Find out if you'd pass — before test day.
Two free 20-question practice tests, scored instantly, with honest feedback on exactly where you need work. Built by a working Southern California Firefighter/Paramedic, Helicopter Paramedic Rescuer, and Navy Search and Rescue Medical Technician (SMT) — not a marketing company.
- Instant score + category breakdown — see your weak spots, not just a number.
- The Firefighter Hiring Roadmap (PDF) — the whole path to the badge, in order.
- No cost, no catch. Take a test now — you'll enter your email at the end to unlock your feedback and the roadmap.
What is Tailboard Academy?
The tailboard is the back of the engine — where crews debrief and pass on what actually works. That's the idea here: real hiring prep for future firefighters and EMTs — practice tests, straight feedback, and a clear map of the process — from someone still on the rig.
How it works
- Pick a test. Firefighter written or EMT-Basic — start right on this page.
- Answer 20 questions. About 15 minutes. Scored the second you finish.
- See where you stand. Your score, your weak categories, and what to work on first — plus the free Hiring Roadmap in your inbox.
Your service is a head start, not a restart.
Getting out — or already out? You're closer to this career than you think. The discipline, the teamwork under pressure, the ability to operate when things go sideways — departments actively recruit for that, and many offer veteran hiring preference. You've likely earned benefits that can help pay for training: the GI Bill and other VA education programs, plus DoD SkillBridge if you're still serving. (Eligibility varies — the VA and your command are the final word.) Start with the free tests and Roadmap now; the complete Military → Fire Service guide is coming soon.
Who's behind this
I'm a Firefighter/Paramedic in Southern California and a Helicopter Paramedic Rescuer. Before that, a U.S. Navy Search and Rescue Medical Technician (SMT) — so I've made the military-to-fire-service jump myself, and I remember exactly how confusing the hiring process looked from the outside. I also build tools for this profession: I created FireTrade, a shift-swap app used by 200+ firefighters. Tailboard Academy is the resource I wish I'd had when I was testing.
Straight answers
What do I get right now?
Two 20-question practice tests — firefighter written and EMT-Basic — each with an instant score, category breakdown, and feedback on where to improve. Plus the Firefighter Hiring Roadmap PDF. Immediately, free.
Is it really free? What's the catch?
Really free. The catch, plainly: I'm building a paid program and want you on the list when it launches. Not for you? Unsubscribe — the free stuff is yours either way.
What is Tailboard Academy?
Hiring prep for future firefighters and EMTs, built by a working Southern California Firefighter/Paramedic and Navy Search and Rescue Medical Technician (SMT) — not a marketing company.
Do you guarantee I'll get hired or pass?
No — and be wary of anyone who does. Hiring belongs to departments; results come down to your preparation. What I give you is realistic practice, honest feedback, and a clear picture of the process.
Is this only for veterans?
Not at all. The tests and roadmap are for anyone pursuing a fire or EMS career. There's extra material for transitioning military because I made that jump myself.
Affiliated with the NREMT, a department, or a testing agency?
No. Independent, and not affiliated with or endorsed by any department, testing body, the NREMT, the VA, or the DoD. NREMT® is a registered trademark of the National Registry of EMTs. Practice tests are original study material, not actual exam content.
Twenty questions. Fifteen minutes. Know where you stand.
Two free practice tests and the full hiring roadmap — free.
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Unlock your feedback + free Roadmap
See your category-by-category coaching and get the Firefighter Hiring Roadmap sent to your inbox. Free.
Yours to keep. We'll also email you when the full program opens.
The full program
- 8 full-length practice tests with AI feedback — explains the reasoning behind every answer and builds you a personalized study plan.
- Full CPAT & Biddle prep + fitness plans — train for the exact physical test, not generic gym work.
- EMT & Paramedic school prep — EMT school prep with NREMT practice tests, and Paramedic school prep with NREMT-Paramedic practice tests.
- Live AI oral-board practice — rehearse real interview questions out loud and walk in prepared.
- One-on-one mentoring & Q&A — get your questions answered and your plan checked by someone who's done it.
- Job posting board — open Firefighter and EMS positions, in one place.
- The complete Military → Fire Service guide — GI Bill & VA education benefits, SkillBridge, veteran hiring preference.
You're on the list — you'll get founding-member pricing when it launches.