The firefighter application and exam period runs from May 29, 2023 to September 29, 2023. Here are some frequently asked questions about the process to become a Philadelphia firefighter.
I want to be a Philadelphia firefighter. What are the requirements?
You must have, or will have, an education equivalent to the completion of high school by December 31, 2023. At the time you are offered employment, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license of Pennsylvania and be physically able to perform the required functions of a firefighter. Additionally, the new residency requirement enacted in 2020 requires you to have established bona fide residency with the City one year prior to designation. Non-residents will not be eligible for employment opportunities and will not be contacted as employment opportunities arise for up to one year from the date they establish residence. For additional information regarding residency, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected].
Which is the first step?
You must apply to take the firefighter exam. the city Office of Human Resources will accept online applications from May 29, 2023 through September 29, 2023. All applications must be submitted by the close of business on September 29, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted. Without exceptions.
After the application period opens, the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) will share the direct link to the application on your website and social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook and instagram.
What happens after applying?
If you indicate that you meet the education requirements outlined above when you submit your online application to the Office of Human Resources, you will immediately receive instructions on how to register and take the exam with the National Testing Network (NTN).
When is the actual test?
There is no specific test date. You must register and schedule to take the exam with NTN by September 29, 2023. You can take the exam virtually using your own computer, or you can schedule to take the exam at an NTN test center. Please note that candidates who apply early will have more time to schedule and prepare for the exam; Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute to complete the test.
What does the test cover and how can I request a study guide?
It is a six-part test that assesses skills in reading, mathematics, decision making, and mechanical reasoning. Applicants must complete all parts, including both public safety self-assessments, but not necessarily in one sitting.
There is no required study guide. However, a practice exam is available once applicants create an account on the NTN website. NTN cannot guarantee that the practice test review will result in a passing score on the written test.
What should I bring to the test?
If you plan to take the exam at a test center, when you make your appointment, you will be given information about anything you need to bring to the test center.
If you plan to take the exam using your own computer, you will need to review the virtual test instructions provided on the NTN website and ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to take the exam. If your computer doesn’t, you can schedule to take the exam at a test center.
How will I receive exam-related notifications?
Applicants who provide an email address in their application account profile will receive all correspondence regarding this exam via email. you should add [email protected] to your address book or trusted contact list to prevent your email provider from marking emails as spam. If you do not provide an email address, all notifications will be sent to the mailing address listed in the contact information in your application account profile. Providing an email address is strongly recommended to ensure timely exam notifications.
You must provide an email address when registering with NTN. Any communication from NTN will be sent to the email address you provided during registration.
DO NOT SEND ANY EMAIL TO [email protected]. Is NO supervised by questions. See below for instructions on how to submit questions.
What if I need a special accommodation for the test for a documented medical reason?
Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service exam by contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Unit of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations at 215-683-5085.
When will I be notified of the results?
It is anticipated that you will receive your exam results, including score and rank, during the week of November 6, 2023. Please note that this date is projected and may change without notice due to a number of factors. We appreciate your patience and understanding if notification of results is unexpectedly delayed.
What happens after the results come out?
Everyone who passes the exam will be ranked according to their score on a recruitment list. Some candidates are eligible for additional points by submitting additional documentation as described in the “Notes to Applicants” and “Other Requirements” sections of the application. Once the PFD decides to begin hiring for the next class of cadets, candidates will be contacted in ranked order to begin the next steps in the hiring process.
If I get a good score, when will I actually get hired?
Once the hiring list is established, likely during the week of November 6, 2023, the list will remain active for two years. The PFD hopes to hire off the list during that time, but cannot give firm estimates on when the new cadet classes will be formed.
What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Candidates will be invited to the next recruitment phase based on the order in which they are ranked. The next phase includes an orientation, PFD interviews, criminal and debt history checks, and a medical exam. Candidates who meet those requirements will be invited to join a class of cadets for an academic, practical, and physical training program where they will learn basic firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) skills at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. Training lasts about nine months.
Fire cadets are paid according to the first rung of the salary scale ($59,795 annually, effective July 1, 2022). Medical benefits are administered through IAFF Local 22 and are effective the first day a cadet begins at the Fire Academy.
What if I already filled out a job interest form with the PFD Recruitment Unit?
Our job interest form is NOT an application. You must apply for the position through the Human Resources Office.
Do I have a better chance of joining the PFD if I apply early?
No. It doesn’t matter if you apply on May 29, 2023 or September 29, 2023, or any day in between. Everyone who applies during the application period and meets the requirements will be invited to take the exam. However, candidates who apply early will have more time to schedule and prepare for the exam.
When was the last time the city accepted applications for the firefighter exam?
The last application period was from June 28, 2021 to October 1, 2021.
What if I took the firefighter exam in 2021 and haven’t been hired yet?
The PFD is currently hiring from a list that expires December 14, 2023. Anyone still on that list when it expires will not be called to interview for future cadet classes. You must apply to retest during this application period (May 29, 2023 to September 29, 2023).
What if I want to join the PFD as a paramedic, EMT, or dispatcher?
This exam is for firefighters only. If you would like to join the PFD in another capacity, please see our FAQ for paramedic, EMT either dispatcher.
What if my question is not answered here?
If you have problems with the online testing process, please contact NTN through their website or support number: 206-428-3265.
For questions about points of preference and/or additional documentation, please send an email [email protected].
If you have questions about the firefighter position, please contact the PFD Recruiting Unit at [email protected] or 215-685-3748.
For all other questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or 215-686-0880.
