Fire Department Recruitment

Testing

All Fire Testing Unit activities fall under the scrutiny of the U.S. Department of Justice. The format used for the entry-level Firefighter Test has been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Justice Department. This test is now being given to potential Firefighter candidates every two years.

The Firefighter examination test results have been forwarded to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for review. Pending DOJ approval, candidate test results are projected for release in late September, along with the issuance of all Firefighters lists. Watch this site for updates.

Veterans' Preference

In order to be awarded Veterans’ Preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted and approved by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs no later than 8 days prior to the issuance of an Eligibility List.

Physical Performance Testing

Except for a few makeup candidates to be tested, the Physical Performance Testing has now been completed. Physical performance test make-ups will continue to take place as needed. Make-up candidates will need to provide medical authorization in order to take the test as the Department does not assume responsibility for accident or injury to candidates during the examination process.

Accepting Appointments

Candidates who accept an appointment to a Firefighter title in one jurisdiction will have their name removed from any other Firefighter lists.

Volunteer Firefighter Status & Effect on Test Scores

Volunteer Firefighters who pass all parts of the test may get up to 10 points service credit. Volunteers with two years of continuous service will get three service credit points. Another point will be added for each additional full year of continuous service, up to the maximum of 10 points.

Candidates who pass the examination are placed on eligible lists based on test scores, volunteer points, residency, and location preference. The eligible pool lasts for at least two years.

2018 Announcements

The most recent Fire Fighter announcement was issued on July 1, 2018 and the application deadline was August 31, 2018. Written examinations were administered between November 17, 2018 and December 8, 2018.

Eligible lists, resulting from the 2018 written examination, were issued on March 22, 2019. With the release of the new lists (issued in March 2019), the old eligible list (issued in 2016) has expired.

List Qualification

If you pass the written portion of the examination, your name will appear on all lists for which you qualify based upon your veteran status, rank (written score), volunteer points, and residency.

Candidates certified from the 2019 eligible list will be required to take and pass the Physical Performance Test (PPT) at the time of certification in order to be considered for appointment.