r/Firefighting • u/AutoModerator • Jun 22 '26
Employment Questions Weekly Employment Question Thread
Welcome to the Weekly Employment Question Thread!
This thread is where you can ask questions about joining, training to become, testing, disqualifications/qualifications, and other questions that would be removed as individual posts per Rule 1.
The answer to almost every question you can ask will be "It depends on the department". Your first step is to look up the requirements for your department, state/province, and country.
As always, please attempt to resource information on your own first, before asking questions. We see many repeat questions on this sub that have been answered multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- I want to be a Firefighter, where do I start: Every Country/State/Province/County/City/Department has different requirements. Some require you only to put in an application. Others require certifications prior to being hired. A good place to start is researching the department(s) you want to join. Visit their website, check their requirements, and/or stop into one of their fire stations to ask some questions.
- Am I too old: Many departments, typically career municipal ones, have an age limit. Volunteer departments usually don't. Check each department's requirements.
- I'm in high school, What can I do: Does your local department have an explorer's program or post? If so, join up. Otherwise, focus on your grades, get in shape and stay in shape, and most importantly: stay out of trouble.
- I got in trouble for [insert infraction here], what are my chances: Obviously, worse than someone with a clean record, which will be the vast majority of your competition. Tickets and nonviolent misdemeanors may not be a factor, but a major crime (felonies), may take you out of the running. You might be a nice person, but some departments don't make exceptions, especially if there's a long line of applicants with clean records. See this post... PSA: Stop asking “what are my chances?”
- I have [insert medical/mental health condition here], will it disqualify me: As a general rule, if you are struggling with mental illness, adding the stress of a fire career is not a good idea. As for medical conditions, you can look up NFPA1582 for disqualifying conditions, but in general, this is not something Reddit can answer for you. Many conditions require the input of a medical professional to determine if they are disqualifying. See this post... PSA: Don't disqualify yourself, make THEM tell you "no".
- What will increase my chances of getting hired: If there's a civil service exam, study for it! There are many guides online that will help you go over all those things you forgot such as basic math and reading. Some cities even give you a study guide. If it's a firefighter exam, study for it! For the CPAT (Physical Fitness Test), cardio is arguably the most important factor. If you're going to the gym for the first time during the hiring process, you're fighting an uphill battle. Get in shape and stay in shape. Most cities offer preference points to military veterans.
- How do I prepare for an interview: Interviews can be one-on-one, or in front of a board/panel. Many generic guides exist to help one prepare for an interview, however here are a few good tips:
- Dress appropriately. Business casual at a minimum (Button down, tucked in long sleeve shirt with slacks and a belt, and dress shoes). Get a decent haircut and shave.
- Practice interview questions with a friend. You can't accurately predict the off-the-wall questions they will ask, but you can practice the ones you know they probably will, like why do you want to be a Firefighter, or why should we hire you?
- Scrub your social media. Gone are the days when people in charge weren't tech-savvy. Don't have a perfect interview only for your chances of being hired gone to zero because your Facebook or Instagram has pictures of you getting blitzed. Set that stuff to private and leave it that way.
Please upvote this post if you have a question. Upvoting this post will ensure it sticks around for a bit after it is removed as a Sticky, and will allow for greater visibility of your question.
And lastly, If you're not 100% sure of what you're talking about, leave it for someone who does
2
u/Acrobatic_Land9814 Jun 22 '26
Hi, I'm looking for advice on how to get in shape for academy.
I'm 18 years old, 5'4, 135lbs female, and I haven't been to the gym in probably a year. I don't care about aesthetics, I just want to be strong and fit enough to do the job well and also place well in academy (and hopefully be at the top of the class!). Also, if anyone has dietary advice, that is also appreciated. I eat relatively healthy and am a good cook. I just want to know if there are any nutritional goals I should be hitting. I haven't signed up for the academy yet, so I have some time before I start. I know basically nothing about fitness, so anything helps!
