Becoming a Firefighter

Throughout your training here at the Canadian Fire Rescue College, you will be supported by experienced professionals who will help guide you into a successful carrer in Emergency Services. Your instructors have intimate knowledge regarding the hiring and recruitment processes of many fire agencies in Canada, and can answer most questions you have about the field.

The firefighting career field is very competitive. You'll be up against thousands of applicants who are all competing for the same job. The list here has been compiled to help you prepare for the beginning your firefighter career journey.

• Proof of age - You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the application
• Can legally work for any employer in Canada
• Firefighter I&II IFSAC and/or Pro Board Certificate (required in many departments)
• Provide a Valid Standard First Aid Certificate, CPR Level C (Must remain valid throughout the recruitment process)
• Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted (A DUI is considered a criminal conviction and may make you ineligible to apply)
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card 
• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent (OSSD in Ontario)
• Valid, Unrestricted Class 5 or G class license (or equivalent for other provinces) * Must have no more than two (2) infractions 
• Valid Physical Fitness Assessment (varies depending on department)
• 20/30 uncorrected or corrected vision (varies depending on department)
• Normal colour vision
• Normal unaided hearing
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Work well under high-pressure situations

NOTE: These requirements are generalized fire department application requirements, and are NOT admission requirements into the Canadian Fire Rescue College. For our student admission requirements, please visit the link here. 

Becoming a firefighter requires passing a Candidate Physical Ability Test. The CPAT events are stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, ceiling breach and pull. Some jurisdictions create their own version of the CPAT that is tailored to their recruitment focus. Research what the testing requirements are in the jurisdictions you are applying in. Many departments in Alberta require a CPAT test from the University of Alberta.

Most fire departments demand that all recruits have a clean criminal background with vulnerable sector screening. Some offences may be less of a deal breaker than others, however many departments have begun taking a zero tolerance approach for applicants with criminal records. And yes, a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge is considered a criminal offense in Canada, and can make you ineligible to apply at many departments. 

Recruitment officers will look you up on social media to see what kind of presence you have. If they see childish, immature, or radical behavior, they will likely drop you from the recruitment process. Firefighters are meant to be "Pillars of Society", so recruitment officers will be looking for any reason as to why you wont be. 

While this is seldom checked by Canadian fire departments, many fire departments in the United States have begun requesting credit checks on applicants. Having a poor credit score, can sometimes lead to you being dropped from the process. Canadian departments will likely follow by the example set by the United States, and begin checking credit as well, so it is a good idea to stay ahead of the curve.

Working in public safety is all about community service. Volunteering your time for a great cause is one way to prove you're ready to serve your community. And it doesn't matter if it's fire-related or non-fire related. There's a lot of great opportunities out there for you to make a difference. Many departments actually prefer to see some sort of volunteerism that is not fire-related on your resume.

Firefighter applicants must undergo a psychological assessment to ensure that they are capable of dealing with the psychological demands of the job. Ensure that you work on improving your mental health just as much as you work on your physical fitness. 

Getting entry-level firefighter certifications, such as Firefighter I and II, is a really good idea. Most departments in Canada require that you have this training before you apply. The Canadian Fire Rescue College provides this educational requirement. Successful students that graduate from our firefighting programs receive IFSAC and Pro Board®  certifications, which are internationally recognized. This means that no matter where you apply, your educational achievements will be accepted.

Each fire department has their own written exam that you must take during the hiring process. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is divided into categories. The categories typically include reading ability, mathematical reasoning, map reading, and writing ability. Applicants typically need to complete mathematical equations such as long division, and multiplication without the use of a calculator. Many successful applicants study religiously for these tests for many months in advance. 

The Fire Chief and a board of representatives from the fire department will be present for this part of the hiring process. You need to be ready to answer hard questions, be sociable, and have good questions of your own to ask them. The interview process has recently become the most difficult part of the hiring process in many Canadian Fire Departments. Applicants should prepare a few "stories" to tell that will showcase problem solving, character, and other admirable qualities that may be questioned during the interview. Like with the written exam, many successful applicants practice and prepare for these inteviews months in advance.