What do I need to become a firefighter?

Can someone please give me some specific answers on what i need to do in order to become a city firefighter.?

• I know that i will need to take firefighting classes even though i already have my BA in business. but can you guys please inform on detials, the lenght, price, requirements, etc. ...show more

• Answer:

  Although requirements for obtaining a job as a firefighter vary by fire department, general requirements are as follows: 1. Age: Age requirement is generally at least 18 years of age at the time of the interview. Some fire departments, however, have the age requirement of 20 and a half at the time of the interview and 21 for employment. Check with your fire department for exact requirements. 2. Education: A U.S. high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is almost always required by any fire department in the United States. Some fire departments might require a B.S. degree or a certain number of units from colleges. (This requirement is very rare.) Some fire departments now require EMT-B or even a Paramedic certification for employment. 3. Physical: Firefighting and medical rescue work is physically demanding. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions which would restrict their ability to safely perform fire suppression and rescue work. I am not aware of any fire departments that have height requirements; however, weight (body fat content) must be proportionate to height. 4. Vision: Uncorrected distance visual acuity of at least 20/100 in the poorer eye and 20/40 in the better eye, correctable to at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/20 in the other eye is usually required. Candidates must not be colorblind. 5. License: A valid Driver's License is usually required. Very often once a candidate is hired, Firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a Firefighter's driver's license as a condition of employment. What is the general selection process for fire departments in the United States? If a candidate meets the above conditions, fire departments usually schedule a test date for each of the qualifying candidates. The selection process for most fire departments includes a written qualifying test, an interview, physical ability test and finally a background and medical examination. A score is usually assigned for each of these selection steps and candidates with the highest scores are usually the ones who one day get to call themselves firefighters. 1. Written test: Lost Angeles and San Jose fire departments both describe the test as measuring reading comprehension; mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, squares and square roots; the use and conversion of decimals, fractions and percentages; and the use of algebraic formulas. 2. Oral Interview: Oral interview is a behavior-based review of a candidate's personal history. It is designed to evaluate practical problem solving ability, interpersonal relations, including teamwork and respect for diversity, role adaptability and communications skills. 3. Physical ability test: Physical ability test is usually composed of 8 time events. This test is always designed to measure a candidate's strength, endurance and agility. 4. Background investigation: This investigation is conducted to evaluate a candidate's honesty, respect for the law, respect for the rights of others, employment record, financial responsibility, driving record, military record, mature judgment, and the use of drugs and intoxicants. Lie Detector test is administered by some fire departments at this step. 5. Medical examination: This examination determines whether the candidate is medically qualified to perform Firefighter duties, with no conditions which would affect the candidate's ability to safely perform those duties. This examination usually includes a drug and alcohol screening test, psychological evaluation which includes a written test and sometime follows by a clinical interview with a psychologist. 6. Training and probation: If you are one of the lucky few who get to this step then you might expect six months(usually) of comprehensive training at a fire academy. Following your Fire Academy training, a one year field work probationary period starts. After successful completion of your probationary period, you are a firefighter. How do I improve my chances of becoming a firefighter? One of the best ways to improve your chances of becoming a firefighter is getting EMT-1 or Paramedic certification, as well as getting a degree in Fire Science. Because of the significant turnover rate of Paramedics, a significant shortage of Paramedics exists in most urban cities, so becoming a Paramedic is usually very beneficial. It is not unusual for urban fire departments to receive hundreds of applications for only one firefighter position. It is no secret, therefore, that anything that will set you apart from other candidates will greatly improve your chances of landing this rewarding job. Another important factor in selection of candidates is physical fitness. Firefighting is very physically, emotionally and mentally demanding job, therefore, exercising and proper diet will be a big advantage over other candidates in your effort to become a firefighter. I am serving in the military, how do I become a civilian firefighter? The steps for becoming a civilian firefighter are the same for those with military experience as for those without it. Military experience, however, might give one an advantage in civilian firefighting, because Fire Departments have a paramilitary structure and often value the skills provided by the military service. I am a high school student, how can I prepare to become a firefighter? Maintaining good physical condition by exercising and good nutrition is a good start. Joining your local Fire Explorers might get you valuable connections with firefighters which will improve your hiring chances later.(Contact you local fire department about the Fire Explorers program). You might also think about taking EMT and Fire sciences classes at your local community college to get a head start. Remember that education is very important and more and more fire departments are looking for individuals with college education.