ABOUT THE JOB AS A FIREFIGHTER
As the name implies, Firefighters take part in fire suppression operations. However, this is only one aspect of the job. They also provide Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Eighty percent (80%) of the calls firefighters respond to are for emergency medical care. The calls include motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, strokes, home accidents, and drowning.When not responding to emergency medical calls, firefighters are involved in a variety of other activities, such as; Emergency Preparedness, Community Education, Public Service Work, Building Inspections, Personal Development/training, Station and Apparatus Maintenance. Firefighters are usually required to work long shifts, lasting from 8 to 96 hours straight.
FIREFIGHTER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Most Fire Departments require that you are at least 18 years of age by the closing date of the recruitment period. Required is a HSD or GED. Successful completion of Fire Science College course work, previous firefighting or EMS experience (full-time, part-time, or volunteer) is highly desirable in the interview process , but is usually not required for testing.

Good Vision in both eyes is required. Laser surgery may be acceptable, provided the above-mentioned standards Are met. Must have the ability to distinguish Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) color codes for hazardous material (blue, red, yellow, and white), and have no depth perception or peripheral vision problems. Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers may not be subjected to the uncorrected criterion.These are NFPA 1582 requirements.

You must be a US citizen or be eligible for employment in the United States. You must posses a Valid Driver's license and maintain a clean driving record. Must read articles! Click on the the links - they require Acrobat Reader ( Part 1 ) & ( Part 2 )
DOES AGE MATTER IN THE FIRE SERVICE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Yes, age is a factor to some extent. Most departments require a person to be at least 18 years of age. Typically the ideal age is over 21, because the candidate is more mature and has probably finished some college course work to acquire a FF-I Cert. and/or EMT Cert.

How about candidates in their 30's, 40's and early 50's? It is not uncommon to see candidates in their late 30's and early 40's hired, especially Paramedics. When interviewing at these ages focus on personal life experiences during your oral board interview. Candidates over 30 have life experiences younger candidates can't compare! When any candidate answers questions incorporating experience and demonstrating actual skills, they separate themselves from the less experienced. Keep in mind; your experience and wisdom does not necessarily have to be related to the fire service or EMS field. Although if applicable try to incorporate such experience as often as possible. As mentioned above, older candidates can increase their likely hood of being hired with a Paramedic Cert. Paramedics are in short supply. As fire departments try to consolidate, and increase revenue the demand is fare greater than supply. Also, the education and experience required can not be achieved by younger candidates because of time constraints. Be aware, some states such as Texas do have age limits of 35 so consider other locations. By Bryan Hurley and www.FireCareerAssist.com

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
When job announcements are advertised, and the department limits the number of applications allowed to a small number or only allow a few days for filling. This usually means the department is searching internally or has someone in mind. This is more common in small towns and departments. They obviously are not recruiting for the Best possible candidate by eliminating the competition. Be aware of departments that continually (like every 6 months or less than a year) test and charge for the process. Some application periods may only last a couple of weeks but this is usually design to limit the interruptions of the department or they will state, "Do not contact the Fire Department". Many testing services like CPS, FSI, FireHire will often use the same tests or rotate through three or four of them.

So, remember those questions and review the ones you couldn't answer. You'll see them again. Just because you don't have a Drivers license, FF Cert., or an EMT Cert. from that state doesn't always mean you are eliminated from the testing process/hiring process. Many departments have time spans for which you can qualify or get the proper certification (this is called reciprocity). Check with the agency to see if you still can qualify to pursue the opening.

FIREFIGHTER & EMS SELECTION PROCESS
You will be permitted to take a written examination; those with a passing score will be placed on an eligible list. From that list, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the physical ability test. Following the physical performance test, the most qualified candidates will be invited to the preliminary interview. Candidates who are not selected for further testing at this time will remain on the eligible list and may be contacted at a later date if necessary. This usually does not happen if you did not receive an interview and they will just offer another test in the future to acquire the most qualified candidates. Those who are selected will go on to the second interview were the Fire Chief will make final selection from the eligible list with the approval of the City Manager.

EMS Departments follow many of the same guidelines, but are not as restrictive when it comes to vision, physical abilities and the testing process. If you are pursuing an entry-level job or that next level promotion dress as though you already hold the position. Casual attire is not appropriate for testing nor oral interviews.