Inside a single country like the United States, there are more than 300,000 professional firefighters. And this job is all around in every country who extinguishes fires and saves lives and big property damage. Based on Labor Department reports , more than 90% of all professional firefighters work for the local government.
If you are looking for how to become a firefighter then here is the complete step by step guide. Before jumping onto the guide let you know what a firefighter is.
A firefighter is a well skilled emergency rescue professional who extinguishes fires and saves from huge loss such as property, life and much more. As a firefighter they must specialize in technical job duties or required training, and also have specific qualifications to join. That we know all the requirements on this guide. Whereas there are different processes of hiring according to country and departments. But somehow most of the important required skills, certificates and training are the same that must have in a fireman enthusiast .
Average salary: £24,191 to £32,244 ( UK )
Typical hours per week: 41 to 43 hours
What is a Firefighter ?
A firefighter is a professional who controls and puts out fires and saves lives and property damage from fires. As well as they rescue people, property and animals from dangerous situations such as floods, accidents and other natural calamities.
So, A professional must have a high level of physical fitness and good communication skills which can be acquired by getting different required training.
As a firefighter, they should work in various environments including residential homes, buildings and entire city blocks. Some of the firefighters also specialize in saving wildfires, forest fires and more.
Major Duties and Responsibilities of firefighter
- Fire Suppression: Extinguish fires, search and rescue, hazardous material handling, ventilation.
- Emergency Medical Response: Provide first aid, CPR, oxygen, transport victims, assist at accidents.
- Rescue Operations: Conduct search and rescue, water/ice rescues, confined space and high-angle rescues.
- Fire Prevention and Inspection: Conduct inspections, public fire safety education, enforce fire codes.
- Equipment Maintenance: Maintain firefighting tools, vehicles, and protective gear; upkeep fire station.
- Training and Drills: Regular fire drills, continuous skill training, teamwork exercises.
- Hazardous Materials Response: Identify, contain hazardous materials, decontamination, evacuate areas.
- Disaster Response: Assist during natural disasters (floods, wildfires), urban search and rescue.
- Public Safety: Community outreach, safety workshops, assisting other emergency services.
- Documentation: Write incident reports, inspection findings, maintain training records.
- Leadership: Supervise teams, mentor new recruits, ensure safety during operations.
According to the countries and the department training and education qualification requirements might be different, but there are so many common paths into the profession which must be in firefighter, let explore every stage.
1.Meet the Basic Requirements
Before applying to become a firefighter, you need to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. These can vary by country, state, or city, but generally include:
- Age: In most regions, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Some fire departments set a higher minimum age (e.g., 21 years).
- Education: You’ll need at least a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Many departments prefer candidates with additional education such as coursework or degrees in fire science or related fields.
- Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is essential since driving fire trucks or emergency response vehicles is often part of the job.
- Citizenship or Legal Residency: Many fire departments require that applicants be citizens or legal residents of the country.
- Clean Criminal Record: Fire departments usually perform background checks, and having a criminal record can disqualify you, depending on the nature of the offense.
2.Volunteer for the Trade
Most of the firefighters started their career as volunteers. There are several departments in the locality which have a wide range of volunteer services openings. You can start helping around the statistician or staff a table at a community fair. By volunteering you get opportunities to connect with a huge helpful professional community, and also introduce yourself to the local firefighting community as possible. Your such a network will help in your career path even having a competitive.
3.Get CPR Training and Get Fit
Firefighter duties are very difficult in an emergency where firemen should work for long hours under stressful conditions. They must be more physically fit and fine compared to those who are working in other fields. To become a firefighter they must pass a strenuous physical examination.
If you want to be a firefighter with American citizenship then you can find a CPR class at the American Red Cross or other agency offering training. Holding a Red Cross card can help to increase the chances of going on ride along exercises with the firefighting team or can get a physical duties near a station. If you are able to get an EMT training while you work as a volunteer, you’ll have stronger credentials to apply for the firefighter team. Which we discuss more in the next point.
4. Obtain EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Certification
- Why EMT Certification is Important: Firefighting isn’t just about putting out fires. A large number of calls to fire departments involve medical emergencies, which is why EMT certification is often required.
- How to Get Certified: EMT training programs are widely available through community colleges, vocational schools, and specialized EMS training facilities. Programs can range from a few months to a year, depending on the level of certification. At a minimum, you’ll need to complete basic EMT (EMT-B) certification, but some departments may require advanced EMT or paramedic certifications.
- Coursework Includes: CPR, patient assessment, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and medical equipment usage.
- Certification Exams: After completing the training, you must pass a state or national certification exam.
5. Consider Additional Education in Fire Science
Although a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, additional education in fire science or fire technology can greatly improve your chances of being hired. This type of education provides foundational knowledge in firefighting techniques, fire prevention, and safety regulations.
Based on the department there is a different hiring process, whereas most of them seek your specific training requirements. For the new person selection on this firefighter job they combine a volunteer or practical firefighting experience with post secondary fire training at a college or academy. You can collect these experiences before applying for firefighter jobs. Below we have mentioned all the additional education in fire science to become a firefighter.
- Where to Study: Many community colleges and technical schools offer associate degrees or certificates in fire science.
- Subjects Covered: Fire behavior, fire suppression techniques, hazardous materials, building construction, emergency response strategies, and leadership training.
- Benefits: Having a degree or certificate can make you a more competitive candidate during the hiring process and may accelerate your career progression.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they expected you to know :
- Suppression techniques and extinguish fires with hoses, pumps and additional tools.
