How To Become A Firefighter

Are you interested in how to become a firefighter? Unfortunately, the process isn't as easy as many would like to believe, but it's not impossible either. Here are a few things to consider when trying to become a firefighter.

In the beginning, applying for a firefighting position isn't unlike any other job. It pays to dress professionally and to bring a cover letter and polished resume. In most cases, you'll approach the station officer at the department itself. As the requirements for each firefighting position vary according to the department, it also pays to research what your local department needs in a firefighter. The age requirements, health requirements, and so on are all different.

In most cases, when it comes to learning how to become a firefighter, the minimum requirements are that you must be at least eighteen, a high school graduate, and physically and mentally sound. However, these requirements don't guarantee that you'll be hired. When it comes to impressing your department, it's a good idea to stay in school and veer toward courses that will pad your resume. For example, if you plan on being a wildland firefighter, taking some forestry courses beforehand can't hurt. The more you know about how fires affect the environment beforehand, the more likely you'll be seen as an asset to their company.

The next step in how to become a firefighter consists of the civil service test. This test explores your ability to judge distances, mechanical ability, whether you're good at thinking on your feet, fire prevention, mathematics, communication, and other skills. It is notoriously difficult, and your situation doesn't get any easier once you pass, as you must then undergo a minimum of 110 hours of training afterward.

Once this process is over, you'll likely be considered as a volunteer firefighter. This is a step that many processional firefighters take when learning how to become a firefighter. Volunteers are required to put in a fixed amount of hours each month, though the exact amount varies according to the department. They receive a small stipend in exchange for their services. Over time, as they learn more about how to become a firefighter, many are picked to serve professionally.

For many, the process of becoming a firefighter is too much for them to take. Either the physical or mental strain is too much or the constant risk of injury or death is simply too much. However, if you can endure the dangerous aspects of it, it can be an intensely rewarding career. Learn more today about how to become a firefighter!