Qualifications and Requirements

Age:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at time of application.

Background:
Applicants must submit to a background investigation.

Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must have identification necessary to establish eligibility to work in the United States. Some departments participate in E-Verify and will provide Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Education:
Applicants must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Licenses:
Must possess a valid driver's license and an acceptable DMV record, and possess or have the ability to obtain a driver's license with an F endorsement. Applicants must be currently certified as a National Registry NREMT paramedic, or in the State of California, State of Nevada, or have the ability to obtain licensure in either of these States. Those agencies that are hiring Firefighters will require EMT basic, intermediate or advanced EMT level of certification. Agencies allowing their Seasonal Firefighters to apply will require EMT certification. Additionally, applicants must possess valid CPR Health Care Provider certification, ACLS, PALS, ITLS, and/or PEPP certification as required. Please refer to specific agencies required certifications and/or licensures on the homepage of this website. All certifications and/or licensures MUST be attached to your application at time of submittal.

Medical:
All agencies require applicants to pass a drug/alcohol screen for use of illegal substances. Certain agencies also require applicants to complete a psychological/physical test. Contact the specific fire district for details.

Residency:
Each department has its own residency/response time requirement. Contact the specific fire district for details.

Skills:
See Licenses section above. Additional experience may be required by each agency.

Medical Skills Test:
Applicants that pass the physical agility test will be tested on their EMS skills.

The Written Exam:
A Fire Service Test written exam will be taken by all qualified applicants. To purchase a study guide please visit publicsafetycompass.com

Oral Board Interview:
Firefighter candidates participate in an Oral Board panel interview with representatives from each of the Departments. The panel will consist of a minimum of 3 interviewers and a maximum of 5. Questions will be structured as Experienced-Based (Tell me about a time you...) Situational (How would you...or, What would you do if...) and Practical (Hands on Situations). Interviews will last approximately one hour and candidates are asked to dress in a manner appropriate for a job interview.

Physical Agility:
Those applicants that successfully pass both written exams will participate in the physical agility test. If an applicant fails the physical agility test, he/she will not be allowed to continue with any further testing. Applicants may bring their own structure helmet, structure coat with liner and structure gloves to wear.

Physical Agility Test - Demonstration Video