How to Become a Firefighter

You may be familiar with a firefighter’s work from TV dramas — the glory, the intensity — but there’s a lot more to the job beyond what Hollywood shows you.

In addition to putting out fires, firefighters respond to emergencies that put people’s lives and properties at risk. In order to become a firefighter, you must train at a fire academy and pass physical and written exams.

Read on to learn more about how to become a firefighter.

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Firefighters need to be able to communicate well under pressure, have physical stamina and strength, and be able to make important decisions quickly.

They must also complete specialized training through a fire academy. Find out how to become a firefighter following the steps below.

While you don’t need an advanced degree to become a firefighter, you will need to have graduated from high school or received your GED certificate.

Most fire academy training programs require aspirational firefighters to be 18 years old and have their driver’s license. Many more fire departments are hiring people with associate or bachelor’s degrees in fire science.

Firefighter training takes place at a fire academy and usually lasts between three and five months. It involves classroom instruction and live fire training.

At the academy, you’ll learn fire fighting and fire prevention techniques, emergency medical procedures, and local building codes. You will learn how to use tools such as chainsaws, axes, ladders, and fire extinguishers.

You may also want to participate in the federal firefighter training program sponsored by the National Fire Academy, which covers disaster preparedness, public fire safety and education, and hazardous materials control.

If you want to become a wildland firefighter, your training process will take longer.

In order to become a firefighter, you will need to complete written and physical exams. Once you become a firefighter, you may need to take routine physical fitness assessments and drug tests.

Local and state fire fighting departments may have additional training and examinations you will have to complete.

You may be asked, or you may find it beneficial, to gain additional certifications such as going through emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic training.

EMT requirements vary by state. EMTs and paramedics must complete approved training and receive the appropriate licensing.

The path to becoming a firefighter depends on your city and state’s regulations, as well as how long it takes you to advance through the training process. Typically, it takes six months to two years to complete the necessary training and pass the required examinations.

The hours a firefighter can work often vary, but they typically work overtime and long shifts.

While on the job, firefighters may:

When not responding to an emergency, firefighters test and maintain equipment and do public outreach.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), firefighters earned a median annual salary of $57,120 as of May 2023.

Some of the highest-paying states for firefighters include California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, and Illinois.

While it can be a dangerous and physically demanding job, becoming a firefighter can also be rewarding.