City of Tucson

Tucson Fire Department

Welcome  to  the  Tucson   Fire  Department

FIRE FIGHTING

A UNIQUE AND REWARDING CAREER

 

BEGINNING A CAREER WITH TUCSON FIRE

Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter with the Tucson Fire Department  must first go through the Civil Service testing process. To work for TFD in any uniformed position, a candidate must complete the testing process AND complete the department’s training Academy.

TFD does not hire into any uniform position except for Firefighter.        

The following Minimum Requirements must be met in order to apply:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age (at time of application)
  • Must have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license
  • Sound mental and physical health, good character

Currently, it is not necessary to have either an EMT certification or a Firefighter I or II certification in order to apply. Nor is it necessary to live within the Tucson City limits, although this may be a requirement in the future.

TESTING INFORMATION:

Tucson Fire (in conjunction with the City of Tucson Human Resources Department) conducts an annual recruitment process, usually beginning in early January. The process consists of the following events:

  • Application Period
  • Written Exam
  • CPAT
  • Oral Boards

The Application Period usually opens in early January, and is usually open for approximately 2 weeks. During the established time period, candidates must complete an online application.

The Written Exam is a general aptitude test including video-based human relations, animated mechanical aptitude and a reading test. For more detailed information and 30+ practice items with discussion, visit the Fire TEAM website at www.fireteamtest.com.

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is administered after the written test, and only those candidates scoring high enough on the written test will take the CPAT. The CPAT is a pass/fail test, and will have no numberical impact on a candidate's total score.

The Oral Board Interviews are conducted following the CPAT. Only those candidates scoring high enough on the written exam and passing the CPAT, will be invited for an interview. The oral board interviews will account for a portion of a candidate's total score.

Candidates who successfully complete all three portions of the testing process will be placed on an Eligibility List (“eligible-to-hire” list) according to their rank, where rank is based on a candidate’s total combined score. As positions become available, those applicants scoring high enough on this list may be invited for a secondary interview. Hiring decisions will be made based on these interviews. Pending approval to work as a firefighter from the City Physician (after a thorough physical examination), and a successful background check, those accepted are hired as firefighter Recruits. A probationary period of 18 months is served from the date of hire.

Firefighter Recruitment:

Recruitment information and dates

Application Site (Dec 27, 2007 - Jan 10, 2008)

CPAT Preparation Guide and Orientation Guide

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED HERE?
Contact the Recruitment Coordinator, Captain Cody Comer at (520) 791-5211 x1202

 

Applicants should be aware that successful completion of all phases of the testing process does not guarantee employment. The eligibility list will remain in effect for one year.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER