Being a firefighter is no easy job and the requirements to become a fireman take that into account. If you have always dreamed of suiting up, riding a fire engine and protecting people in your community by working for the fire department, it is important to know the requirements so that you can become to best possible candidate for openings in your county and region. Obviously, firefighters need to be intelligent individuals who can withstand high levels of stress at unusually hot temperatures. As you might expect, the competition throughout the long hiring process is fierce, and becoming the best possible candidate will give you leverage during the process. Here are the general, physical and educational requirements you must meet before you should send in your application.
General Applicant Requirements to Consider
Firefighter applicant requirements can vary by state or even by county. If you want to work in a specific region, it is important to check that region’s general requirements before you start the application process. all applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Typically, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and less than 29 years of age to apply. In addition to this requirement, all applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED at a minimum to be considered.
Physical Requirements to Become A Firefighter
As a fireman, you will be required to work in high temperatures wearing heavy gear and carrying heavy firefighting equipment. To do this, you must be physically fit and pass firefighter tests that show that you are in good health and that you can perform. In addition to passing a physical examination performed by a doctor that is approved by the fire department, you will also have to pass a vision and a hearing test. Once you are cleared, you will need to pass a background check and a driving record check with a clean driving record. Blemishes on your driving record could disqualify you from candidacy because firefighters must be low-risk drivers who are bondable by the state.
Educational Requirement for Firefighter Jobs
High school diplomas are minimal general requirements, but many departments prefer to hire applicants who have completed some higher education or formal training. If you take a degree program majoring in Fire Science or Fire Engineering, you can improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Once you are hired, you will complete rigorous training. You must pass a written and stamina test before you will be selected as a firefighter. Education can help you in the early application process and even during your training when you are preparing for your written testing.
Related Resource: Emergency Dispatcher
Preparation is key if you want to be selected among a pool of many applicants who are just as passionate as you are. If you want to prepare, be sure to get life experience, take formal training courses, and maintain a clean background so that a silly mistake does not eliminate you from the hiring pool, according to Fire Rescue. You will need to pass a thorough background check where the department will review your employment history, school history, and even your credit history to see if you are responsible. Be sure that you are honest on this form, prepare yourself for a long hiring process, and remember all of the requirements to become a fireman.