Firefighters fight fires and are first responders to accident scenes and other emergencies. To fulfill their roles, firefighters must be physically fit and have excellent strength and stamina.
Getting into the profession requires meeting certain basic requirements like corrected 20/20 eyesight and a high school diploma. Most departments also require applicants to pass a strenuous physical exam called the CPAT.
Find a Fire Department
A firefighter is a skilled emergency response professional who extinguishes fires and assists people caught in them. It is not an easy profession, and several steps must be taken before becoming a firefighter.
The first step in becoming a firefighter is finding a department to apply to. The process can vary depending on the fire department and involve multiple interviews with a panel, fire chief, or another high-ranking professional. Some fire departments also require candidates to be certified as emergency medical technicians, so pursuing firefighter certification Texas is an important part of the application process.
Participating in a volunteer or reserve program is also a good idea as this will give you hands-on experience with the job. This is a great way to determine whether you want to become a firefighter.
Become a Volunteer
Many local fire departments offer cadet, volunteer, or paid-on-call positions to help you get hands-on experience and prepare for the application process. These programs typically last from a few weeks to a year.
You should also get Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification since firefighting isn’t just about fighting fires—it involves saving lives in various emergencies as well. Many fire departments don’t even consider applicants without EMT training.
You’ll need to pass a series of additional evaluations to become a firefighter, including background checks, physical exams, and drug tests. Some may require you to take a psychological assessment. If you want to advance in your career, completing an associate degree in fire science can help. This can boost your rank and lead to higher salaries and more responsibility, like lieutenant, engineer, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, and fire chief.
Take a Firefighting Course
Firefighters are first responders that extinguish fires and rescue people trapped in them. They are also trained to provide medical care in emergencies. As a result, they have special qualifications and must meet certain requirements before beginning their careers.
This is the process of becoming a firefighter, varying from department to department. However, most require at least a high school diploma or equivalent and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
Once you’ve met these requirements, you must be on top of when departments are hiring and apply early. It’s not uncommon for thousands of candidates to compete for the same position, so ensuring you are among the first to apply is essential. It is also a good idea to take focused courses/classes related to the fire service, like Hazmat training and EMT certification.
Pass the CPAT
The CPAT is an extremely difficult exam. It is designed to simulate tasks firefighters may be asked to do on the job and comprises eight events.
For example, firefighters sometimes need to force entry into a building through a locked or damaged door during a call. The third event of the CPAT tests candidates’ ability to use tools like saws while also moving around a set course that includes walking 75ft to a drum.
Aspiring firefighters must pass the CPAT to be considered for employment, and many who fail the test give up on their dream entirely. If you are serious about becoming a firefighter, take steps to be ready to pass the test by working out regularly and researching all of the requirements for your municipality.
Complete Training at a Fire Academy
Firefighters are skilled emergency response professionals who extinguish fires and help people out of harm’s way. They also have medical qualifications to treat injured people in emergencies.
To become a firefighter, you must meet the basic requirements that vary by department and state. This includes passing a background check, medical exam, drug test, and psychological assessment. Getting in great physical shape for this career is also a good idea, especially by taking strength training classes and working out at your local gym or other facility.
The next step is to pass the CPAT, which will assess your ability to perform the physical tasks required of being a firefighter. Some departments may require that you pass the CPAT before admitting you into candidacy, while others will wait until the end of the fire academy program to test you.
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