- Save people from the fireplace and must know how to give first aid.
- Drive and operate emergency vehicles and pump engines.
If you belongs from Illinois, here is the lists of Colleges That Offer Firefighting Programs in Illinois:
- Elgin Community College
- Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville
- Triton College in River Grove
- Prairie State College in Chicago Heights
- John Wood Community College in Quincy
- College of Lake County of Grayslake
- College of DuPage
- Waubonsee Community College
- SIU Carbondale
- Richland Community College
- Lincoln Land Community College
- Harper College
- Rock Valley College
- Lake Land College
- Moraine Valley Community College
- Frontier Community College
- Illinois Central College
- Oakton Community College
- Danville Area Community College
- Morton College
- Southeastern Illinois College
- McHenry County College
- Joliet Junior College
- Parkland College
- Western Illinois University
- Lewis and Clark Community College
6. Prepare for the Firefighter Hiring Process
Firefighter recruitment is a highly competitive process. Each department may have its own set of steps, but generally, the hiring process includes the following:
- Written Exam: This is often the first step. The written exam tests basic skills in reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning, spatial awareness, math, and problem-solving. It is designed to evaluate your ability to handle the cognitive demands of firefighting.
- Physical Ability Test (CPAT): Firefighting is a physically demanding job, so departments use the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or a similar test to assess your strength, endurance, and stamina. Tasks include:
- Climbing stairs while carrying a heavy load
- Dragging hoses
- Carrying victims or equipment
- Forcibly opening doors
- Simulating fire suppression
- Interview: If you pass the written and physical tests, you’ll be invited to an interview. The interview typically focuses on your motivation, communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- Background Check: A comprehensive background check will be conducted. This includes looking for any criminal history, a clean driving record, and often a credit check.
- Medical and Psychological Exams: You must pass a thorough medical exam, which ensures you meet health standards, including vision, hearing, and lung function. A psychological evaluation may also be part of the process to ensure you can handle the emotional challenges of the job.
- Drug Test: A drug test is typically required before employment.
7. Attend Fire Academy Training
Once hired, you’ll need to complete training at a fire academy. Fire academies train recruits in the essential skills of firefighting. This training usually lasts several months and combines both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
- Skills Learned: Fire suppression, search and rescue, hazardous material response, emergency medical procedures, and safe operation of firefighting equipment.
- Scenario-Based Training: Fire academies often use simulations and controlled burns to teach recruits how to handle real-life fire emergencies.
- Graduation: Upon completion of the academy, you’ll graduate as a probationary firefighter, meaning you’ll spend your first year or so on the job under the supervision of experienced firefighters.
8. Advance Your Career
Firefighting offers many opportunities for career advancement. After gaining experience, you can specialize or move into leadership roles.
- Specializations: You can become a fire inspector, arson investigator, paramedic, hazardous materials technician, or wildland firefighter.
- Promotions: As you gain experience and complete further training, you can be promoted to positions like fire lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and eventually fire chief. Promotions usually require passing exams, gaining additional certifications, and demonstrating leadership ability.
Recap Required Qualifications for U.S Firefighter
- Candidates must be at least 21 years of age ad the time of appointment
- A high school diploma or GED
- Valid California Driver license are required ( if you apply for USA firefighter )
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificates
Recap Selection Process
- Written Test
- Physical Agility
- Oral Interview
- Background Investigation
- Truth verification Examination
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical and Orthopedic Examination
- Department Interview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to become a firefighter?
The time it takes to become a firefighter depends on the route you take:
EMT training can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.
Fire academy training typically lasts a few months.
If you pursue a fire science degree, it may add 2 years. Overall, the process can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years.
Do I need a college degree to become a firefighter?
No, a college degree is not required, but having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field can improve your chances of getting hired and advancing in your career.
How competitive is it to become a firefighter?
It can be very competitive. Many departments receive hundreds or thousands of applications for just a few positions. To increase your chances, you can gain experience as a volunteer firefighter, get advanced EMT or paramedic certification, and pursue additional education.
What physical fitness requirements are there?
Firefighting requires excellent physical fitness. The CPAT, which is used by many departments, involves tasks like stair climbing, dragging hoses, carrying heavy equipment, and simulating victim rescues. Maintaining good strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness is essential.
Is firefighting dangerous?
Yes, firefighting is inherently dangerous. Firefighters face risks from burns, smoke inhalation, structural collapses, explosions, and exposure to hazardous materials. However, departments use strict safety protocols and provide extensive training to minimize risks.
What skills are most important for firefighters?
In addition to physical fitness, important skills include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, quick decision-making, and emotional resilience. Firefighters must also have technical knowledge of firefighting equipment and emergency medical care.
Do firefighters work long hours?
Firefighters often work long shifts, typically 24 hours on duty followed by 48 to 72 hours off. During shifts, firefighters must be ready to respond to emergencies at any time.
What are the main duties of a firefighter besides fighting fires?
Firefighters respond to medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, vehicle accidents, and other emergencies. They also engage in fire prevention activities, including educating the public, conducting safety inspections, and maintaining equipment.
Can I become a firefighter if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of offense and the fire department’s policies. Minor offenses may not disqualify you, but felonies or certain serious crimes may prevent you from becoming a firefighter.
Do firefighters need to be EMTs?
Yes, in many fire departments, EMT certification is a basic requirement, as much of the job involves responding to medical emergencies. Some departments may also require paramedic certification, which involves more advanced medical training.
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