I receive a lot of requests for information about becoming a career firefighter. Some are from firefighters currently working elsewhere looking to relocate, some are from members of a small fire department and are seeking the career opportunities and advancement usually associated with a larger department. There are also many requests from people with no fire service backgrounds that have learned our little secret that it is the best job in the world. A number of requests are coming from military personnel who are ending their active duty status and want to become firefighters.

Those who have served our country are very desirable candidates indeed. They have served under stressful conditions and understand the core values and traits that are necessary in the fire service such as discipline and teamwork. They understand the need for drills and knowing your equipment. One point that may work against military personnel becoming firefighters is the rigid timelines and processes for the testing and hiring. Those on active duty may not be able to get to the city for all of the various steps in the hiring because of their military assignments. Some jurisdictions do offer preferences in their hiring process because of military service.

Most cities and towns have some type of formal hiring process for firefighters. Generally the larger the city the more rigid and formal is the process. Also the pool of candidates is larger as well making it much more competitive. Depending on the jurisdiction, the process may be administered at the state level by a civil service agency or by the local civil service commission or human resources department. The fire department may have very little influence or involvement until the final hiring step or appointment to the academy. Usually the process will consist of an announcement and application period. The written test is often designed to determine general knowledge and mechanical aptitude rather than specific fire knowledge or experience. Many book stores carry study guides and preparation manuals for civil service tests for firefighters.

The written test is the first cut and may be competitive or simply pass/fail with a cut-off established. After the written test establishes a preliminary hiring list, successful candidates will be invited to the physical ability testing. This may consist of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT ) developed by the IAFF and IAFC or a locally designed test. Again, depending on the jurisdiction the physical portion of the test may be competitive or pass/fail. The CPAT is pass/fail. After the physical testing is completed the list is usually established for a period of time; often several years. The next step in the waiting game is waiting for the authority to hire which will start the remaining parts of the process. These steps may involve, interviews, medical and background checks. Each step may require a separate visit to the city so it can be a strain on your budget.

Patience is the key word in the process to become a firefighter. Many jurisdictions are constrained by civil service rules, financial and public policy restraints, and possibly judicial oversight of the hiring process. Nearly all jurisdictions will hire in groups to facilitate the operation of a fire academy to provide the basic training required. The academy may run from eight to ten weeks.

None of this sounds easy and the wait can be frustrating. But as I mentioned it is considered by many of us to truly be the best job in the world. It will be worth the wait. Next month I will cover some steps to help improve your odds of being hired.