become a firefighter?

Question

what classes do i have to take to become a firefighter? is it just a test? or do i have to go to school? whats the procedure?

Answer 1

Not sure where you live, but here in FL you must attend a fire academy prior to hiring on with a FD. You also will probably need to be an EMT prior to hiring on. Most FDs are ALS and want you to be and EMT at a minimum. The academy is 4-6 months long depending on whether you take a night class or day class. It consists of nearly 400 hours of classroom and drill hours. FL has the highest standards for training and is accepted by the PRO BOARD which is a national certification and accepted in 43 other states.

Outside of FL, other FDs will hire you on as a probie firefighter and put you through their academy, but usually there is a waiting list, especially in the bigger cities NY, Chicago, Phoenix, Cincinnati, LA, etc.

The others are right, it is very physically demanding, but it's also very mentally demanding. The Essentials of Firefighting IV is the book most academies use as the main instruction manual for the basics of firefighting.

Good luck in your endeavors! And remember our motto "Everyone goes home!"

Answer 2

Depends on your specific city, their municipal website should tell you. Smaller towns sometimes want you to already have done the classes etc. which are usually offered only in bigger towns. The bigger towns have a test every so often. Here in Chicago I took a written test last summer with over 15,000 other people, passed and was assigned a random number, haven't heard a thing yet and probably never will. But that's all I can do.

Answer 3

My friend is working as a volunteer firefighter, and loves it. But for you, to become a paid firefighter, go to a local station and ask for the head honcho. Tell him what your thinking of, and how to accomplish it, and I bet he will help you out. I have found firefighters to be the nicest people on the planet, so I doubt they'll send you away.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Most agencies require you to take CPR and firefighter one at least. Some are even going so far as to require you to become an EMT.

Answer 5

It depends. If you're going career, they'll put you through their academy. If you're volunteering, you'll take whatever classes are required and follow whatever procedure that state or county has in place. If you're going career, having experience as a volunteer can be a help, as can a degree in fire sciences.

Answer 6

Here in Australia you have to undergo a very strict test which includes
1) Physical Test
2)Psych test
3) Then train for many weeks before being able to attend a fire

Answer 7

You have to pass a written test then a physical test. Check with your local fire department to see when the next tests will be available.

Also, you have to be under 30 years old.

Answer 8

You have to take multiple tests and if you qualify, then they send you to school.

Answer 9

some fire dept. you just got to have level 1 and your cpr cards
and they will help you get your level 1

Answer 10

Speak with your local fire department and they should be able to tell you all about it.