Public Safety & Law Enforcement
How to Become a Firefighter
To become a firefighter you usually need to be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, a driver's license, EMT certification, and a pass on a written test and a physical ability test such as the CPAT. Getting hired often takes 1–2 years, because you need EMT training (about one semester) and fire departments test on their own schedules. Expect to spend roughly $1,500–$10,000 on EMT, testing and, if you self-sponsor, fire academy tuition; many career departments pay for the academy after they hire you.
- Time to start
- 1–2 years (EMT, testing and academy)
- Typical cost
- $1,500–$10,000
- Median pay
- $59,280 per year
- Education
- High school diploma or GED plus EMT training
- License / certification
- EMT certification (state or NREMT); Firefighter I/II certification in most states
- Job outlook
- +4% (2025–35), about as fast as average
Steps to become a firefighter
Check the basic requirements
Most departments require you to be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver's license. Some departments want you to be 21 by the time you finish the academy. Read the posting for your target department and note any rules on criminal history, tattoos, residency or tobacco use.
Earn your EMT certification
A large share of fire calls are medical, so many departments require EMT certification to apply or before you finish probation. Take an EMT-Basic course at a community college or training center, then pass your state's exam or the National Registry (NREMT) cognitive and skills exams. Some departments prefer or pay more for paramedics.
Train for the physical ability test
Many departments use the CPAT, eight timed events done in a 50-pound vest that you must finish in 10 minutes 20 seconds. Others use their own agility test. Build leg endurance with stair climbing, grip strength and carrying work, and take a CPAT orientation or practice session if one is offered.
Apply and take the written exam
Watch department websites and testing services for open hiring periods and apply to several departments. Written exams test reading, math, mechanical reasoning and judgment; many departments use vendor tests such as FireTEAM (offered through the National Testing Network) or their own test. Take practice tests for the specific exam named in the posting.
Pass the interview, background and medical checks
Expect an oral board interview, sometimes a chief's interview, a background investigation, a medical exam and drug testing. Prepare clear answers about teamwork, community service and why you want this department. Get your documents ready early so you do not stall the process.
Complete the fire academy
Most recruits spend a few months at a fire academy run by the department or the state. You learn fire suppression, ladders, hose, search and rescue, hazardous materials and building codes, and earn Firefighter I and II certification in most states. If you self-sponsor through a college fire academy before you are hired, you pay tuition but become eligible for departments that require certification to apply.
Finish probation and keep your certifications current
New firefighters usually serve a probationary year with regular skills and knowledge tests. Keep your EMT certification current with continuing education. Volunteer or part-time experience and extra certifications such as paramedic or driver/operator help you advance.
Find an EMT course or fire academy
An EMT course is the one paid step almost every applicant needs; pay for a fire academy or degree only if your target departments require it before hiring.
- EMT-Basic certificate course (community college or training center)
- Paramedic certificate or associate degree
- Self-sponsored fire academy (Firefighter I/II certification)
- Associate degree in fire science or fire technology
- Volunteer department training programs
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMT-Basic course | $800 | $2,000 | Community colleges are usually cheaper than private schools. |
| EMT certification exam (NREMT or state) | $100 | $200 | Check your state's current fee; some states use their own exam. |
| CPAT or physical ability test | $100 | $250 | Fee set by the testing center; some departments charge nothing for their own test. |
| Written exam and testing service fees | $0 | $100 | Vendor tests often charge per application. |
| Fire academy tuition (self-sponsored) | $0 | $6,000 | Often $0 if a career department hires you first. |
| Gear, uniforms and books for a self-sponsored academy | $0 | $1,500 | Many academies loan turnout gear. |
| Associate degree in fire science (optional) | $3,000 | $15,000 | Useful for promotion; rarely required to get hired. |
| Total | $4,000 | $25,050 | Timeline: 1–2 years (EMT, testing and academy) |
Exams and how to prepare
CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
Eight timed events in a 50-pound vest: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue drag and ceiling breach and pull. Total limit is 10 minutes 20 seconds.
How to prepare: Train stair climbing with weight, grip and carry work for 8–12 weeks and attend an official orientation or practice session.
Firefighter written entrance exam
Multiple-choice test of reading, math, mechanical aptitude, spatial reasoning and situational judgment. A common version is FireTEAM, offered through the National Testing Network; some departments write their own.
How to prepare: Use a study guide for the exact test in the posting and take timed practice tests.
NREMT EMT exam (or state EMT exam)
A computer-based cognitive exam plus a hands-on skills exam after your EMT course.
How to prepare: Use your course materials and practice question banks; practice the skill sheets until you can do them without thinking.
Firefighter I and II certification exams
State written and practical tests based on NFPA firefighter professional standards, usually given at the end of the academy.
How to prepare: Keep up with academy reading and practice every skill station until it is routine.
Prepare for firefighter hiring exams
Most applicants who wash out fail the physical test, so start fitness training before you spend on written exam prep.
- CPAT physical ability test
- Firefighter written exam (FireTEAM or department test)
- NREMT EMT exam
- Firefighter I and II certification
Firefighter salary and job outlook
Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 26,800 openings a year, mostly to replace people who retire or change jobs. Competition for career jobs is strong in many cities, so EMT or paramedic certification and good physical test scores help.
Printable PDF
Firefighter Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a firefighter?
Often 1–2 years. EMT training takes about 3–6 months, the hiring process takes a few months, and the fire academy usually lasts a few months more. Departments test on their own schedules, so waiting for an open hiring period adds time.
Do you need a degree to be a firefighter?
No. A high school diploma or GED plus EMT training is the typical requirement. A fire science degree can help with promotion to officer ranks later.
Do you need to be an EMT to be a firefighter?
Many departments require it, either to apply or before you finish probation, but the rule varies by state and department. Because most calls are medical, EMT certification makes you a stronger candidate even where it is optional.
How much does it cost to become a firefighter?
A typical budget is about $1,500–$10,000. EMT training is roughly $800–$2,000, testing fees add a few hundred dollars, and a self-sponsored fire academy can cost several thousand. If a career department hires you first, it usually pays for the academy.
What is the age limit to become a firefighter?
The minimum is usually 18, sometimes 21. Many city departments have no maximum age, though some do. Federal firefighter jobs, including wildland positions, generally have a maximum entry age of 37.
How much do firefighters make?
BLS reports a median of $59,280 a year as of May 2025. The lowest 10% earned under $34,910 and the top 10% over $101,040. Pay is higher in large metro departments, and overtime is common.
What is the CPAT test?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a pass/fail course of eight firefighting tasks done in a 50-pound vest. You must finish all events in 10 minutes 20 seconds. Many departments require a current CPAT card to apply.
Can you become a firefighter by volunteering?
Yes, volunteering is a common way in. Many volunteer departments train you to Firefighter I at low or no cost, and the experience and certifications help when you apply to career departments.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: EMT certification
- Alabama Fire College: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- City of Phoenix Fire Department: Candidate Physical Ability Test
- U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA)
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.