Preparing to become a firefighter

In addition to the firefighter requirements listed on another page (click on Firefighter Requirements button for more information), there are some other certifications that you must almost have to have in order to get a firefighting job. The reason for this is that the competition for firefighting positions has become so intense sense September 11, it is no longer enough to just have the desire and physical attributes necessary for the job.

In fact, some authorities say that in order to get that badge with your name on it, you should have all or most of the following:

• EMT certificate
  
• Paramedic license
  
• Clean drivers license
• EMT experience on an ambulance or in a hospital -- either full-time or part-time. You see, in most jurisdictions, firefighters respond to about 60% of emergency medical service calls. Can you imagine that your fire department would want 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 and Is Public Education, Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Auto Extraction, Rescue Systems, Swift Water Rescue, and Hazardous Materials First Responder. Etc.

• Bilingual ability as many jurisdictions give preference to those who speak a second language. The most common second language is, of course, Spanish. However, if your second language or something such as Russian, you would most likely stand out from many other candidates.

• • 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: