Becoming a Firefighter: A Complete Guide

NYC Fire Code regulates and upholds the law about all fires, safety requirements, and the relevant code of conduct if a fire breaks out.

The year 2018 saw around 2.5 casualties and 9.8 injuries for every 1,000 fires. Fires are unforeseen and can wreak havoc, injuring and killing many. However, firefighters are trained professionals who are skilled and equipped in preventing such catastrophes. Indeed, they are the real superheroes without capes. It’s not easy getting there, but the rewarding feeling of having accomplished so much is worth it. Here are some steps you need to follow to become a firefighter:

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The first step to becoming a firefighter is to meet the eligibility requirements, which vary as per the state’s laws and what their department specifies. There are different requirements if you wish to make a career out of it and if you wish to do some volunteer work.

In New York, you must meet residency requirements and pass civil service tests, physical tests, and much more. You can start applying for the position once you’re a half year to seventeen.

Be Physically Fit and Active

Physical fitness and strength are the top requirements to become a firefighter. You need to be able to perform even better in real-life situations. From extinguishing fires to rescuing people, a firefighter’s job is highly demanding. At the same time, firefighter tests require you to pass several trials such as crawling to avoid the fire, carrying a load of equipment, climbing the stairs in a billow of smoke, and many more strenuous examinations.

The stamina and energy level require extensive training, so it is recommended to begin your workouts and strength training early on.

Take Up Volunteer Work

Not a requirement but a stellar point on every resume; volunteer work always pays off as an admirable skill. Not only does it allow you to get excellent recommendations and references for your future career, but it is a humble experience and a skill of much value.

We’re not only talking about community service here, but even firefighter volunteer experience makes your application stand out. You can even network and add valuable contacts you’ve established during such volunteer work. An admirable skill, volunteer work highlights your dedication and commitment to whoever’s hiring or shortlisting you.

Actively Expand Your Reach

It is a common misconception that firefighters only require physical fitness and strength to pass the tests. Much more extensive knowledge base needs to be acquired before one can be deemed fit to become a firefighter. Besides physical fitness, mental toughness is also necessary to withstand the challenging hurdles when faced with real-life situations.

It is also recommended to gain some knowledge associated with fire technology, such as understanding the properties of fire and what factors can exacerbate or diffuse it.

Additionally, training to become an emergency medicinal technician (EMT) also works to your benefit by giving you the hands-on experience and skills to respond to emergency medical situations.

Get Some Experience

While researching and preparing yourself for the process of becoming a firefighter is an excellent way to start, it doesn’t end there. Books will only get you so far, and life experience will do the rest.

Visit fire stations and talk to firefighters working there to get a visual of a day in the life of a firefighter. Interacting with experienced professionals will prepare you in most aspects before they catch you off guard.

Firefighter certifications involve interview processes whereby you’re asked about your motivation and purpose behind becoming a firefighter. A real-life experience helps give you ace these questions.

Prepare For the Test

The firefighting profession is one of immense growth and value. Therefore, the test isn’t an easy feat. The test involves, of course, physical fitness examinations whereby your strength and stamina are assessed. Next is a written exam that tests your basic comprehension, understanding, English, and mathematical skills. Following these tests is an investigation regarding your history and the last stage to enrolment in a fire academy, the final interview process.

Be Prepared For a Background Check

Since the profession is a noble one and requires honest and responsible people, a background check is included. The background check usually consists of a criminal history search request, a blood/drug test, and confirmation from previous employers.

Each firefighter depends on the other, so establishing trust is a prerequisite for being part of the firefighting team. Offenses such as the consumption or sale of narcotics, stealing, violent crimes, and even driving under the influence (DUI’s) are a big red flag and may stop your application from being cleared to the next stage.

No matter what your previous history and past records contain, never lie about yourself, as when the truth comes out, it may not allow you to make amends.

Apply to the Fire Academy in New York

Now that you have prepared for all the stages, the last step is to apply to a fire academy. The FDNY (Fire Department of New York) is one of the United States’ largest departments. Their eighteen-week training program is designed to educate you about the mental preparedness and physical aspects of becoming a firefighter.

This training is essential to become a certified firefighter and garner the relevant real-like experience of working in teams and getting exposed to situations like never before. Once you have passed the training and completed the probationary period, you can start your journey on the road toward becoming a firefighter.

At Civil Service Success, we offer NYC firefighter preparation classes to help you in preparing for NYC firefighter exams. Our range of services is specially designed to ensure that students score top marks in their exams and pass with flying numbers. We don’t restrict ourselves to providing preparation for the NYC court officer trainee exam, Suffolk police tests, a plethora of civil service jobs, and much more and train individuals for background checks and interview processes.

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