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What is the best route to become a firefighter?
What are the requirements when becoming a firefighter?
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2 answers
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Cynthia’s Answer
At the very minimum, you'll need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many firefighters earn a degree in fire science to advance their career, You Be at least 18 years old to become a seasonal and temporary classification firefighter
Be at least 21 years of age to obtain a permanent firefighter position
Be a United States citizen
Have good character
Have no physical or mental impairments, such as having normal visual acuity or eyesight,Hold a valid California driver's license,Obtain EMT certification
Have a valid Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT).
Be at least 21 years of age to obtain a permanent firefighter position
Be a United States citizen
Have good character
Have no physical or mental impairments, such as having normal visual acuity or eyesight,Hold a valid California driver's license,Obtain EMT certification
Have a valid Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT).
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Arel. I'm glad to hear you're interested in firefighting!
The short answer is that there is no best way to become a firefighter. I've worked in emergency services for almost 20-years, and I have met successful firefighters with a very wide variety of backgrounds.
One way into firefighting is to get in immediately. To get started as soon as possible, make a list of websites within driving distance of your home. Check each department's website, call, or email to find out if they offer a youth program, often called Junior Firefighters, Explorers, or Cadets. These programs are generally for youths 15-18 to expose them to the fire service and see if they're interested or not. It's a great foot in the door to get hired when you're of age. That's how I got started at 16! If none of them offer programs, find out if they hire at 18 or 21, and apply then. Find another productive thing to do to build your resume and experience while you wait. i.e. Lifeguarding, athletics, an apprenticeship, an associates degree, etc.
While some departments will hire you with no certifications or experience, others expect you to come certified. If the departments you want to work for require you to get your own certification, you'll need to find a local community college that offers a Firefighter Academy, and probably an EMT program. Each one takes about a semester to complete, and will get you all the necessary certifications needed to be hired in most places.
Again, this is just one way in. A downside to this is that you don't have much "real world" experience before becoming a firefighter, which is something many fire departments value. For example, I know several firefighters that were electricians before becoming firefighters, and they are a huge asset to the team when we run into an electrical problem during an emergency response. If you want to be a huge asset to your crew and officer, it may be good if you can get some experience in one or more trades first (construction, electrician, plumber, auto mechanic, etc.).
Another option is the military. If you have any desire to travel and serve your country, this is another way to get some experience. Firefighters are needed at every base in the world, and the Department of Defense Fire Academy is well respected in the industry. If you have any worries about paying for Fire Academy / EMT school, military service is also a great way to have those paid for.
I'm the training officer for a small to medium size career fire department near Denver, and I've instructed at the local college's fire academy for over 5 years. I love helping people into the fire service - it's a great career. Hopefully my response here gives you a place to start. Feel free to reach out to me with any follow up questions!
The short answer is that there is no best way to become a firefighter. I've worked in emergency services for almost 20-years, and I have met successful firefighters with a very wide variety of backgrounds.
One way into firefighting is to get in immediately. To get started as soon as possible, make a list of websites within driving distance of your home. Check each department's website, call, or email to find out if they offer a youth program, often called Junior Firefighters, Explorers, or Cadets. These programs are generally for youths 15-18 to expose them to the fire service and see if they're interested or not. It's a great foot in the door to get hired when you're of age. That's how I got started at 16! If none of them offer programs, find out if they hire at 18 or 21, and apply then. Find another productive thing to do to build your resume and experience while you wait. i.e. Lifeguarding, athletics, an apprenticeship, an associates degree, etc.
While some departments will hire you with no certifications or experience, others expect you to come certified. If the departments you want to work for require you to get your own certification, you'll need to find a local community college that offers a Firefighter Academy, and probably an EMT program. Each one takes about a semester to complete, and will get you all the necessary certifications needed to be hired in most places.
Again, this is just one way in. A downside to this is that you don't have much "real world" experience before becoming a firefighter, which is something many fire departments value. For example, I know several firefighters that were electricians before becoming firefighters, and they are a huge asset to the team when we run into an electrical problem during an emergency response. If you want to be a huge asset to your crew and officer, it may be good if you can get some experience in one or more trades first (construction, electrician, plumber, auto mechanic, etc.).
Another option is the military. If you have any desire to travel and serve your country, this is another way to get some experience. Firefighters are needed at every base in the world, and the Department of Defense Fire Academy is well respected in the industry. If you have any worries about paying for Fire Academy / EMT school, military service is also a great way to have those paid for.
I'm the training officer for a small to medium size career fire department near Denver, and I've instructed at the local college's fire academy for over 5 years. I love helping people into the fire service - it's a great career. Hopefully my response here gives you a place to start. Feel free to reach out to me with any follow up questions!