In addition to the standard list of firefighter job requirements, there are certifications that you usually must have in order to get a firefighting job. The reason for this is that the competition for firefighting positions has become so intense since September 11 that it is no longer enough to just have the desire and physical attributes necessary for the job.
Some authorities say that in order to get that badge with your name on it, you should have most or all of the following:
- EMT certificate
- Paramedic license
- Clean drivers license record
- EMT experience on an ambulance or in a hospital -- either full-time or part-time. In most jurisdictions, firefighters respond to about 60% of emergency medical service calls. Can you imagine your fire department wanting to hire someone who had no EMT experience?
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross) or CPR Healthcare Provider (American Heart Association)
- Firefighter 1 Academy Certificate and/or Firefighter 1 State Certification
- Ambulance drivers license
- Excellent physical fitness. Here it is best to get guidance from a professional. Despite what you might think, weightlifting alone is no longer enough. You must also have a combination of aerobic activities, cardiovascular activities, and muscular / strength-building activities.
- Volunteer experience. Most authorities say it doesn't matter exactly what kind of volunteer experience you have come up so long as whatever you do you have done it well. Many counties and small municipalities are almost always looking for volunteer firefighters. You might also contact your local fire department to see if it uses volunteers in non-firefighting capacities, such as administration, hazmat training, fire prevention, etc. Whether you become a volunteer firefighter or a volunteer within your local fire department, these all help demonstrate that you are a well rounded person.
- Specialized training certificates. These can include such specialized training as Public Education, Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Auto Extraction, Rescue Systems, Swift Water Rescue, and Hazardous Materials First Responder.
- Bilingual ability as many jurisdictions give preference to those who speak a second language. The most common second language is Spanish. However, if your second language is something such as Russian, you would most likely stand out from many other candidates.
Memberships and affiliations. Don't wait. Start getting involved in the fire service. An excellent way to do this is to join those organizations that will help you better understand what is required to be a firefighter and how to be an exemplary one. These include associations such as:
- State Firefighters Association
- International Association of Arson Investigators
- National Fire Protection Association
- National Association of EMTs
- Fire Service - EMS Publications
More ways for preparing to become a firefighter
You can use these to educate yourself about many aspects of firefighting and, in some cases, to discover firefighter openings. Some of the best of these are:
- Firehouse Magazine
- Fire Engineering Magazine
- American Fire Journal
- Journal of Emergency Services Magazine (JEMS)