FAQs Regarding FDNY

Are you one of those brave people who are willing to dedicate their careers to saving lives by being a part of the Fire Department New York (FDNY)? If yes, then here’s everything you need to know about it. In this blog post, we’ll explain how you can be a part of FDNY and answer some of the frequently asked questions that you may also have in mind.

How to Apply to FDNY?

To be able to apply for FDNY, there are certain criteria that you must meet. You can only appear for the FDNY exam once your application has been approved. Usually, FDNY exams are offered once in four years, and people wait for too long to avail this opportunity. Anyone who has reached 17 ½ years of age is eligible to apply. However, an applicant should not reach their 29^th birthday at the time of application. Those part of the special military list can apply before they turn 36. Similarly, those who’ve served in the military are allowed to subtract up to six years of the amount of time they spent on duty from their actual age.

What are the Eligibility Criteria Besides Age?

All those applicants who fulfill the above-mentioned age conditions are required to pass both the computer-based exam and physical ability test. Although young people can apply, they should be at least 21 years old at the time of their appointment.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens and have the ability to prove their identity and the right to be employed in U.S. immigrants are also required to abide by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

What Are the Assessments for the Test?

Besides computer-based assessments and physical ability tests, candidates are also required to appear forsome medication as well as psychological assessments. Moreover, there’s a drug screening test as well to ensure that the applicant isn’t addicted to any band substances.

Other than passing all the official assessments, all applicants must also pass a background investigation and produce a certificate of having good character and conduct. Since jobs at FDNY also involve driving, applicants are also required to hold a valid vehicle driver’s license.

Can Any U.S. Citizen Apply?

To be a part of FDNY, it’s also important to be a resident of one of the five areas administrative divisions of New York City. Those who are residents of Orange, Nassau, Putnam, Suffolk, Westchester County, and Rockland.

Are There Any Educational and Work Requirements?

There are some educational and experience requirements as well for the FDNY applicants. For instance, all applicants must have completed their four-year high school diploma or any other educational equivalent before their appointment. The candidates are also required to show proof of having at least 15 college semester credits that they earned at any university or accredited college or university. For those with a military service background, showing proof of having full-time military service with an honorable discharge may suffice. People with any six months of full-time, satisfactory, paid work experience may also be preferred.

Are There Any Other Requirements That Must Be Fulfilled?

Once you’ve been hired for FDNY, you’ll need to become a Certified First Responder with Defibrillation Certificate (CFR-D) before your probationary period ends. All candidates are provided with a CFR-D training program during their probation. Once the training phase is over, those who successfully complete their training will obtain their certificate. Keep in mind that there will be a deduction of $30 per pay period upon your confirmation to cover the cost of your training. Any candidate who fails to pass the certification will be terminated.

What Are the Major Steps to Get into FDNY?

Once your application has been approved, you are required to take a written exam that will assess your basic reading, problem-solving, listening and other important skills. The candidates who pass the test will then appear for the physical examination test called Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which focuses on testing agility and strength. Even if you’re not too physically active, FDNY also offers work-out sessions to help the candidates prepare for their CPAT.

The next step after CPAT is passing some more medical, psychological, and background checks. After passing through all these steps, you’ll be enrolled in Fire academy and required to successfully complete an 18-week classroom and physical fitness. This program focuses on fire service training and many other aspects of your career at FDNY.

 

What are the Salary and Other Benefits?

FDNY Firefighters are highly paid employees and enjoy many other benefits. For instance, all employees are liable to receive lifelong medical coverage for themselves as well as for their families. They can also benefit from paid vacation for four weeks every year. Upon retirement, all FDNY workers receive a reasonable salary and other retirement benefits. Besides the basic salary, FDNY workers are also paid additional compensation.

Do You Need Any Knowledge of Firefighting Prior to the Test?

Many people think that they are required to have some existing knowledge of firefighting to appear for the exam. However, this isn’t the case, and the exam only includes simple multiple-choice questions. The purpose of the exam is to test your primary skills, not scrutinize whether you’re experienced in firefighting or not.

How Long Does it Take to Get Hired for FDNY?

There’s no defined time limit, and all successful candidates are considered for employment. Your name might be called on the basis of your list number and the need of the department. Sometimes, it can take years before FDNY reaches out to a candidate to offer them the job. Those who are part of the Promotion to Firefighter Exam list are more likely to be called earlier than those on the Open Competitive Exam list.

At Civil Service Success, we can prepare you for your FDNY assessments and other civil service exams relevant to your interests. We can ensure that all our courses and preparation strategies are designed to provide the candidates with all the essential knowledge and everything else they need for their application. You may get in touch with us to find out more.