maintenance and testing (it took in 1911). EVTCC notes which tests draw from the 2024 editions. The full old-number-to-new-number map is here.
- Do EVTCC's free sample questions first. There is a set for each exam. They show you how the questions are worded before you spend a study hour.
- Drill by topic, and read the explanation on every miss. A score tells you that you missed it. The explanation tells you what to change. If you can't say why the right answer is right, count it as a miss.
- Keep going back to your weakest topic. It is more comfortable to re-drill what you already know. The points are in the topics you keep getting wrong.
- Finish with timed practice at test length. Two hours for 50 to 100 questions is roughly one to two and a half minutes a question. Practice at that pace so the clock is not a surprise.
Guides for each EVT test
Each of these has its own guide — what is on the test, the topics that come up most, and the common traps — with free practice questions.
EVT Fire Apparatus
EVT Ambulance
EVT ARFF (Airport)
Questions techs ask before the first test
How many questions are on an EVT test, and how long do you get?
Each regular EVT exam has between 50 and 100 multiple-choice questions, and you get two hours for it. A testing event runs four hours, so you can sit two regular exams at one event.
What score do you need to pass an EVT exam?
70% or better on each test.
Do I have to take the EVT tests in order?
No. EVTCC lets you take the EVT and ASE exams in any order. What has to go in order is the paperwork: you apply for Level I before Level II, and Level II before Master.
Which tests do I need for EVT Level I?
Fire apparatus: EVT F1 and F2 plus ASE T4 and T5. Ambulance: EVT E0 and E1 plus ASE A4 and A5. ARFF: EVT A1 and F1 plus ASE T2, T4 and T6.
When are EVT tests given?
EVTCC's nationwide test dates are in June and October, and its registration portal lists the testing events. Results are mailed within 4 to 6 weeks of the test date.
How long does EVT certification last?
Five years. EVTCC has shorter re-certification exams for renewing: 25 to 50 questions, 40 minutes each.
Do I need a class or experience before I can take an EVT test?
No. EVTCC says anyone may register and there are no prerequisites; the program is built for independent study.
What should I study from?
EVTCC publishes a Reference Materials and Learning Objectives sheet and a set of sample questions for every exam, and says the objectives are the basis for preparing. Start with those, then drill practice questions on the topics the objectives list.
Official EVTCC resources
- Exams & Prep — learning objectives and sample questions for every test.
- Certification tracks — the official level requirements chart.
- FAQs — eligibility, test rules and how levels are applied for.
- Registration portal — test dates and sign-up.
Practice for the test you're sitting
4,967 EVT practice questions, every answer explained — plus the ASE tests your level needs, on the same subscription.
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