Account setup
Online account required
All candidates must create and maintain an online account before they can register for any OFAI assessment.
Resources
How To Register
Use this page to understand the Candidate Testing Services (CTS) pathway, complete the required self-assessment, and prepare your account before registering for Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) assessments.
Candidates must create an online account, review the registration policy, and complete the self-assessment before booking.
All candidates must create an online account before booking any OFAI assessment. Before registering, complete the self-assessment questionnaire to confirm that the firefighter role aligns with your goals, current readiness, and understanding of the job requirements.
The self-assessment is for your reference only. It is not submitted to OFAI, but it helps candidates understand the expectations, minimum qualifications, and sequencing of the CTS process.
Once your account is active, you can register for the required assessments, track certificate uploads, and manage your bookings through the candidate portal.
Registration at a glance
Key details before you book
This section summarizes the operational details candidates most often need before registering for Candidate Testing Services.
First step
Complete the self-assessment first
The self-assessment questionnaire should be completed before registration to help candidates assess fit and readiness for the firefighter role.
Scheduling
Registration closes five business days before testing
Bookings close five business days before each test date. Late registrations are not accepted.
Certificates
Allow up to 72 hours for uploads
Your account stores your certificates. Please allow up to 72 hours after each completed stage for certificate uploads.
Re-testing
15-day or 30-day wait periods
Failed assessments require a 15-day wait after the first failure and a 30-day wait after the second and all later failures.
Portal access
Manage bookings and records online
Use the candidate portal to register, monitor your schedule, review uploaded certificates, and manage eligible cancellations.
CTS pathway
How the assessment process is sequenced
All candidates must successfully complete the following Candidate Testing Services stages to obtain certificates used when applying to participating municipal fire services.
CTS stages
Stage One
The first stage is the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test™ (FACT™), which evaluates aptitude and personal characteristics relevant to firefighter performance.
Stage Two
Stage Two includes the Hearing Assessment, Vision Assessment, and the Encapsulated Treadmill Test (ETT).
Stage Three
Stage Three includes the Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job-Related Tests (FPAT) and the Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment.
Required forms and guides
Before attending, candidates must complete all required forms and review the appropriate Pre-Assessment Guide for their scheduled assessment.
Screening and arrival requirements
Candidates must review current OFAI screening protocols, arrive prepared, and comply with all instructions issued by OFAI and FESTI staff.
Portal, guides, and documentation
Upcoming dates and times are listed on the Testing Calendar. Use the candidate portal to create or access your account and register for the assessment you need.
Review the applicable Pre-Assessment Guide before your appointment. These guides explain what to bring, what to expect at FESTI, and how to prepare for each assessment.
All candidates must complete required online consent and any assessment-specific account steps before attending. Missing required account activity may delay participation or require rebooking.
Accommodations
If you require testing accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, create or access your OFAI account, open Support, and submit an accommodation request ticket at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned assessment date.
Payments, cancellations, and conduct
Accepted payment methods: online VISA, MasterCard, and debit VISA. All fees are charged in Canadian dollars, and receipts are issued automatically by email.
Cancellation windows, refund eligibility, and illness-related exceptions are governed by the Registration Policy. Use your OFAI account to submit eligible cancellation or support requests.
Children, unregistered guests, and audio or video recording devices are not permitted inside the testing facility.
Candidate conduct
Firefighting is grounded in respect, trust, integrity, and professionalism. Candidates are expected to reflect that standard throughout the CTS process.
- Arrive on time.
- Use respectful language with OFAI administration, FESTI staff, evaluators, and other candidates.
- Respect FESTI property and equipment.
- Harassment, bullying, discrimination, impersonation, bribery, and cheating are not tolerated.
- Participation under the influence of drugs or alcohol results in permanent removal from the CTS process.