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How to Become a Firefighter

This page will show you two things. First, what general steps must be taken to get the knowledge and skills required to become a firefighter in general. Second, the requirements that must be met and tests that must be taken to become a Logan City Fire Fighter.

Becoming a Firefighter in General
Becoming a Logan Firefighter

Becoming a Firefighter in General

This section is intended to give you an idea of what the testing and application process is like to become a firefighter. The testing and application processes are similar between departments. You will find that there are usually small differences but the following will give you a good idea of what to expect.

Before the tests (Applying): Most departments will require that you have certain certifications before you apply for a position. Common certifications that are required are: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, EMT-B, EMT-I and HazMat certifications. Not all of these will be required but several of them may (see becoming a Logan Firefighter to see the requirements at Logan Fire). Make sure that you have the requirements met before you go through the work of applying. You generally will not be scheduled to test if you don't meet all the requirements.

When you fill out an application for a firefighter position make sure that you fill out your application/resume completely and neatly. Do the best job you can. Often these applications/resumes are scored and can be used to rank you against other applicants. An application and testing fee usually must be paid when the application is submitted. You will not be allowed to test if you haven't paid this fee. Make sure you pay it on time.

Firefighter tests only happen once a year or once every other year so departments often offer a interest card to notify you when testing will take place. An interest card is a postcard that you fill out containing information such as your address, name and so forth. When a department is ready to test they take the interest card you filled out and send it back to you. You then know that the department is ready to test and you can request an application and testing information. Make sure that you know how it works in each individual department.

Once you you have your application turned in and it meets all of the before mentioned requirements you will be sent a packet that tells you what the testing will be like for that department. There are usually five steps to involved in the selection process.

1st Step - Written Test: The written test and the physical test may or may not be held on the same day. The written test may include some math skills, spelling and grammar skills, map reading skills, decision making skills and interpersonal skills. It is sometimes difficult to study for these tests but you can get books that will explain what to expect. You can check them out at the library.

2nd Step - Physical Test: Albuquerque CPAT Test Take a look at the CPAT test for the Albuquerque Fire Department to see the standardized test that many fire departments are using. Many departments use this very test and many more are have similar tests. Tests are designed to have firefighter skills incorporated but still be simple enough for the average person to perform even if they have no firefighting experience. This is usually a pass or fail test. Either you make the allotted time or you don't. You aren't ranked according to how fast you go through it.

3rd Step - Oral Interview Board: The Oral Interview Board can also vary from department to department. It is usually proctored by the firefighters and/or chief officers who will ask the candidates, who have made it through the written test and the physical test, open ended questions. These questions may or may not be related to firefighting knowledge. If the department has the requirement of firefighting knowledge or certifications then look for some knowledge questions. Many of the questions however will likely be questions where you will have to make a decision and explain why you made that decision. This interview will rated and have an effect on your ranking.

4th Step - Ranking: After you complete the first three steps of the testing process your scores on the tests and points that may be awarded for your experience will be totaled. All participants will be ranked according to their point totals. The top five guys are often the first to interview according to the rule of five. It is to your advantage to be in the top five so that you have the first shot at being hired. Not all departments use this rule but a great deal do. No matter how many guys the department chooses to move on there is one last process before the final choice is made, the Officers interview.

5th Step - Officers Interview: You will be contacted with a time and a place to for your interview. The questions that are asked in this interview vary greatly but are usually decision making and questions to find out what kind of employee you will be. If you can find out from a firefighter that already works with department what attributes are important in that department it might give you a leg up. It is important to dress nicely and I would recommend not wearing uniforms from other stations. Some people like it some don't but it is better to remain neutral.

Fire Department testing is a lengthy and patience testing process. Fire departments want the best and they want to make sure that you want to be a firefighter bad enough to see the process all the way through. If you look at this process and it seems like more than you want to do your not ready to be a firefighter. If you are ready and willing to test realize that it is a long process. That way you don't get frustrated with how long things are taking.

Applying and Testing with Logan City

At Logan City Fire Department are testing is similar to what was explained above. We are looking for firefighters who are interested in responding to a great deal of medical calls. We are looking for people who want to make a career and a life here in Logan.

All applicants for the position must be certified to the Firefighter I and EMT-B level. You must have these certifications completed before you apply. Having additional certifications related to firefighting and emergency medicine will help you later in the hiring process but aren't required. A college degree in any field will also help you especially if it is in a fire related field.

The following is how tests have been administered in the past and are subject to change at anytime. They are provided here to give the reader a general idea of what takes place in the testing process at Logan Fire Department. Future tests may differ.

1. Our test starts out with a written test in the morning out of which 50 or so applicants will advance to the physical test. The written test is like the one explained in the previous section. The test will be immediately graded and applicants that advance will be notified before they leave the testing area.

2. The next step is the physical test and will be held the same day as the written so that those who had to travel to test will only have to make one trip. There will be a short break between the written and the physical test so it is a good idea to eat something small the keep up your energy level. This test has many parts that won't be explained here. You will be notified before you come to test of what to wear and what the test will contain. Be aware that the test has a great deal of upper-body muscular strength. Our test is fast paced and requires a great deal of muscular endurance. This is a pass/fail test. If everyone of the applicants can pass the physical test then they will all move on.

3.The third step is the oral board. This test is scored according to answers you provide to certain questions. All applicants are given the same questions. There will be a fairly large group of question askers so that the judging will be fair. This is an intimidating situation to find yourself in. It is a good idea to practice answering fire related questions before coming to the oral board. Questions may be asked to see how you make decisions and how well you think on your feet. You have to be able to make quick and rational decisions. This test will not be held on the same day as the other two (the written and physical tests. A scheduled time will be given to you at physical test as to what day and time your oral board will be held. You are not able to change the times that you will receive the oral board.

4. After the oral board is complete and all the scores from the three tests are complete all the scores will be tallied, extra points for experience and education will be added and a list will be created. Applicants will be placed on the list in order of there scores.

5. Logan Fire interviews according to the "Rule of Five". The first five applicants will be interviewed for a single position. One applicant will be chosen from these first five unless the interviewing body feels that none of the applicants will be suitable for the position. There are more details to the "Rule of Five" that won't be explained here. You can see that it is best to be in the top five.

6. If need be, some of these top candidates may be interviewed a second time before the final decision is made. After the interviews are complete the chosen candidate(s) are hired.

Life as a firefighter in Logan is amazing. It is well worth the effort. These tests are designed to find those people who are good decision makers, physically fit, mentally strong, persistent, and committed. Going through the testing process from start to finish shows that you have what it takes to be a firefighter. Come and test with us! See if you have what it takes to be a Logan firefighter.

You can fill out an interest card anytime you like and we will send it back to you before we test along with an application and information on how and when the tests will be performed.

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How to Become a Firefighter