Fire Chief Exam
Matilda Equiluz
You can start your process of becoming an FDNY Firefighter as early as 17 1/2 years of age. You should not reach your 29th birthday by the beginning of the application process. However, there are exceptions to this rule:
In addition, you will be required to be a Certified First Responder with Defibrillation Certificate (CFR-D) by the end of your probationary period. FDNY provides a CFR-D training program during the probationary Firefighter training course. Once the training course is successfully completed and you receive your certificate, $30 per pay period will be deducted until the total cost of the training course is covered. Those who fail to obtain a CFR-D by the end of the probation period will be terminated.
The Firefighter exam does not require you to have any special knowledge of firefighting or the Fire Department. The exam includes multiple-choice questions that test on reading, problem-solving and applying rules and concepts. Once you pass the written test, you also must do an in-person interview with FDNY Officers.
Once the exam is completed, you are considered to be a Firefighter Applicant and your name will be put on a civil service list based on order of performance and other factors. Candidates will then be called to take the physical portion of the exam. The Applicant also will undergo a medical and psychological evaluation, a drug screening, and a background check.
Please note candidates for employment as Firefighter will be called based on the list number and need, which can take up to multiple years. Please also note that candidates on the Promotion to Firefighter Exam list get called before candidates on the Open Competitive Exam list.
No. The test will include a competitive computer-based test (CBT) and a qualifying physical ability test. You must achieve passing scores on the CBT and the physical ability test in order to be eligible for further consideration in the selection process.
The CBT is designed to assess important abilities and aptitudes that are required to successfully learn and perform the work of a Firefighter. The test will evaluate basic abilities, such as Reading, Listening, Problem Solving, Basic Arithmetic and related areas. It also will assess the way candidates approach work, interact with others, and concentrate on details. Before you take the CBT, you will have the opportunity to view a computer-based tutorial so that you are familiar with computer-based testing and the various question types. You are encouraged to view the tutorial. The tutorial is available for viewing on the DCAS website at -year-2024-2025-firefighter-computer-based-test[1]tutorial.page. You are encouraged to view the tutorial.
Candidates who pass the computer-based test will be scheduled to take the physical ability test prior to admission to the Fire Academy as vacancies occur. The physical ability test used will be the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is scored on a pass/fail basis. This test consists of a series of 8 events designed to assess the ability to perform the physical aspects of the job of a Firefighter. The test events are: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. A more detailed description of the physical ability test will be distributed to candidates before they are scheduled for the physical ability test, and candidates will be invited to learn more about the CPAT.
A firefighter candidate must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the written test, and must not have reached his / her 36th birthday at the time of hiring. Certifications by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as a structural firefighter and by the Texas Department of State Health Services as an EMT-basic or higher are preferred, but not required at time of employment. Candidates are expected to have demonstrated personal maturity as evidenced by a drug-free lifestyle, a clean driving record, and no criminal history. Candidates must also be sufficiently physically fit to pass a physical ability test, a physical exam, and a physical assessment.
Applications are now being accepted for the following Open/Servicewide examinations. Applicants interested in testing for a servicewide classification may apply to take the examination with the state department listed, regardless of where the applicant currently works or wishes to obtain employment. Successful candidates from a servicewide eligible list will be available for hire by all participating state agencies.
Cut-Off Dates: Dates utilized when an examination bulletin is advertised as continuous-file (posted year-round). All applications submitted on or before the cut-off date are collected and evaluated against the minimum qualifications listed on the classification specification. Applications submitted after the most recent cut-off date will be held and evaluated once the next cut-off date arrives.
Final Filing Date: Date utilized when an examination bulletin is advertised as limited-file and is posted/accepting applications for a limited period of time (typically 4-weeks). Candidates must apply on or before the final filing date in order to be considered for the examination. Late applications are not accepted or retained so candidates that miss the deadline must wait to apply during a future filing period.
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Registration for the exam opens on Saturday, November 18 and will close on Sunday, December 31. Interested applicants should visit www.firefighterapp.com to register for the test. The cost to register for the exam is $35. Applicants must be at least 18 at the time of the exam. Additional information can be found on the City's website by visiting -a-Firefighter.
"As we continue to invest in our Fire Department, we are committed to filling its ranks with qualified individuals who represent our city's diverse communities," said Chief Gatto. "The Norwalk Fire Department offers challenging and fulfilling career opportunities, and we encourage all eligible Norwalk residents to apply to take the test and join the Norwalk Fire Department family."
In mid-December, the Fire Department will host a virtual town hall meeting to help interested applicants learn more about the Department, the testing process and what it's like to be a firefighter in the City. Additional information will be sent via the Firefighter app and posted on -a-Firefighter in the coming weeks.
Today's announcement demonstrates Mayor Rilling and Fire Chief Gatto's continued commitment to creating a pipeline of firefighters and future leaders within the Department who reflect Norwalk's diverse communities.
EMT Certification
Completion of an approved California Emergency Medical Technician (CEMT) training course with the appropriate certification is required at time of hire. To find local resources where you can learn more about the steps required to obtain an EMT certification in the state of California, click here.
HIRING PROCESS
The firefighter Trainee hiring process is composed of various steps, each ensuring that we hire the best and most capable individuals to serve our community. For more information regarding each step, view the corresponding section below.
VCFD will provide a voucher code to access the written exam (at no cost to the candidate) after applications have been reviewed. Various methods of completing the test are available, including at local testing facilities and through virtual proctoring.
Interview with Battalion Chiefs
The candidates who are atop the eligible list will be the first invited to a selection interview. This interview will consist of two Battalion Chiefs and is less structured than the oral exam, often more interactive, and dialogue-based. The goal of this portion of the hiring process is to get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for VCFD employment. Interview feedback is given to the Fire Chief to consider and decide who he will invite to participate in the Background/Medical process.
Background/Medical Process
An invitation to participate in the background/medical process does not guarantee a spot in the Fire Academy. From this point forward, the hiring process may take 5-6 months to determine who will be provided job offers to join the Fire Academy.
Background
All candidates will undergo a thorough background check, including employment history, education, criminal history, driving record, and reference checks. Each candidate will complete a Personal History Statement and schedule an interview with the assigned Background Investigator. The Background Investigator prepares a summary report of findings and provides this report to Human Resources and the Fire Chief, who will take the report into consideration before making a final decision.
Candidates who successfully complete the background and medical process will have their names referred to the Chief for final review and determination on who will receive a firm offer to join the Fire Academy.
Academy Selection
The final step in the hiring process is the selection. Candidates who successfully completed each step of the hiring process and are determined by the Chief to receive an offer to join the Fire Academy will receive a phone call extending an invitation to become part of the Ventura County Fire Department family.
Composed of approximately 600 dedicated men and women, the Ventura County Fire Department is an all-hazard, full-service agency. We proudly provide fire protection, medical aid, rescue, hazardous materials response, and a variety of other services to the public.
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