Is It Difficult to Become A Firefighter in NYC? A Complete Guide

Think about throwing yourself in a pool of fire to save another person. Sounds difficult, right? Becoming a firefighter is not for everyone. You not only need to clear the exam and get the training, but you should also be willing to sacrifice your life for others. Selflessness and passion are two things that motivate a firefighter to wake up and go for the job every day.

If you decide to become a firefighter, it’s probably time to start working on your profile. It’s a civil job; therefore, the person must first clear the civil service exams. The FDNY exam consists of different sections to test the skills and abilities of the candidate. Moreover, the job includes heavy physical labor and physical training and exam to test the candidate’s strength and stamina for the job.

Many people have the misconception that becoming a firefighter is almost impossible. Let’s be clear – if you’re focused on it, you can definitely gain this title. If it’s your first time applying for the exam, then Civil Service Success can help you in preparing for the NYC firefighter exam. We have prepared hundreds of students for these exams, and almost all have aced the test. You can register for preparation classes on our website.

In this post, you will learn all about applying for the firefighter exam to get the training. Read more to get all details.

Fill Out the Application Form

When it comes to filling out the application form, you first need to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Becoming a firefighter is not as easy as applying for the job and getting hired. You have to be at least 21 years of age to be appointed to the job. People between the ages of 17 ½ and 21 are easily eligible to become a firefighter.

Apart from it, people who have worked for the US military can apply for the job before 36 years of age. They usually get the benefit; however, they also have to meet the eligibility criteria for the job. Apart from this, the firefighter job is not open to all people. Only people from Putnam, Westchester County, Orange, Nassau, Suffolk, and Rockland are considered for them. In addition, the job is only for US citizens.

If you first meet the eligibility criteria, then you can appear in the written and physical test for the job.

Be Active and Physically Fit for the Job

You must have seen the firefighters running up the ladder and working tirelessly on the job site. To give their 100% at the job, the firefighter needs to be physically fit and active. Just as you have to clear the test, you must also prove your physical fitness to win the job.

Dealing with real-life situations requires firefighters to crawl, lift heavy equipment, climb, and more. The candidate must prepare for the physical exam as they prepare for the written exam. Make sure you start your training before filling out the application form to meet the criteria.

Education and Work Requirements for the Job

There are certain education and work requirements for the NYC firefighter exam. Applicants need to show a completed 4-year high-school diploma to be eligible for the job. Candidates must also attend at least 15 college semester credits from an accredited university or college before applying for the job.

Background Check is a Must

Firefighting is a noble profession, so the department conducts a lot of scrutiny into the person they are hiring for the job. The department checks your criminal history, blood/drug test, etc., to ensure you’re eligible for the job. It’s a team job, so the person is evaluated on all levels to see if he/she is the right fit for the job.

The department can reject the application if the person has committed serious offenses, including theft, violent crimes, sale of narcotics, and so on. The best tip is to not lie and be clear about everything. If the department finds something serious on its own, your application will get rejected.

Gain Knowledge to Increase Selection Weightage

Physical fitness is not the only thing checked in a firefighter. You must hold extensive field knowledge to be eligible to work as a firefighter. Apart from physical fitness, your mental fitness also plays a huge role in deciding if you’re a good fit for the job. As a firefighter, you may come across several difficult scenarios that can make your mind crumble; hence, it’s important to train your mind for the job as well.

Moreover, you should also equip yourself with the latest knowledge of the field or get additional training as an emergency medical technician (EMT) as well. Extra certifications will increase the weight of your application.

Preparing for NYC Firefighter Exam? Register Now at Civil Service Success

Civil Service Success is one of the leading institutions providing top-notch NYC firefighter exam prep classes to assist students in clearing the test. We have helped hundreds of students with FDNY exams to clear the exam and get hired for the job immediately. We also help students with preparing for the Suffolk police exam, NYC sanitation exam, and more.

Currently, our registration for the sanitation exam 2060 DCAS is open for students. If you’re planning to apply for a civil job, it’s the best time to invest in your career. Take up the opportunity and secure a job in the civil department with some exceptional benefits.

Civil Service Success has years of experience in the field and can help you secure good scores in the exam. All instructors are retired civil officers experienced in training you. Visit the website and register for classes right away. You can also get in touch with us if you have any more queries.