How to Become a Houston Firefighter

The Houston Fire Department has a straight forward recruiting process that is very common for a large city. There are minimum requirements that must be met in order to start the recruitment process. Once the process has started, as step that is failed by an applicant the process discontinued and employment will be denied. Make sure you properly prepare for each step.

Things You'll Need:

• Be between 19 and 36 years old


• Completed sixty (60) accredited college hours


• Valid Driving Record with no more than (2) violations within the last 33 years


• Complete Fire and EMT Academy in less than a year

Steps:

1. Complete an application. You will need three copies of your drivers license, social security card, and birth certificate. Two current passport photos, sealed official transcripts from each college attended, current Health Care Provider CPR card, and certificates of disposition for all driving and violations. Immunization records must also be submitted.


2. Sign up and take the Civil Service Exam. At a minimum, the Houston Fire Department hosts two exams per year. Make sure you study to ensure you score in the highest percentile.


3. The physical ability test that the Houston Fire Department uses is a job-related test called the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).


4. You must satisfactorily pass a polygraph examination as part of a detailed background investigation. All information submitted on the application will be confirmed and verified. Finger prints are required as part of this exam.


5. Once you receive a conditional job offer you will need to take a medical exam and drug test. The NFPA 1582 standard medical exam & illegal drugs screen is used by the department.

How to Become an Orlando Firefighter

The Orlando Fire Department has gained a Class 1 ISO rating which puts the department in the top one tenth of 1% of all the fire departments in the United States. Becoming a Firefighter for the City of Orlando is no easy task. However, the pay, benefits, and the rewarding nature of the job more the makes up for the recruitment process. If the City of Orlando has no open Firefighter positions posted, fill out and submit an interest card.

Steps:

1. Get Firefighter Certification from the Florida State Fire College. Getting this training in Florida is a requirement unless you challenge the state test.
2. Get an EMT-B or Paramedic Certification from the Florida Bureau of EMS. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to earn the certification.
3. Complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Make sure you prepare yourself months before the test to earn the highest score possible.
4. Submit an application of employment through the City of Orlando. The city only accepts application for open posted positions. You can be notified of future firefighter positions by completing an Interest Card.
5. Pass a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam. Remember this step, because notes can be taken during your interviews and compared with answers from you polygraph.
6. Pass a medical exam and drug screening test.

Tips:

• Contact the City of Orlando Civil Service at (407) 246-2215 for general firefighter recruitment questions.
• Out-of-state certifications, national certifications, and reciprocity are not accepted by the City of Orlando

How to Become a Boston Firefighter

The City of Boston uses a list provided by the state of Massachusetts to select applicants to be hired as Boston Firefighters. The list is created from the results of a statewide basic aptitude test that is held every two years at various locations within Massachusetts. There are several qualifications that must be met at the time of the test. For example, there is a minimum and maximum age and residency requirement.

Things You'll Need:

• Be between 19 and 32 years of age.
• Be a resident of Boston for 1 year before the test.

Steps:

1. Fill out an application from the Massachusetts Civil Service website, link provided. For additional information contact the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Human Resources Division.
2. Successfully complete a written Firefighter test. The written test a general firefighter test.
3. Pass the Physical Ability Test by preparing well before you submit your application. The test that the Boston Fire Department uses is from the state level. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Department has put together a very helpful preparation guide for the test. The link is at the bottom of this page.
4. Pass a background screening and character investigation. Be truthful when filling any background forms. It is better to explain a past problem instead of them bringing it to you.
5. Submit to a medical exam and meet the required fitness level. Any vaccines offered by the department should be taken.
6. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license issued by Massachusetts is required.
7. Start your new career!

Tips:

• Veteran and Active Duty Military applicants can add up to 4 years to the maximum 32 years old age limit for time served

Links:

• Massachusetts Civil Service Application
• Physical Ability Test Preparation Guide

How to Become a Cincinnati Firefighter

The City of Cincinnati has a detailed process to select the sworn fire personnel that protect the city. The Firefighters that the city recruits are qualified applicants made up of a diverse group of people. The Cincinnati Fire Department invests heavily in the recruiting process for Firefighters. The Department uses several different methods to screen applicants through exams, tests, and interviews.

Things you need:

• 18 Years or older


• Valid driver’s license


• High school diploma


• US citizenship


• Excellent physical condition

Steps:

1. To be considered for employment as a Cincinnati Firefighter every candidate must complete an application with the City of Cincinnati. Complete the application online and only when the city is accepting applications for Firefighters.


2. Successfully complete a written exam. Only the top scorers will be asked to continue with the hiring process.


3. Complete the physical ability test. The test will be conducted by City Human Resources and Fire Department personnel. The test is pass/fail. Applicants must pass to continue with the hiring process.


4. An Oral Board will be conducted.


5. Successfully complete a background and polygraph examination.


6. Once a contingent offer is giving to an applicant, they applicant must pass a physical and drug screen.


7. Fire recruits will complete 24 weeks of paid training by the department.


8. All fire recruits must complete one year as a probationary firefighter.

Tips:

• Fire recruit salary is $34,000 a year and the Firefighter salary is between $45,000 and $57,000 a year.


• Apply online and only once. You do need an email to get your confirmation page and application id number.


• Military service credits are given only to Ohio residents for honorable service.

Websites:

• Cincinnati Human Resources Job Listings


• City of Cincinnati Fire Recruit Exam Information and Study Guide

How to become a Firefighter in Michigan

Fire Departments by Cities

• Detroit Fire Department
• Grand Rapids Fire Department

How to Become a Phoenix Firefighter

The City of Phoenix uses a well refined recruitment process used to hire Firefighters. The Phoenix Fire Department only accepts applications during an open recruitment period which only happens once a year for only 5 days. Once an application is submitted several steps must be successfully completed to continue the recruitment process. Scoring high on the testing and oral interviews is the only way to get your name on the eligibility list that is used to select Firefighters.

Things You'll Need:

• 18 years or older
• Valid Driver’s License

Steps:

1. Complete and submit an application for employment with the City of Phoenix.
2. Study, take, and score the highest possible on the written test. Use the study guide that is given out when an application is submitted.
3. Get your name onto the "Applicant Eligibilty List". The list is made up from the applicants who successfully complete the written test.
4. Work on your interviewing skills and sit for the first oral board interview. Only appilcants who pass the first interview will invited back for the second. The questions asked at the first interview will be made availible to the appilcant 15 minutes before the interview.
5. The second interview will require you to show proof of an EMT-B Liscense and successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test(CPAT) within the last year.
6. Sucessfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
7. Pass a medical examination, fitness exam, and pre-employment drug screening.

Tips:

• The Phoenix Fire Department has a residency requirement that must be met within 2 years of employment.
• No tobbacco use of any form.