How to become a firefighter

You don’t need any particular qualifications to become a firefighter. But you will be expected to sit tests at a similar level to English and maths GCSEs, along with a test to assess your mechanical reasoning.

Mechanical reasoning tests are used during the recruitment process for jobs related to engineering, the emergency services, and the army. They are used to check how well you can solve problems.

You will also need to possess some personal attributes such as:

• High level of fitness
• A reassuring and composed approach
• Honesty and integrity 
• Assertiveness, resilience and confidence
• Excellent communication skills
• Being thorough, accurate and having attention to detail
• The ability to remain calm in challenging, high-pressured and stressful situations
• The ability to make decisions, sometimes quickly, even in difficult situations
• The ability to work well under pressure
• The ability to work well in a team and sometimes alone using own initiative
• The ability to maintain, inspect and use a range of equipment

You can take a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Public Service before applying for a firefighter role – there is no requirement but it may make you stand out over other candidates.

A Level 3 apprenticeship, for example Operational firefighter (level 3), will allow you to work in a related job whilst studying. A Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to an A-Level. You will earn while you learn:

• For a fire related apprenticeship you must be at least 18 years old.
• Typical apprenticeship duration is 24 months.
• Skills learned include safe working practices, operating within command systems, using breathing apparatus, handling hazardous materials, and more.

A degree apprenticeship, for example fire safety engineering degree apprenticeship, will allow you to work in a related job whilst studying a formal degree. You will earn while you learn, with no course fees to pay. You will need to secure a relevant job first. This could be the current role that you're in or you may find vacancies advertised on a university website. The role must be relevant to the apprenticeship. A typical degree apprenticeship is 4 years. 

The skills you can learn may include:

• Fire prevention
• Development and containment
• The dynamics of fire
• How to design suppression systems that minimise human; environmental and financial impact of fire
• Specific fire safety knowledge
• Important analytical and critical skills 

Entry requirements:

An example of entry requirements that maybe required for a typical Level 6 apprenticeship are:

• UCAS: 64 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MPP
• BTEC Diploma: MM
• GCSEs: 5 at Grade C /4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Find out more about degree apprenticeships and our Fire Safety Engineer degree apprenticeship

More and more people applying for the role of firefighter or related roles have an associated degree. Gaining a degree gives you an advantage during the competitive selection process. Firefighters benefit from degrees in fire sciences and other related areas, such as engineering. 

The benefits of a degree:

• You may have the opportunity to experience hands-on fire-fighting.
• You may be able to undertake work placements.
• You will have access to high quality specialist equipment and facilities.
• You will learn new skills and techniques that can be used in your job.
• You may find it easier to gain promotion (higher-level positions may require a degree).
• You may be paid more than a firefighter without a degree.

Degrees to consider for fire fighting and fire related careers:

• Fire & Leadership Studies, BSc (Hons) - Graduates from this course at UCLan are frequently recruited directly into fire fighting roles and fast tracked to senior positions.
• Fire Engineering, BEng (Hons) - Ideal for senior roles in fire safety.
• Fire Safety (Engineering), BSc (Hons) (Top up)- Ideal if you are an engineer aiming for a senior role after graduation in safety design or want to become a fire safety engineer.
• Fire Safety (Management), BSc (Hons) (Top up) - Develops your expertise in the field of fire safety management. This is good for those aiming for a senior roles in the fire industry after graduation.
• Fire Safety Engineering, FdSc - Fire engineer professionals are involved in the design of fire systems, building control and fire consultancy.

Entry requirements

An example of entry requirements that maybe required for a typical degree are:

• UCAS: 104 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: D*D
• Pass Access Course: 104 UCAS Points
• GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Explore more about fire related degrees at UCLan

The recruitment process is an important step in how to become a firefighter. You may have a particular fire service you wish to apply to and they may only have one recruitment period per year. The recruitment process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. In the UK, the process for selecting firefighters involves several stages. Here's a breakdown of the typical selection process:

Application:

• Attend an outreach event or an online information session to learn about the firefighter role, salary, benefits, and challenges.
• The application process begins after these sessions.

Online tests:

• Complete two online tests to assess your maths and English skills. These tests will be verified during the Assessment Centre stage.

Assessment centre:

• This stage includes various assessments:
  
  • Interview: assessing your suitability for the role.
  • Roleplay: simulating real-world scenarios.
  • Written exercise: evaluating communication and problem-solving.
  • Verification test: confirming your math and English skills.

Fitness tests:

• Candidates must pass six physical job-related tests, including tasks like ladder climbing, casualty evacuation, and equipment handling.

Medical exam and eye test:

• If you pass the physical tests, you’ll undergo a medical examination.
• Eyesight requirements include acceptable colour vision. Certain types of laser eye surgery are permitted after a waiting period.
• Colour blindness doesn’t disqualify you, but a risk assessment will need to be conducted.

References:

• Provide a three-year employment or study history and references.

Most fire and rescue services only release application forms when they recruit. The fire service application form will need to be completed as part of the recruitment process above. It is a crucial step in the selection procedure. The key components of the application form are:

Personal information:
Basic details such as your full name, contact information (address, phone number, email), and date of birth. Some forms may also ask about your nationality or immigration status.

Education and work history:
Provide information about your educational background, including GCSEs, A Levels, apprenticeships, degrees and any other relevant certifications. List your work experience, including previous jobs, roles, and responsibilities.

References:
You’ll need to provide references who can vouch for your character, work ethic and suitability for the role. References may include former employers, teachers, or other professionals who know you well.

Medical history and fitness:
These are questions related to your health and fitness. Details about any medical conditions, allergies, or disabilities. Some forms may ask about your eyesight, hearing, and overall physical health.

Criminal record and background check:
You’ll likely be asked about any criminal convictions or pending charges. Fire departments conduct thorough background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of their teams.

Motivation and skills:
This is where you will explain why you want to become a firefighter. Highlight relevant skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and physical fitness. Some forms may include specific questions about your understanding of firefighting duties.

Additional questions:
Depending on the fire service, there may be additional questions related to your commitment, resilience, and ability to handle stressful situations. These questions help assess your suitability for the demanding role of a firefighter.