What skills are tested in the NFST's reading comprehension portion?

The reading comprehension portion of the NFST primarily assesses the ability to understand and interpret written protocols and materials relevant to firefighting and emergency services. This skill is crucial for firefighters, as it involves comprehending operational guidelines, safety procedures, and other critical documentation. Being able to effectively read and understand these materials ensures that firefighters can execute their duties safely and efficiently, follow protocols during emergencies, and communicate effectively with their team based on the information provided in these texts.

Other options, such as language translation and interpretation, creative writing and editing skills, or the ability to memorize texts verbatim, are not the focus of this assessment. The emphasis is on comprehension, which encompasses the ability to extract essential information, discern meanings, and apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios that firefighters might encounter.