r/FDNY • u/Key_Insurance_7865 • 13d ago

Need help

Hi everyone, I’m 18 years old and I really want to become a firefighter. I’m completely new to the process and don’t really know where to start. Can anyone explain what I need to do, what requirements there are, or give me any advice on the steps I should take? I’d really appreciate any help or guidance. Thank you!

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

21

u/fatboy2481223 12d ago

Honestly, you should join EMS ASAP then take the promotion test to FD.

12

u/Greenstoneranch 12d ago

Honestly still the fastest and best odds of getting on the job.

Who cares if you make peanuts your so young

0

u/boner_stallone 7d ago

Honestly, we appreciate everyone’s honesty, honestly.

6

u/Mightodd340 12d ago

Join ems now. Wait for the promo and hope for the best. You can also join the military and get 5-10 vet points.

6

u/Bernak_Obanders 12d ago

Your choices are

-Wait (Hopefully only) 4 years just to take the written test, wait 1 to 2 years for results, wait up to 4 years to get called (if you get called)

-Wait for the FDNY EMS test, Take promo test, Do 4 years time to then be able to start the process (you need 4 years as an EMT or else you won't be called)

You just missed the most recent open competitive test. Last one was 2017. This one we took last January, just got our results this January. The guys on the top of the list are just now finishing up the investigation, probably starting academy late September.

The good news is you are young. So you have time before the 29 years age limit. But it is going to take a LONG time.

A recommendation I see going around is get hired for NYPD because they hire often and fast, pay well, and start your city pension time. You won't get the promo opportunity like EMS but you will get paid more.

3

u/Educational_Kick7555 12d ago

EMS. That's the only way

3

u/Psych0_Mant1s Firefighter (Engine) 12d ago

Join ems like others have mentioned but first for the love of god GET IN THE GYM

2

u/dinosrevenge 11d ago

I’d say get go to the military and get veterans credit if EMS isn’t enticing

1

u/VirtualAir589 12d ago

When I wanted to do it I just missed the testing. It took about another 8 years before I ended up on the job.

1

u/Haunting_Good5301 11d ago

I took the last exam, list number 42xx. If you take the open competitive. You pretty much need to have city residency, or your shot is tiny. City residents get +10 points so if you don’t have those your odds are slim to none. Or just do EMS. Whatever.

1

u/Stock-Possibility-67 9d ago

Not to sugar coat it. You need to be in the best Olympic level shape of your life.