If you’re all fired up about a career that allows you to protect your local community, it might be time to consider finding a job as a firefighter. You’d be in great company: there were over a million career and volunteer firefighters in the U.S. in 2020!
Of course, the path to becoming a firefighter isn’t always a straight line, and it varies by person and location. It’s also important to remember that the requirements for this job differ from state to state. Even within a state, some departments in big cities may have stricter requirements than those of small towns.
Given how complicated the path to this career can be, how can you get started? Let’s take a look at what you’d need for this role.
Meet the Basic Requirements
Before we dive in, let’s go over a few basic requirements. Though you can improve your application with some of the other steps we’ll discuss below, it’s important to meet some minimum standards.
First, you’ll need to have either a high school diploma or a GED. You’ll also need a driver’s license.
Next, you’ll need to research the firefighter age limitations in your state. In many states, applicants must be at least 18 years old, though some states require applicants to be 21. Some states won’t accept candidates over a certain age, which can range from 29 to 40 years old.
You’ll also need to be able to pass a background check. If you have a previous criminal or driving record, be prepared to take ownership of your mistakes in the interview.
Not many people realize that background checks often involve a credit score check. While this information may not make or break an application, it’s a good idea to do what you can to improve poor credit.
Get the Right Education
Each fire department will have different expectations around the certifications they prefer. However, many firefighters get a bachelor’s degree in fire science when starting or advancing their careers.
In addition, some states show a preference for applicants with EMT experience or a paramedic’s license; others even require it. If you don’t have this type of background, you can still improve your chances by getting training with the American Red Cross in CPR and other emergency techniques.
Volunteer
Want to get your foot in the door while gaining vital experience? See if your fire department accepts volunteers. For many departments across the U.S., volunteers are crucial in supporting firefighters.
Volunteer firefighters may perform community service in the name of the department or do administrative work. They may also help with traffic control, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and minor acts of fire suppression. In some cases, an esteemed volunteer can even earn a fire department challenge coin just like a professional firefighter would!
This experience can also give you a great opportunity to network within the department while learning the ropes.
Improve Your Physical Condition
No matter how many of our tips you follow, even the best firefighter training won’t help if you aren’t in shape.
Firefighters work under strenuous conditions. During their long hours on the job, they’re weighed down by heavy protective equipment and tools. They may need to carry people out of dangerous situations while enduring suffocating heat.
As a result, they need a high level of physical fitness to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.
Though you may get additional fitness and endurance training on the job, it’s important to prepare yourself for the demanding tasks you’ll have to perform!
Pass the Exam
Many states hold an exam for interested candidates once every four years, though this timeline may vary. Your local fire department will offer any available firefighter jobs to qualified candidates who have passed the exam. In other words, you’ll want to find out the exam schedule and prepare to study!
The examination will vary from state to state. You should check with your local department to find out what to expect. However, you’ll generally need to pass a few different types of exams.
Written Exam
Instead of testing you on fire science, written exams test your logical reasoning. Most of the time, they will include a range of multiple-choice questions on math, grammar, science, and mechanical and spatial reasoning. You may also have short essay questions to test your aptitude for written expression.
Physical Exam
The physical exam will test your fitness level. Most departments will require you to take the test while wearing a firefighter’s heavy uniform. They may also require a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), one of the most common firefighter tests in the nation.
Your physical exam may include stair climbing, equipment hauling, or ladder use. To test your fitness on the job, many departments may use tests similar to what firefighters often experience. Some departments may set up limited-visibility obstacle courses to mimic the environment of a search and rescue, for example, or they may erect barriers you’ll need to break down in the same way you’d break down a door.
Oral Interview
Your interview will often include questions about your career goals. Be prepared to explain why you’re choosing a career as a firefighter and what drew you to this specific department.
This interview may or may not include a psychological evaluation. During this evaluation, a professional will talk to you to decide how well you’d cope with the stress of the job.
Go Through Firefighter Training
Depending on your department, you may receive a job offer after passing your exam, and then you’ll head to a fire academy. In some states, passing your CPAT allows you to enter a firefighting academy, but it doesn’t guarantee a job.
Firefighter academies include rigorous physical training, classroom learning, and lessons on fire science and firefighting tools. If they don’t have jobs before training, many graduates go on to find jobs once this hands-on training is complete.
Start Becoming a Firefighter
If you’re interested in becoming a firefighter, it’s time to get started! Because it’s easier to get this competitive job if you have the right background, take time to decide how to secure the education and training you’ll need. Be sure to reach out to your local department for more insights on their specific requirements.
Want more helpful life tips? Be sure to take a look at our other content for other helpful guides like this one.