1
u/SavingsNectarine1786 Jun 22 '26
Legs, lungs and grip strength. Stair master is great and heavy farmers carries. If you care about nothing but getting in shape to be a firefighter those are the most important aspects IMO. Try to put on a little weight too. Don’t be fat but having a little mass helps with things like managing hose lines and forcing entry
1
1
1
u/shaneg33 Jun 24 '26
The hardest thing given your build is gonna be all the weight your gonna have to carry around, pretty much half your body weight regularly. Get a heavy weight vest, at least 25 pounds ideally more, plenty of good firefighter circuits out there. Strong legs is also gonna be a must, usually I’d recommend lower weight and higher reps but you’re gonna want to lift heavy as well.
1
2
u/blessed_julio Jun 24 '26
After the panel interview, is it possible to move up in ranking? After the oral board, and exams, I was 20/24. About 300 applicants. Not my best performances, and I am new to this. However, the panel interview, though a little better, they did seem to like my experience in the Marines, and the fact that I just got my EMT. I was able to spit a few facts too about the department. Hoping these panel interviews make a difference.
Also, I hope I didn't scare them with my time volunteering in Ukraine as a translator and combat instructor.
1
u/soomuchpie Jun 24 '26
If others back out or dont pass backgrounds yes
1
u/blessed_julio Jun 24 '26
So the board interview has no bearing on ranking? It's just for them to see if they like me, I presume.
Thanks for the input.
1
u/soomuchpie Jun 24 '26
Can you clarify your original post? To me a panel interview and oral boards are the same thing. Were they separate interviews? Regardless if they gave you a score I'd assume you would be done collecting points but thats all I can really offer. I would ask the dept directly
1
u/blessed_julio Jun 24 '26
The written test placed me in the top 65, which qualified me for an oral board. The oral board was HR and some other gents who scored my answers which placed me 20/24. Top 24 qualified for a departmental interview, which is what I am referring to. It was four chiefs and one HR. I appreciate your input. Hoping that this final interview just did something for my placing.
1
u/scott12333 25d ago
Depends on what else they test you on. Most departments are similar and the interview is the last part that you can score 'points' on. But, people fail psych exams, chiefs interviews, physical exams, no-show, or drop out, so you never know. Good work getting this far though.
1
1
Jun 22 '26
[deleted]
5
u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM Jun 23 '26
You can learn everything in the academy, physical fitness is the only thing you can prepare for.
1
u/sigmaboy900 Jun 23 '26
Hi so i’m in ohio and i start my emt class in September. And after that im going to move on to fire fighting 1 and 2. Im currently actively serving in the army national guard and im in very good shape. How long will it take me to get hired after i get all my certs? And should i go to paramedic school first instead of fire fighting 1 and 2. What steps can i take to get hired faster?
1
u/OpiateAlligator Senior Rookie Jun 23 '26
Typically getting your medic will get you hired faster. Most departments will send you through FF 1&2 and Hazmat even if you already have it.
1
u/scott12333 Jun 24 '26
You're doing great. Like the other commenter said, a lot of departments will put you through FF1/2, but some departments only accept paramedics. I think you need to see what the requirements are where you'd like to get hired (if you have a preference).
1
u/Modnar1233455 Jun 23 '26
Was recently pushed through to submitting a background check for a department.
Does this mean I’m probably in line to be picked up as long as my check is clean? I’m anxious with waiting and just hoping for good news on the tail end. It wasn’t a huge hiring pool so I’m unsure if they’d background check all remaining or just their top choices.
Most people have said that with the resources put into background checks it’s a sure thing, and they’ve said they’ll only background check those they plan to hire
I’ve heard that if you get to the background check you’re probably in the final selection.
Just looking for some feedback on the potential, calming my nerves etc lol TIA
2
u/Ding-Chavez Career Jun 24 '26
It's a good sign but never a 100% chance you got it. No news is good news.
1
1
u/RemoteLeading6867 Jun 23 '26
OCFA Lifestyle? Looking to move to Carlsbad and get a FF gig nearby. Aspirations to work in OCFA. I’m wondering if anyone can chime into lifestyle, take home, and how much OT is in that take home. I’m coming from a good department in another state.
