Tips

First Steps

Going through the testing process takes time and commitment.  In fact, many departments feel that completing all the steps involved in the testing process is necessary to show them that you have the dedication and determination necessary to become a firefighter.

Every state has different requirements that must be met during the testing process and each department is different in how they choose to administer their test. However, below is a list of components that may be included in a typical fire department test:

  1. Identify fire departments that are testing
  2. Receive, complete and return your application (and supporting documents) prior to the deadline
  3. Attend an orientation
  4. Take the written examination
  5. Take the physical agility test (you may also complete a run and climb the aerial ladder)
  6. A preliminary eligibility list may be created at this time
  7. Participate in an oral interview
  8. At this point a ranked list is created based on the above scores. You are then called in order of rank or band and a conditional offer of employment is extended
  9. Submit to a background check
  10. Take part in a psychological evaluation
  11. Take a polygraph test
  12. Pass a medical exam

Congratulations! At this point, you are sworn in to begin one of the world's most honorable and desirable professions.

Each fire department is different, but most will use some variation of the steps listed above.  So what can you do to make this process easier?

Create a Qualification packet

If you are planning to commit yourself to taking every available test, you will find that you are making copy after copy the same documents for each department.  To save yourself some time and energy, make 10-15 photocopies of the following documents and keep them in a file for quick reference and attachment to your application:

  1. High school diploma or GED
  2. Drivers license
  3. Birth certificate
  4. EMT licenses (if applicable)
  5. Copy of college diploma or transcripts (if applicable)
  6. Certified copy of military DD214 (if applicable)
  7. Any fire department certifications (if applicable)
  8. A list of 3-5 references with current contact information
  9. A detailed employment history with addresses, phone numbers and supervisor names
  10. If you plan to dedicate yourself to becoming a firefighter, you will find that taking classes, such as EMT-B, and EMT-P (paramedic) will help you to qualify for more opportunities.

Get Physical

Being a firefighter can demand physical strength and endurance for varied periods of time.  To determine that you have the physical means to perform the job, most departments require you to pass a physical agility/ability test.

What is a physical agility test?  It is a timed physical test involving fire department equipment, but not requiring any specific knowledge or experience with it. Components of this test might include opening a fire hydrant, dragging a charged hose line, carrying a hose pack up a flight of stairs, raising an extension ladder, striking a Kaiser sled with a mallet, and dragging a dummy. In most cases you will be wearing turnout gear, air pack and a helmet while performing these tasks.

Some departments will offer a chance to run through a practice session a week or two before the actual test.  It would be a great benefit to you to familiarize yourself with the layout, because some departments give more points for faster times.  Those few seconds could mean the difference between being number three on the eligibility list or number fifteen.

We recommend wearing jeans or long pants to protect your knees if you fall during the test. Also, be sure to eat a light breakfast prior to the test or you may see it again after you're finished.

A recent trend is that fire departments are requiring you to be CPAT certified. What is CPAT? A Candidate Physical Assessment Test (CPAT) is a physical ability test that is put on by an organization other than the fire department and is now widely being used in place of the standard test you would take every time you apply to a department. A CPAT card is good for one year and usually must be presented when applying.

The Interview

Oral interviews can vary from a casual discussion with the Police and Fire Commission to a timed group interview where every interviewee is asked the same question and given one minute to answer. 

While interviewing is stressful, it will feel more comfortable and go more smoothly if you prepare a list of questions and practice speaking your answers.  Be prepared to answer uncomfortable questions about your past if you have a history of questionable behavior. Your interview could go any direction, but there are some questions that are asked fairly often;

  1. Why do you want to be a firefighter?
  2. What have you done to prepare yourself for this job?
  3. Why do you think you would be a good firefighter?
  4. What does your family think of you working in this field?
  5. What is your greatest asset?
  6. What is one of your faults?
  7. What qualities or experiences would you bring to the department?

Remember, you want to be comfortable with your answers without sounding rehearsed. One of the best ways to present these answers is with a story...(i.e. "My grandfather was a firefighter and he used to take me to the firehouse when I was young. Hearing the stories of big calls and the camaraderie among firefighters made me realize that this is what I really want to do as a career...")