How to become a firefighter, state by state
The path is similar everywhere, but the details are set state by state and department by department. Start with the general sequence, then open your state.
- Meet the basics. Usually 18+, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license and a clean background check.
- Get EMT certified. Most career departments want EMT before or soon after hire. It's often the longest lead-time item, so start early.
- Complete a fire academy for Firefighter I and II, either self-sponsored (you pay) or as a hired recruit (the department pays).
- Pass the physical test the department requires: often the CPAT, sometimes its own.
- Pass the written test and interviews, then background, medical and psych checks.
Choose your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Most certifications are accredited through IFSAC or the Pro Board, which is what makes them portable between many states.