How to Become a Firefighter -- Applying For Your Dream Job

First, to start the application process, you will need toannouncement. After you file, you will most likely be
obtain an application. You can usually get informationnotified by mail as to where and when you should
about the exam and application process from yourappear for the actual examination. Some cities give
city's department of personnel or from your local fire"walk-in exams" which do not require that you file an
department. You might also be able obtain anapplication in advance. The important thing is to know
application from your school guidance office or youris if there is a filing date cut- off. If so, make sure
local library.that you file before that date.
You begin the application process by locating thePreparing for the examination
appropriate agencies in your phone book. When youThe best way to prepare for the firefighter exam is
call the agency, be sure to have a pencil and paperto first study the sample questions you will find on
ready to write down any instructions or directionsour web site (see information, below). This will give
you are given. You can explain that you need:you an idea of what to expect. Next, you should get
1. Information about the examinationone of the following books:
2. The application itself-Barron's Firefighter Exams by James J. Murtagh
3. The correct procedure for filling out the application-Firefighter Written Tests - Physical Exams by Robert
If your city will be holding an examination in the nearAndriuolo
future, the agency (usually the municipalitie's human-Master the Firefighter Exam by Fred M. Rafilson
resources or personnel department) should be able toYou may be able to find one or more of these
give you all the necessary information. If there is nobooks at your local library. If not, try contacting your
examination scheduled in the near future, you'll neednearest community college to see if it offers any
to ask how the examination notice will be madefirefighting or related classes. If so, it may sell one of
public, when it will be available, and where it will bethese books in its bookstore. Or the store might be
published.able to order it for you.
Make sure you submit our application on timeHowever, the best bet is We found that you can
Most cities will require that you file for thefind all three of these books on this site and buy
examination by submitting your application by aused copies at very reasonable costs. Just remember
certain date. If you are going to mail in thethat it will take at least three to five days for the
application, be sure it is postmarked before midnightbook to arrive after you order it.
on the closing date indicated on the job