The Hiring Process

The hiring process for the Fire Department is by no means a quick process. From start to finish, it takes about 6 months to complete. While the hiring process may vary, it typically consists of the following:

1. Submit Interest Form
2. Written Examination
3. Background Application
4. Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
5. Polygraph Examination
6. Interview Panel
7. Medical Exam
8. Formal Offer

Interest Form:

A potential candidate submits their resume via mail or electronically, or completes a generic form issued by the respective department

Written Examination:

The written examination is roughly 150 questions, with an allotted 4 hours to complete. The examination consists of a multiple-choice aptitude test that measures mechanical ability, ability to comprehend written materials, and the ability to interpret a report.

Background Application:

The background application is a lengthy document that requires a lot of time and information in order to complete. Departments require the names of family members, birth dates, 5-10 year employment history (or back to the age of 18), 5-10 year residency history, education information, military information, criminal history, driving record, drug/alcohol use information, credit information.

In addition to the information provided, they also require original copies of driving records, criminal history reports from EACH jurisdication you have resided, and high school / college transcripts.

Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT):

I finished the CPAT in 7 minutes 39 seconds.

• CPAT Overview

• EVENT 1: Stair Climb

• EVENT 2: Hose Drag

• EVENT 3: Equipment Carry

• EVENT 4: Ladder Raise

• Event 5: Forcible Entry

• Event 6: Search

• Event 7: Rescue

• Event 8: Ceiling Breach

Polygraph Examination:

During the polygraph examination, you meet with a police officer trained to administer and interpret a polygraph examination. First you go over the background application to discuss what you have and have not done, in regard to traffic citations, criminal activity, and drug/alcohol use.

Once everything is discussed, the officer will determine what questions he will use and ask. The polygraph typically consists of roughly 10-12 questions. The officer will connect 2 sensors to your fingertips to measure sweat output, a blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure, and two coils that strap across your chest to measure your breathing rate. Using these three values, they determine if there is a response to any question. If there is a response, they will ask you about the question to determine what you were thinking of, and if there was any deception.

Medical Examination:

The medical examination is similar to a physical. A physician draws blood for bloodwork to be conducted. A urine sample is collected to perform a urinalysis and a drug test. The also test your vision and hearing. They test for hernia, lung capacity, any chest/heart abnormalities (done using X-ray), and skin TB test.

Formal Offer:

Providing you have passed all the required steps, you are either placed onto a hiring list or extended an offer to start with the respective department in their upcoming academy.