Becoming a Firefighter / EMT

Your Firefighting Career Starts Here

The VRFA partners with WA Fire Careers and accepts written test scores from National Testing Network (NTN) for our upcoming firefighter/EMT recruitment process.

The recruitment will remain open and WA Fire Careers will be pulling scores on March 20, 2026 in anticipation of the August 2026 academy.

Candidates are required to complete the following to be considered:

• NTN FireTeam written exam

• • Candidates must have a valid written test on the date scores are pulled on March 20, 2026.

• CPAT Physical Exam from an accredited agency.

• • Candidates must have a valid CPAT test on the date scores are pulled on March 20, 2026.

• Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA accessed through candidate account)

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ accessed through candidate account)

Apply on National Testing NetworkVISIT WAFIRECAREERS.ORG

VRFA Testing Components

Once you have completed the NTN written test component of the application process, your written score is sent to the VRFA Test Administrator to be evaluated. The VRFA will invite the top group of candidates to move forward to the interview process.

• NTN Testing Information

  • Basic Requirements 

  • Firefighter/EMT Job Description

  • Veteran's Status Declaration Form

View Current Eligibility List

Oral Board Interview Panel

Candidates must pass the CPAT prior to the date scores are pulled. There will be a minimum passing score of 70% on the written exam to be considered for the oral board panel interview.

If you are claiming veterans’ preference in accordance with RCW 41.04.010, you must include the following Veteran’s Declaration form and a copy of your discharge document (DD214) at the time of your oral board panel interview.

Candidates who are late to the oral board process will be withdrawn from further consideration in the entry level process.

Eligibility List Established

Final examination scores are comprised of the results of the applicants written exam (weighted 30%), the oral board panel interview (weighted 70%), and applicable veterans’ preference status.

Candidates will have their names placed on an eligibility list in rank order of final examination scores. The eligibility list will remain in effect for six (6) months and may be extended by the Civil Service Commission in six (6) month increments up to two (2) years in total duration.

If an eligibility list is exhausted or not extended by the Commission, the Chief Examiner may identify a group of candidates who have the next highest written examination scores. A new eligibility list would be established.

Chiefs Interview

When a vacancy occurs, the Civil Service Chief Examiner certifies to the VRFA Fire Chief the appropriate number of names from the eligibility list for consideration.  The Fire Chief may then consider the eligible candidates and has the discretion to hire any of the individuals certified in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

Pre-Employment Background Process

In anticipation of vacancies, please complete the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) with National Testing Network (NTN). The VRFA makes all hiring decisions after a pre-employment selection process which includes a background investigation, physical ability test, drug test, psychological and medical examination.

Offers of employment will be conditional upon successfully completing the pre-employment process. If the pre-employment background process is satisfactory, the candidate remains on the eligibility list; if not, the conditional offer may be withdrawn and the candidate is removed from the eligibility list.

Recruit Fire Academy

Located at the South King County Fire Training Consortium (SKCFTC) in Kent, WA.

Please be aware that the consortium does not provide on-site dorm/housing.

What will YOUR VRFA Story be?

When you join the VRFA, your opportunities will continue to grow. Discover how you can strengthen your unique abilities and serve the community through our specialty programs:

• Technical Rescue

• Hazardous Materials

• Respiratory Protection

• Medical Programs

• Public Information

• Fire Marshal’s Office

Why wait to start your journey? See how you could be making a difference when you choose to serve at the VRFA:

• Explore VRFA Stories

  • Schedule a Ride-Along