Fire Department · Career
Columbus Division Of Fire
Columbus, OH · Franklin County
“"Make a difference, serve your community."”
one of the nation's busiest fire divisions
The Columbus Division of Fire protects Ohio's capital and largest city, delivering fire suppression, emergency medical services, and community risk-reduction work. It is described as one of the busiest fire divisions in the country, answering more than 150,000 runs annually.
The Division operates under the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety, alongside the Police Division and the Emergency Communication Center. Firefighters here are cross-trained for both fire and EMS, and the Division emphasizes ongoing professional development for its members.
Recruitment is coordinated through the city's Public Safety hiring process, which draws candidates into a structured civil-service testing pipeline and a full training academy before certification.
Mission"Serve our community by preventing emergencies through education and inspection. Minimizing injury, death, and property destruction due to fire, natural disaster and other emergencies while providing timely and effective emergency medical services."
Columbus hires firefighters through the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety civil-service process. Applicants must meet minimum requirements and pass a multi-phase examination: a pass/fail multiple-choice exam, the Fire Oral Assessment Mechanism (FOAM) exam that determines ranking, and a pass/fail Firefighter Mile physical exam. Candidates who pass all phases are placed on a fixed-band eligible list from which appointments are made.
New hires attend the Columbus Division of Fire Training Academy and must obtain and maintain Ohio Firefighter II, EMT-Basic, and Fire Safety Inspector certifications; the Division may later require paramedic certification. For questions about the application or testing process, contact the Public Safety testing office.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED at time of appointment
- At least 17.5 years old at application; 18 at appointment
- Valid driver's license (Ohio driver's license required at hire)
- U.S. citizenship
- Must obtain and maintain Ohio Firefighter II, EMT-Basic, and Fire Safety Inspector certifications
- May be required to obtain paramedic certification after becoming a journeyman
Hiring process
- Submit application through the City of Columbus Public Safety process
- Multiple-Choice exam (scored pass/fail)
- Fire Oral Assessment Mechanism (FOAM) exam (ranking/weighted phase)
- Firefighter Mile physical exam (scored pass/fail)
- Placement on a fixed-band eligible list
- Appointment and completion of the Columbus Division of Fire Training Academy
Benefits
Firefighters receive city civil-service employment with ongoing professional development. Total pay can reach approximately $106,823 per year with longevity and additional certifications.
New hires must complete the Columbus Division of Fire Training Academy before certification.
What are the basic requirements to become a Columbus firefighter?
You must be at least 17.5 years old at application (18 at appointment), be a U.S. citizen, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver's license (Ohio license required at hire).
What certifications do I need?
Firefighters must obtain and maintain Ohio Firefighter II, EMT-Basic, and Fire Safety Inspector certifications. The Division may also require paramedic certification after you become a journeyman.
What is the hiring exam process?
Testing has three phases: a pass/fail multiple-choice exam, the Fire Oral Assessment Mechanism (FOAM) exam that determines your ranking, and a pass/fail Firefighter Mile physical exam. Passing candidates are placed on a fixed-band eligible list.
How much do Columbus firefighters earn?
The base salary is roughly $59,051 to $94,640 per year, and the Division states firefighters can earn up to about $106,823 annually with additional pay.
Is there a training academy?
Yes. New hires must complete the Columbus Division of Fire Training Academy before certification, with ongoing professional development after.
Who do I contact about applying?
Contact the Public Safety testing office at (614) 645-0879 or policefiretesting@columbus.gov, or the recruitment office at FireRecruitment@Columbus.gov.