How To Become A Firefighter: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Career

Tech Mar 7, 2025 15 Add to Reading List

Becoming a firefighter is a challenging yet rewarding career choice. If you’ve ever dreamed of fighting fires, rescuing people from dangerous situations, and serving your community, then this is the right path for you. But how to become a firefighter? The process requires dedication, extensive training, and the right mindset. Whether you want to know how long it takes to become a firefighter, how to become a volunteer firefighter, or how to become a wildland firefighter, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started.

Why Choose a Career in Firefighting?

Before diving into the steps on how to become a firefighter, it’s essential to understand the benefits of choosing this profession:

Purposeful Work: Firefighters are heroes in their communities. Every day, you’ll be saving lives, protecting property, and preventing fires from spreading.
Job Stability and Benefits: Firefighting jobs often come with excellent benefits, such as pension plans, health insurance, and paid time off. Moreover, job security in the public sector is high.
Camaraderie: Firefighters work in teams, which creates strong bonds and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that is unique to the profession.
Physical and Mental Challenge: The job keeps you fit and mentally sharp. From running to lifting heavy equipment, firefighting requires you to stay in excellent shape.

Steps on How To Become A Firefighter

If you are wondering how to become a firefighter, here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you prepare for this exciting and rewarding profession.

1. Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements

The first step in your journey is ensuring you meet the basic eligibility criteria for becoming a firefighter. While the specifics can vary based on location, most fire departments will have these minimum requirements:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for firefighter jobs, although some fire departments may require you to be 21.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement. However, having a degree in fire science or a related field could be an added advantage.
Physical Fitness: Firefighting is a physically demanding job. You must be able to lift heavy equipment, climb ladders, and endure high-stress physical activities. Many fire departments require candidates to pass a physical fitness test.
Background Check: A clean criminal record is essential for most fire departments. Some departments may also perform drug screenings as part of the hiring process.

Once you meet these basic requirements, you can proceed to the next step: education and training.

2. Obtain the Necessary Training

Training is a crucial component of becoming a firefighter. Firefighters need to know how to operate various tools and equipment, how to protect themselves in dangerous situations, and how to work effectively in high-pressure environments. Here are the primary training options for aspiring firefighters:

Fire Academy Training: Fire academies offer specialized training programs for new recruits. These programs usually include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Training covers a wide range of topics, including fire behavior, search and rescue, hazardous materials handling, emergency medical services, and more. Fire academies typically last anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification: Most fire departments require firefighters to have EMT certification, as they are often the first responders to medical emergencies. EMT certification can take 6 months to 1 year to complete, depending on the program.
Fire Science Degree (Optional): While not always required, some aspiring firefighters choose to pursue a degree in fire science. This degree provides in-depth knowledge of fire behavior, fire prevention, and emergency management. A degree can improve your chances of being hired by some fire departments.

Completing firefighter training ensures that you are fully equipped to handle the job’s challenges.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

While training is critical, gaining hands-on experience is just as important. Many fire departments seek candidates with real-world experience, which is why volunteer firefighting can be an excellent option for aspiring firefighters. Here’s how you can gain experience:

Volunteer Firefighting: Becoming a volunteer firefighter allows you to gain valuable experience while giving back to your community. Volunteer firefighters go through the same training as full-time firefighters and respond to calls for emergencies. Volunteering helps you gain real-world skills and makes you stand out when applying for full-time firefighter positions.
Internships and Ride-Alongs: Some fire departments offer internship programs or allow aspiring firefighters to "ride along" with their teams. This provides a valuable opportunity to observe experienced firefighters in action, allowing you to gain insight into the daily responsibilities and challenges of the job.

4. Pass the Required Firefighter Exams

Once you’ve completed your training and gained some experience, you’ll need to pass several exams before being considered for a full-time firefighter position:

Written Exam: The written exam typically tests your knowledge of fire science, firefighting techniques, and emergency medical services. The exam is designed to assess your theoretical understanding of the profession.
Physical Ability Test: Firefighting is a physically demanding job, so most fire departments will require you to pass a physical ability test. This test will assess your strength, stamina, and overall fitness.
Oral Interview: The interview process is a critical part of the hiring process. Fire department officials will evaluate your communication skills, motivation for becoming a firefighter, and ability to work in high-pressure situations.

You’ll need to pass these exams to move on to the next stage in the application process.

5. Apply for Firefighter Positions

Once you’ve completed your training, passed the necessary exams, and gained relevant experience, you can start applying for full-time firefighter positions. The application process may include:

Submitting an Application: Most fire departments have an online application system. You’ll need to provide your resume, certifications, and relevant documentation.
Interviews: If your application is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for firefighting and explain why you’re the right fit for the position.
Job Offers: After the interview, successful candidates will receive a job offer. Once hired, you’ll go through a probationary period before becoming a fully-fledged firefighter.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter?

If you’re wondering how long does it take to become a firefighter, the timeline varies depending on several factors, such as training, exams, and the hiring process. On average, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to become a firefighter. Here's a breakdown:

Fire Academy Training: 12 to 24 weeks.
EMT Certification: 6 months to 1 year.
Job Search and Application Process: This can take several months depending on the availability of open positions.

So, while the process takes time, the rewards are well worth the wait.

How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter

Becoming a volunteer firefighter is an excellent way to start your career in firefighting. Here’s how you can get started:

Search for Volunteer Positions: Many local fire departments offer volunteer firefighter positions. Check with your local fire department to see if they are recruiting.
Complete Training: Volunteer firefighters undergo the same rigorous training as full-time firefighters, including fire suppression techniques and emergency medical training.
Respond to Emergencies: As a volunteer firefighter, you’ll respond to fires and other emergencies in your community, gaining hands-on experience that will help you in your future career.

How to Become a Wildland Firefighter

If you’re passionate about fighting fires in natural environments, becoming a wildland firefighter might be the right path for you. Here’s how you can pursue this specialized role:

Complete Basic Firefighter Training: Wildland firefighters must first complete basic firefighter training, which includes learning about fire suppression techniques and emergency medical services.
Wildland Firefighter Training: After completing basic training, you will undergo specialized training in wildland firefighting, which focuses on fighting fires in remote and rural areas.
Stay Physically Fit: Wildland firefighting is physically demanding, so you’ll need to maintain excellent physical fitness.
Apply for Government Jobs: Wildland firefighters are typically employed by government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service. You can apply for seasonal positions to gain experience.

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a Firefighter

Becoming a firefighter is a challenging and fulfilling journey that requires dedication, physical fitness, and the right mindset. Whether you’re looking to become a volunteer firefighter, a wildland firefighter, or a full-time firefighter, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you take the necessary steps toward this noble profession.

Stay committed, train hard, and gain the experience you need, and you’ll soon be on your way to a rewarding firefighting career that makes a difference in the lives of others.