Fire Department · Career
Phoenix Fire Department
Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County
one of the largest fire departments in the U.S.
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Phoenix Fire Department is a large metropolitan agency serving the city of Phoenix, Arizona, and its approximately 1.5 million residents across roughly 520 square miles. It operates around 60 fire stations organized into nine battalions.
The department employs on the order of 1,900 sworn firefighters plus several hundred civilian staff. Its call volume is heavily weighted toward emergency medical response, with the great majority of its annual incidents being EMS-related.
Beyond structural firefighting and advanced life support EMS, Phoenix Fire maintains specialized capabilities including hazardous materials, technical rescue, wildland firefighting, airport crash response, and participation in FEMA Urban Search and Rescue. It coordinates response across the Valley through a regional automatic-aid system spanning many neighboring jurisdictions.
MissionPrevent Harm, Survive, Be Nice!
Phoenix typically opens its Firefighter Recruit application process about once a year, with testing administered through the National Testing Network. Candidates must be at least 18 by the test date (there is no maximum age), and while a high school diploma or GED is preferred, the academy materials are written at roughly a grade-14 reading level.
Firefighter 1 & 2 certification is not required to apply, but candidates must provide proof of a passing Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) completed within the prior six months by their final selection interview, and must pass a medical examination including a cardiovascular fitness standard.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age on or before the test date (no maximum age)
- High school diploma or GED preferred (academy materials at grade-14 reading level)
- Proof of a passing CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) completed within the prior 6 months, required by the final selection interview
- Pass a medical examination, including a cardiovascular fitness component (Tier 2 grading or better)
- Valid photo identification required to sit for the written exam
- Firefighter 1 & 2 certification NOT required to apply
Hiring process
- Submit application when the annual Firefighter Recruit opening is posted (via National Testing Network)
- Take the written examination (photo ID required)
- Complete a CPAT within 6 months prior to the final interview
- Final selection interview
- Medical examination including cardiovascular fitness assessment
- Firefighter Recruit Training Academy
New hires attend the Phoenix Fire Department Recruit Training Academy; Firefighter 1 & 2 certification is not required beforehand.
How old do I have to be to become a Phoenix firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the test. There is no maximum age limit.
Do I need Firefighter 1 & 2 certification to apply?
No. Firefighter 1 & 2 certification is not required to apply. However, you must show proof of a passing CPAT completed within the prior six months by your final selection interview.
What schedule do Phoenix firefighters work?
Firefighters work a 24-hours-on / 48-hours-off schedule, assigned to an A, B, or C shift, reporting at 8:00 am and working until 8:00 am the next morning, then off for 48 hours.
How often can I apply?
The City of Phoenix usually distributes Firefighter Recruit applications about once a year.
Is a high school diploma required?
A GED or high school diploma is preferred. Note that the written exam and academy materials are written at roughly a grade-14 reading level.
What medical standards must I meet?
Candidates must complete and pass a medical examination that includes a cardiovascular fitness component, which must be passed with a Tier 2 grading or better.