If you have a history of bad behavior (accidents, DUIs, traffic violations, domestic violence), your chances of becoming a firefighter are pretty slim. Be upfront with potential employers about your past mistakes and how you have moved forward. Firefighters assist with traffic incidents, firefighter certification medical emergencies, search and rescue missions, and house fires. They also help with other tasks. Each department sets its own hiring qualifications and training requirements.
Get a Degree
A firefighter career requires a lot of physical strength, reading, and learning. It also demands a team effort at the scene of an emergency. A degree shows you have the mental capacity to learn and work with others. Firefighter applicants typically need at least a high school diploma. Some departments also require a college degree. Seek a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to firefighting, like fire science or fire technology. Other degrees, such as paramedic science, may also provide helpful knowledge to firefighters.
In addition to academic qualifications, some departments require candidates to have emergency medical technician certification. It can mean that you need to pass a written test. It’s important to take classes to prepare and stay physically fit. Having a clean record is essential as well. A history of DUIs, traffic accidents, or criminal convictions will make it much harder to get the job. Be upfront with your record and explain your steps to clean it up.
Get a Job
Firefighting is a paramilitary occupation, and applicants should be comfortable following orders and giving up some personal freedoms. Professional firefighters work ten 24-hour shifts per month and often must sacrifice time spent with family, friends, and other hobbies.
Almost every fire department has its own rules and processes for hiring. The best way to learn about these requirements is to visit a local fire station and talk to a firefighter or the fire department administrator in charge of recruitment. So, how do I become a firefighter in Texas? Acquiring the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Fire Suppression certification can aid your education regarding fire safety and suppression fundamentals. To be eligible for this program, I must finish a structured firefighter training course, which typically lasts two to three months. Since many of these classes are offered online, finishing this program would be easier whenever it’s convenient.
If you need more time to be ready to take Firefighter Certification on the full-time demands of the job, consider volunteering at your local fire department to get hands-on experience. It will also give you an advantage during the interview process by providing a unique story and showing that you’re serious about your career. Be prepared to submit a background packet with the required criminal history check, drug test results, and other documents that are usually Firefighter Certification requested. Having these items in order, neatly presented, and ready to go is essential to stand out.
Take the Tests
Firefighters are first responders to emergencies, such as fires and hazardous material incidents. They offer medical care to treat injuries and illnesses until paramedics arrive. As such, a strong knowledge of first aid and general healthcare is vital to this career. Written exams testing math, reading comprehension, and memory skills are also common. Some departments have Firefighter Certification additional requirements, such as having EMT certification or a paramedic license, before you can apply.
A physical ability test called the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is also administered, and it features eight events: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, search and rescue, forcible entry, and ceiling breach. The CPAT is designed to replicate the duties of a firefighter, and it’s administered while candidates wear full gear. When you’re applying to be a firefighter, the competition is stiff. It would help if you had every advantage to make it through the hiring process. That includes studying for the written, oral, psychological, and physical agility tests to be sure you’re one of the 10% who gets a job.
Get Experience
Firefighters put out and prevent fires, fight medical emergencies, and rescue people and animals. The work is demanding and dangerous, so firefighters must have excellent physical stamina and be willing to undergo extensive training and testing. They must also communicate effectively with their co-workers and the public. Most calls firefighters respond to involve medical emergencies, so almost all departments require them to be EMT certified. It can add another two to three years to the training time.
Because firefighters are the first on-site at disasters, they often must deal with stressful situations and make critical decisions on the fly. Firefighters need to have strong decision-making skills, and taking a psychology course or an emotional intelligence assessment as part of their training program may be beneficial. In addition, a bachelor’s degree is often required for senior-level positions. Be sure to research the academic requirements in your area.