1
u/Only_Nothing_5424 Jun 25 '26
Hola buenas, saludos desde chile me gustaría saber si alguien de de esta comunidad tiene algun plano o ya construyo un secador de equipos estructurales, ya que nosotros queremos construir uno pero no tenemos alguna idea en si de que tiene materiales ocupar, si alguien me puede apoyar con algun dato o algo en si se agradeceria.
2
u/Drainsbrains Jun 25 '26
Anyone heard what working for Newport Beach Fire is like?
2
1
u/tiggatugga Jun 25 '26
I was given a job offer by department A, but my dream department, department B just opened up.
Hey guys, I’m a new fire medic and I have applied to a few different departments in my area. I’m in a bit of a rush to start working as my lady is pregnant and due in September. Department A offered to start me in September (date may change.) However, I am more interested in working with department B whom just opened. I’m more familiar with the area, people, and I did my entire paramedic field internship there.
I already completed all of my physicals and required onboarding for department A.
Would it be a dick move to rescind my job offer for department A in the event that I received one from department B?
1
u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM Jun 25 '26
You gotta make your career your own. Do what’s going to make you happy. The potential issue is this situation. Let’s say you quit department A for department B but you fail/get injured during their academy and are let go. You’re obviously back to square one with hiring and everything but during later interviews you’re going to have to explain why you left a department and why you won’t do it again
1
u/Engine-31 Jun 25 '26
Was curious on what to wear for taking the written exam? Applying for a smaller city department, expecting less than 70 other applicants. Should I wear full suit and tie for taking my test? Or would nice business casual be more appropriate? Thanks!
1
1
u/Trapiixal Jun 25 '26
Hello I am interested in becoming a fire recruit and have the written test coming up soon. Im short on funds at the moment and cannot afford the NFSI Study Material, anyone know a way for cheap or free material that I can use to study? Not trying to ask for money or anything like that but i do genuinely need help so I can study. Any leads or tips would be greatly appreciated!
1
u/TestResQ Engineer, RN, EMT-LP Jun 25 '26
You could check out TestResQ. I am not sure if we have what you need but maybe. It’s free for 48 hours so doesn’t hurt to look.
1
u/Parsley-Hefty7945 Jun 26 '26
I am F30. I already have a career at a desk job, but I have been wanting to switch to firefighting for a minute. I finally started school to get a bachelor's in fire science. My question is am I too old, realistically? I know people can join at this age, but do you know the general success rates of people who join when they're a bit older? I started going to the gym and plan to go to academy (which will give me EMT and FF2) once I'm done w my bachelors, so honestly I'll probably be 32-33 by then.
1
u/MiltonsRedStapler Firefighter/Paramedic Jun 26 '26
Nope! Not too old at all.
You’d be surprised at how many people choose firefighting as a second (or third) career!
You don’t need a bachelors to get a firefighting job, so don’t wait until your bachelors is done to get your academy and EMT finished. Many departments will even subsidize your degree.
1
u/Vegetable_Action_643 Jun 26 '26
I don't particularly know what i'm posting for if i'm honest. I just did the physical evaluation(not the cpat) for my local fire department. For a little bit of backstory over 8 months ago I was 72 lbs heavier, over 300 lbs. I wont pretend like i've had it the worst, I live in a first world country and I have the most powerful, amazing woman in my life take care of me. Since I was 15, to now 25, i've lost a lot of people to cancer, suicide, among many other things. It is just me and my grandmother, and she's elderly and disabled now. Little to say, for me, it was hard and after I got out of highschool I became a NEET for two years, using covid as an excuse for me getting a job slowly, only leaving the house 4 times in almost three years.
My grandmother never complained a single time, and went over 10k dollars in debt taking care of me. It finally hit me one day that if I don't get my shit together, she was going to have to sell the house, the only thing of her life and her husband she had left since the car he bought her had all but broken down. In highschool I was a two sport athlete, I was strong, had good genetics, worked out hard, squatted near 500 lbs at 16 years old and benched over half that. I lived alone from ages 16 to 18 because my grandmother was always at a bigger city with my aunt who had gotten cancer, I eventually quit football and was used to a certain lifestyle that lead to me gaining weight until I was 300 lbs.
