Fire Department · Career
Reno Fire Department
Reno, NV · Washoe County
Internal promotional opportunity for current Reno Fire Department firefighters requiring seven years of experience, a Class B driver's license, and an EMT certification. Applications close September 16, 2026.
Apply continuously for entry-level firefighter positions with no fixed deadline; requires EMT certification, CPAT, NTN exam, and a valid driver’s license.
Join the City of Reno Fire Department as a lateral firefighter with an open competitive opportunity, requiring 2 years of full-time experience and various certifications.
The Reno Fire Department (RFD) serves the City of Reno, Nevada, providing all-risk emergency response including fire suppression, emergency medical services, and hazard mitigation for lives and property across the city.
Reno sits in the high desert of northern Nevada at the edge of the Sierra Nevada, which shapes the department's work: crews respond to structure and urban fires while also confronting a significant wildland-urban interface, and the city participates in an ongoing Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
The department emphasizes dedication and pride in outstanding customer service, public health, safety, prevention, and education. Fire administration is headquartered downtown at 1 E. First Street.
MissionThe Reno Fire Department will provide the City of Reno with the best possible all risk emergency service in the protection of lives and property.
Reno Fire hires entry-level firefighters through a two-test screening: candidates must complete the National Testing Network (NTN) Fire written exam and pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). The department accepts NTN scores only, and both the NTN exam and CPAT must have been taken within 12 months of the application date.
After completing both tests, applicants submit a Firefighter application through the City of Reno's careers site (Reno.gov/jobs) to be placed on the eligible list. CPAT testing can be arranged through any acceptable vendor; the nearest listed location for many candidates is Sacramento.
Requirements
- Pass the National Testing Network (NTN) Fire written examination (department accepts NTN scores only)
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an eight-event physical abilities test
- Both the NTN exam and CPAT must be completed within 12 months of the application date
- Submit a Firefighter application through Reno.gov/jobs to be placed on the eligible list
Hiring process
- Complete the National Testing Network (NTN) Fire written exam
- Complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Submit a Firefighter application at Reno.gov/jobs to be placed on the eligible list
What tests do I need to apply to be a Reno firefighter?
You must complete the National Testing Network (NTN) Fire written exam and pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Reno Fire accepts NTN scores only for the written test.
How recent do my NTN and CPAT results need to be?
Both the NTN Fire exam and the CPAT must have been taken within 12 months of your application date.
How do I get on the firefighter eligible list?
After completing the NTN exam and CPAT, submit a Firefighter application through the City of Reno's careers site at Reno.gov/jobs to be placed on the eligible list.
Where can I take the CPAT?
Any testing vendor or facility that administers the CPAT is acceptable. The CPAT is a sequence of eight separate physical events, and the standards are the same for all candidates. For many candidates the nearest testing location is Sacramento.
Is Reno Fire currently hiring firefighters?
Yes. The department accepts firefighter applications through Reno.gov/jobs; check that site for the current open posting and deadlines.