How to Become a
Firefighter
Your complete guide to starting a rewarding career in firefighting and emergency services
View All Career OverviewsFirefighting in 2026
🚒The Modern Firefighter Role
The role of firefighters has evolved dramatically in 2026. While traditional fire suppression remains core to the profession, today's firefighters are multi-disciplinary emergency responders handling:
- ✓Fire Suppression: Extinguishing and controlling structural, wildland, and vehicle fires
- ✓Emergency Medical Services: 70% of calls are medical emergencies requiring EMT/Paramedic skills
- ✓Technical Rescue: Vehicle extrication, confined space, high-angle, and water rescue operations
- ✓Hazardous Materials: Chemical spills, environmental incidents, and CBRNE response
- ✓Climate Disaster Response: Increasing wildfire, flood, and extreme weather emergencies
- ✓Community Risk Reduction: Fire prevention education, code enforcement, and public safety programs
Firefighters typically work 24-hour shifts (averaging 48-56 hours per week) in teams under supervising officers, maintaining constant readiness to respond to emergencies.
📋Basic Requirements
Age & Citizenship
- • Minimum age 18 to take exams
- • Minimum age 21 for hiring
- • U.S. citizenship required
Education
- • High school diploma or GED
- • College credits (increasingly preferred)
- • EMT/Paramedic certification (often required)
Physical & Medical
- • Vision & hearing tests
- • Physical fitness assessment (CPAT)
- • Psychological evaluation
- • Drug screening
Background & Character
- • Clean driving record
- • No felony convictions
- • Community character references
- • Residency verification
🎯Step-by-Step Career Path
Meet Basic Requirements
Complete high school education, obtain EMT certification, and maintain physical fitness. Many departments now prefer candidates with associate or bachelor's degrees in Fire Science.
Pass Written Examination
Standardized tests assess reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning, mathematics, and situational judgment. Study guides and prep courses widely available.
Complete Physical Assessment (CPAT)
The Candidate Physical Ability Test simulates firefighting tasks including stair climb with equipment, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach.
Interview & Background Check
Oral board interviews, polygraph tests, and extensive background investigations verify character, integrity, and suitability for the position.
Fire Academy Training
12-24 week intensive academy includes classroom instruction and hands-on training in fire behavior, building construction, hazmat operations, emergency medical care, and firefighting tactics.
Probationary Period
6-18 month probation with field training, responding to calls, and mastering department-specific procedures. Continuous evaluation and mentorship provided.
💰Salary & Benefits (2026)
Salary Ranges
Comprehensive Benefits Package
⚠️Understanding the Risks
Firefighting remains one of the most hazardous professions. In 2026, the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths include:
Modern departments prioritize firefighter health and safety through fitness programs, cancer screening, mental health support, and advanced protective equipment. Despite the risks, firefighting offers the profound reward of saving lives and serving your community.
Explore More Career Overviews
Firefighter Hiring Guide
We've put together a comprehensive guide to maximize your chances in the recruitment process. Written for federal and municipal hiring, the strategies apply to any fire service position. Read a free preview →
- GS-0081 series requirements & grade ladder (GS-4 to GS-12)
- CPAT prep, fire academy breakdown, EMT-B certification path
- 15+ federal agencies that hire firefighters (DoD, USFS, NPS, VA)
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore fire departments in your area to learn about upcoming hiring processes, testing dates, and career opportunities.
Find Fire Departments Near You →