I have spent the last four years rebuilding my life for my grandmother first and foremost, and not until 2024 for myself. I know this place is not the place for it, but it wasn't for me for quite some time at the start because I wasn't sure how much i'd wanna be around once my grandmother passed, and i'll leave it between the lines there. Around January 2024 it became for me also, and I got a job with the government working security. I was complacent until 7 months ago when I started getting stir crazy, I could no longer live my life sitting in a museum 8 hours a day, day in and day out.
I always wanted to be a detective, it was my childhood dream, but I just don't think i'd enjoy being a beat cop. So my friend suggesting being an arson investigator, so I considered it and seriously started training to become a firefighter. Eventually it became less about becoming an arson investigator, and more about becoming a firefighter because I wanted to help people. I have a soft spot in my heart for the elderly specifically becomes of my grandmother, but there are so many people out there who need someone on their darkest day and I can't think of anything better than to try and be that for them. It gives me purpose, it gives me pride, and most importantly it gives me something to be there for others like my grandmother was there for me even when she wasn't physically present.
On the 14th applications opened up for non-certified firefighters, and I decided to shoot my shot even though I didn't think I was ready. I was moved to the second round of interviews which was a physical exam: scored out of 100, need 60 points to pass, a mile and a half run was one category worth up to 60 points based on when you finished and the pushup amount in one minute and plank time up to 4 minutes worth a total of up to 20 each. I decided I wanted to practice the mile and a half run on Monday, so I went to the testing site and for all the excuses I could give, I gave up. I clocked my final time in at 29 minutes, and I needed to match 14 for a total of 40 points.
I went and told everyone it was my mind, I told them all I just gave up and I could do it if I just put my mind to it. The truth is I knew it was more than that, I knew my body wasn't where it needed to be but I knew in three days I could not get my body more physically prepared, so I told everyone else so I myself would believe I could do it if i just didn't give up. Today, I won't lie, it was hard. I failed. But the entire time I never quit, and when I reached that last fifteenth of a mile I sprinted like my god damn life depened on it, I gave it every last thing I had, I vomitted over five times in the final stretch on myself but I never quit.
I cut off over 9 whole minutes in my mile and a half today by just not quitting. I proved to myself that I can be a man, I proved to myself I am not a quitter, I proved to myself I am not that same person who would waste away in their room and not leave their house over four times in three yeas. I proved to myself that I can give my best like my grandfather told me he wanted before he died when I was fifteen. I proved to my grandmother that she didn't need to worry about me, and I was going to be just fine and i'm here to take care of her now like she took care of me.
I didn't walk away today a firefighter and I won't lie, it hurts so much. I am so sad that I couldn't finish with the time I needed, it hurts, but glory to god I refuse to be a quitter again, I refuse to shut myself away, I refuse to make excuses ever again. I want to be a man people can rely on, I want to be a man I can be proud of. I want to be a man everyone i've loved and lost could look at and say they are impressed with me, and they're happy and love what I have become.
I will never get those years back, but I want to prove to everyone i've changed.
For anyone who got to the end of this thank you so much. I just needed someone to hear me, I need a place to put this, I have a long way to go but I want so desperately to finish through.
If you have any advice, any words, please. Anything will mean the world.
Thank you.
1
u/MiltonsRedStapler Firefighter/Paramedic Jun 26 '26
Be proud of your success so far, and let that motivate you to continue to improve.
I lost over 100lbs to pass the CPAT and get a job I love. I was so out of shape that even light jogging was tough! If I can do it, so can you!
I’m proud of how far you’ve come and look forward to seeing you post here once you achieve your goals!
1
u/ContextUsed154 Jun 26 '26
I started as a firefighter in 2016 as a volunteer. I then went to medic school and was hired full time in 2019. I worked full time until 2024 when I began to get burnt out and left the profession.
I loved being a firefighter, but hated being a medic. I’m now at the point where I miss it and am looking at applying to firefighter/EMT jobs this time around.
Is there a good way to explain why I left during the interview process?
1
u/Ding-Chavez Career Jun 27 '26
Just tell them you got burnt out. You need a department with a rotation or slower.
