Firefighter: diploma, EMT, department tests and fire academy
Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and emergency medical training, pass written and physical tests and train at a fire academy. Many departments want EMT certification.
For: Fit, brave team players who stay calm in emergencies and can work 24-hour shifts.
Route 1: Diploma → EMT → department tests → fire academy Typical
Applicants typically must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license, and pass a medical exam and drug screening to be hired.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETBLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Under 1 year
EMT training
Assessing patients, dealing with trauma and clearing airways. EMT rules vary by city and state.
EMT careerBLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
EMT certification, where the department asks for it
EMT license stepsBLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Written and physical tests, interviews
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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A few months
Fire academy, then probation
Firefighting and fire prevention, local building codes and emergency medical procedures.
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Firefighter
Promotion runs engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief and chief; above battalion chief many departments want a bachelor's in fire science or public administration.
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Wildland firefighter apprenticeship Up to 4 years
Those who want to become wildland firefighters may attend apprenticeship programs that last up to 4 years.
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High school diploma
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Up to 4 years
Apprenticeship
Instruction plus on-the-job training under experienced firefighters.
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Wildland firefighter
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: Volunteer firefighter first Helps
Working as a volunteer firefighter may be helpful in getting a job as a career firefighter.
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Start here
Volunteer firefighter
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Written and physical tests, interviews, fire academy
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Career firefighter
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- EMT or paramedic certification
State EMS offices · Employer may require - Fire departments may require EMT or paramedic certification; continuing education keeps it current.
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) or firefighter endorsement
State driver licensing · State license - Some states or localities require one to drive a fire truck.
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- National Fire Academy courses
Federal training sessions · Voluntary - Anti-arson techniques, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials control and public fire safety.
BLS
Firefighters — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
How three fire departments hire
Fire departments hire on their own rules, so there is no single national standard. Three departments' own hiring pages, as examples only:
| Department | What you need |
|---|---|
| New York City FDNY |
Apply for the written exam (offered about every four years) from 17½, before your 29th birthday at the start of the application period (military service can be subtracted, up to 7 years); 21 and a U.S. citizen by appointment; New York State driver's license; live in NYC or Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester County. Diploma plus 15 college credits, or honorable full-time military service, or 6 months of full-time paid work. Computer-based test, CPAT physical test, medical, psychological and background checks, then an 18-week Fire Academy; a CFR-D certificate by the end of probation. FDNYFirefighter: Get HiredFire Department of the City of New York (Join FDNY)
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| Los Angeles LAFD |
At least 18, no upper age limit; U.S. high school diploma, GED or CHSPE; legally allowed to work in the U.S. (LAFD does not sponsor visas). Pass the 4-hour Firefighter Candidate Assessment (FCA), then an interview; a current EMT or paramedic license and a Biddle Physical Agility Test (BPAT) result are needed for the pre-employment and background stages. California driver's license by appointment. 2026 applications ran 3 March to 30 April. LAFDFirefighter Requirements & Selection ProcessLos Angeles Fire Department (Join LAFD)
LAFD now asks for the Biddle Physical Agility Test (BPAT), not the CPAT. View source |
| Houston Houston Fire Department |
Two tracks. Non-certified cadets: 15 college hours or 2 years of active military service; about 9 months of academy, where Houston teaches basic fire and EMT certification. Certified cadets: Texas fire and/or EMT certification already, and a shorter academy. Both: 18 to apply, under 36 at the oath of office, 2 or fewer moving violations in 36 months. Houston FireRequirements: Firefighter/EMT TraineeHouston Fire Department (City of Houston)
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.