Submitting an application to become a firefighter

The first step in your road to becoming a firefighter is to apply for the test and then find out when the firefighter examination will be held. 

Next, you will need to obtain the actual application.  You can usually get information about the exam and application process from your city's department of personnel or from your local fire department.  You might also be able obtain an application from your school guidance office or your local library.  Finally, you can actually find information about fire Department examinations on the Internet.

You can begin the application process by locating the appropriate agencies in your phone book.  When you call the agency, be sure to have a pencil and paper ready to write down any instructions or directions you are given.  You can explain that you need.

1.  Information about the examination

2. The application itself

3.  The correct procedure for filling out the application

If your city will be holding an examination in the near future, the agency (usually the municipalities’ human resources or personnel department) should be able to give you all the necessary information. 

On the other hand, if there is no examination scheduled in the near future, you'll need to ask how the examination notice will be made public, when it will be available, and where it will be published.

Make sure you submit our application on time

Most cities will require that you file for the examination by submitting your application by a certain date.  If you mail in the application, make sure that it is postmarked before midnight on the closing date indicated on the job announcement.  After you file, you will most likely be notified by mail as to where and when you should appear for the actual examination.  Some cities give " walk-in exams" which do not require you to file an application in advance.  The important thing is to know when the exam will be given and if there is a filing date cut off.  If so, make sure that you file before that date.

Preparing for the examination

The best way to prepare for the firefighter exam is to first study the sample questions you will find on this web site. This will give you an idea of what to expect. Next, you should get one of the following books:

• Barron's Firefighter Exams by James J. Murtagh
• Firefighter Written Tests – Physical Exams by Robert Andriuolo
• Master the Firefighter Exam by Fred M. Rafilson

  It is unlikely but you may be able to find one or more of these books at your local library. Failing that, you should contact your nearest community college to see if it offers any firefighting or related classes. If so, it may sell one of these books in its bookstore or might be able to order it for you.

However, the best bet is Amazon.com. We found that you can find all three of these books on this site and buy used copies at very reasonable costs. Just remember that it will take at least three to five days for the book to arrive after you have ordered it.