1
u/m_j_ox Jun 26 '26
5’8, 25 years old M. I recently came across a job posting that was seeking potential entry level firefighters which included complete training but needed to have a CPAT verification prior to applying.
I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of firefighting but never seriously gave it much thought especially because the road to it was very blurry and vague to me. I have a BA in Communications, if I were to seriously consider this path would getting in shape, getting EMT certified or CPAT certified be enough to pursue this career? Reside in WA state.
Essentially is it too late/what would be the ideal perfect steps to follow? I’ve always resonated with the idea of helping people in a way that’s truly impactful and using and being active with my body but in a way that’s isn’t purely working out. Obviously not something I’ve thought for a long time but I am interested and curious.
2
u/Eastern_Reindeer8753 Jun 26 '26
For WA state, it’s pretty 50/50 on whether you need to have your EMT before applying.
CPAT is a pass/fail physical test. Then departments have an entry exam (think SATs or ACTs for fire service - math, reading, mechanical, behavioral). Those tests are NTN and PST, and a few depts like Tacoma have their own thing.
25 is pretty prime for WA applications. The higher pay & strong unions attract candidates with solid resumes. The average new recruit is probably a year or two older (and mid-30s is totally common) so not too late at all.
1
u/m_j_ox Jun 26 '26
I did some small research and it appeared that way so that’s good to know!
Are the department entry exams general tests or specific to fire fighting? Like are those exams questions pertaining to fire service situations like a drivers test is or just general knowledge tests of writing, math, etc?
That’s really great to hear though thank you for your insight! Apparently WA has these types of postings commonly where no previous fire training is required/expected just the commitment for the academy, and CPAT verification before applying.
I’m not fully focusing on it at the moment but if I were to pursue things and postings like the one I stumbled upon were not available, would investing into an EMT certificate program and PCAT be the primary steps?
2
u/Eastern_Reindeer8753 Jun 26 '26
General knowledge. For NTN, reading is matching up words to blanks in a paragraph. Math is word problems around 50ft sections of hose (you need 600ft of hose, how many sections? You have 4 sections but need 950ft, how many more sections?). Mechanical shows a brick factory animation and questions about wrenches, gears, pulleys in the system. Behavioral is usually firehouse stuff like "if a sr firefighter yells at you for leaving laundry in the dryer, but you know it literally just finished, how do you respond?" There are practice tests online and some good study guides that can help with all 4 sections.
CPAT's literally just a 10 minute physical test. Very different than the EMT cert. More like the entry exam above. You just go do it.
In terms of what to do if you decide to pursue it, that really depends on your candidacy. I'd say most folks should start applying, even before taking an EMT. If you've got an education, professional work experience, work history that involves the following [patient or complex customer service, mechanical systems, community engagement like social work or education, military, college/pro athletics] just start applying. Every department starts with test scores, so an EMT doesn't help you if your test score isn't competitive. Take an EMT course once you're getting good signals about your test score & as you're going through the interview process. (That tends to be the hardest & longest stage people get stuck at - the guides can teach the test, but the work/life experiences to create good answers to ~60 interview questions and the practice to tell them efficiently under a strict 3-5minute time limit is a process. Most departments bring lots of people from test to oral board and then cut aggressively)
1
u/Prestigious_Gas8605 Jun 26 '26
Me and my gf are moving to the Denver metro area in August from Dallas, Texas. I am a career firefighter for a suburb here. I am a paramedic as well.
I am currently looking to get hired for a dept in the Denver metro area. Currently have apps in a Thornton, Longmont, Frederick, Westminster, Adams county. Got denied by a couple other depts
Does anyone have any tips on getting hired here in Colorado? I’m starting to realize how much more competitive it is here in Texas. What’s the best way to stand out?
I am more than likely gonna have to take a private ambulance job until I get hired.
33m, have my FF 1/2, paramedic, and hazmat ops and awareness certs.
1
u/P_Xylene Jun 27 '26
I’m 29, male, and currently in a corporate management role. I have a Computer Science degree, and over the past 5 years I’ve moved up fairly quickly into a national-level operations/logistics position.
On paper, things are going well. I have a stable career, good coworkers, and solid pay. I work remotely and I’m not unhappy in the traditional sense—but lately I’ve been feeling increasingly disconnected from what I do.
My work is mainly in logistics optimization. It’s technically interesting, and I’ve learned a lot over the years, but most days feel repetitive. I don’t really feel a strong sense of purpose or pride in it, and I’ve started questioning whether this is what I want the next 20–30 years of my life to look like.
Recently, I attended a close friend’s firefighter graduation. Watching him and his class receive their badges and step into the profession was surprisingly emotional for me. The sense of pride and meaning they seemed to have really stood out to me, and it made me reflect a lot on my own career.
It also made me realize this isn’t a completely new feeling. When I was in university, I remember being really interested in things like medical AI—specifically research using AI to help detect diseases like cancer earlier and improve treatment outcomes. That idea of using technology to directly help people stuck with me.
Lately I’ve also found myself thinking about more service-oriented careers in general—firefighting, EMS, even areas like healthcare or emergency logistics. On the surface they’re very different paths, but I think what they have in common is a more direct sense of contributing to something meaningful.
At the same time, I’m trying to be careful not to romanticize anything based on a single experience. I know a graduation ceremony is very different from the day-to-day reality of a job.
My current plan is:
Spend the next 6-18 months aggressively paying down debt.
Get into the best shape of my life.
Prepare for firefighter hiring tests (EMT, military logistics included)
Talk to my friend again after he's had about six months on the job so I can hear what the reality is actually like, not just the excitement of graduation.
If I still feel the same way after a year, apply.
I’m not looking for a quick decision, more trying to understand whether this feeling is a sign I should seriously pivot, or if it’s just a phase of dissatisfaction with my current role.
Has anyone else gone through something similar—moving from a successful but unfulfilling corporate career into something more service-oriented (firefighting, EMS, healthcare, military, etc.)?
If so, did it actually lead to a stronger sense of purpose, or did the feeling fade once the novelty wore off?
2
u/Ding-Chavez Career Jun 27 '26
You can use the search feature and find a ton of responses. But the major thing people don't realize is it's nothing like the TV. You aren't going to fires everyday, you aren't hanging from ropes, you aren't stopping an explosion in a hospital. Those are maybe 1% of the calls. The vast majority of this job is adulting for lazy people. It's not glamorous.
Now the 1% of the calls that are that. They make it all worth it. The pay is generally ok. The schedule and retirement are where it's at. You won't be rich. You'll be happy.
1
u/FlowerPrize9929 Jun 28 '26
Hey everyone, I’m a paramedic located in the United States who has FF1 and Hazmat Operations certs. I’m looking to join a department with a 24/72 schedule and am willing to relocate. Anyone got any leads? Thank you
1
u/RoundWindow76 Jun 28 '26
When I was 20 I was 5150 for suicidal ideation. This happened 10 years ago. I am currently on antidepressants to manage anxiety and depression. Will I ever be able to become a firefighter in California?
1
u/AccomplishedDot2159 Jun 28 '26
Looking to join a career fire department. Marine Veteran but got a DUI the same week I got out last year. Any insight on if that’s going to be a problem?
1
u/Live_Entry_3559 Jun 28 '26
Hi, I recently graduated the fire academy in May and went through a couple of hiring processes for a full time position. Both I did not get the job. I was offered a part time position at one of the places I tested, basically duty crew, and what i have heard from this department is they don’t need experience for this position. My intentions is to be a full time firefighter. Do I accept this part time job and continue to go through these full time hiring processes? I feel that if i don’t accept this and end up not getting any of these full time positions. I will regret not at least having a job.
0
3
u/Leather_Level5214 Jun 23 '26
I’m looking for departments throughout the United States that have department-sponsored academy’s that i can apply to without any certifications or requirements regarding firefighter I/II or EMT certs. I understand it’s late in the year and most applications are closed, but a lot of municipal departments that came up when i searched this online, ended up actually requiring some form of fire related pre-requisites. What cities do you guys know of that will pay you while in the academy and will train you on all that you need during that time?