Hiring Process
Testing Process
FireTEAM Test and Public Safety Self Assessment 1 Video Exams
The FireTEAM test includes reading, math and mechanical reasoning components as well as a scored human relations exam. The assessment takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Rescheduling an exam will be allowed at least one week in advance of a scheduled exam. You are encouraged to arrive one-half hour early as late arrivals will not be admitted to the examination site. Reasonable testing accommodation is available.
These are virtual tests and may be completed remotely.
Oral Board Exam
If you complete and pass the Public Safety Self Assessment and the FireTEAM test and are eligible to proceed in the testing process, you will receive instructions to schedule an Oral Board exam.
This is an in-person exam and will require travel into the Seattle area.
Veteran Preference
Veteran's scoring criteria is applied to passing test scores for qualified candidates per Washington state law (RCW 41.01.010). Veterans wishing to claim preference points will be instructed to provide documentation to the Fire Exams unit that indicates an honorable discharge.
Firefighter Register
Applicants who successfully pass all portions of the testing process will be placed on the Firefighter Register. The top 25% of candidates on the register are added to a certified hiring list, which is forwarded to the Seattle Fire Department for further screening.
Pre-Employment Screening
Employment Packet
Eligible candidates will receive an employment packet to complete. The employment packet requests a variety of information, including employment, education history, references and EMT status. Any additional information you would like reviewed may be submitted with the employment packet. Packets may be submitted via email, mail, fax or in person.
Suitability Assessment
Eligible candidates will schedule an appointment to take a series of questionnaires. These questionnaires are used to evaluate your personal history, personality style and emotional stability. The suitability assessment is pass/fail.
This is a virtual assessment and may be completed remotely.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
To prepare for the CPAT, you should engage in advanced physical training, target muscle groups used in lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and other actions related to firefighter tasks. A workout program may include distance running, sprints, rowing, stair climbing with weight pack and weight lifting to develop both the upper and lower body. Download/View the Candidate Preparation Guide for information about specific physical training and weight lifting in preparation for the CPAT.
The CPAT exam is comprised of eight stations that are completed in one continuous sequence. The test is pass/fail. Download/view the CPAT Orientation Guide for detailed information.
This exam may be completed at any National Testing Network location, but may require travel.
Interview
Eligible candidates will meet with a hiring panel for a formal business interview. Selected candidates will sign a conditional offer of employment. A final hire offer will be extended barring a failed medical, psychological or background check. At this time, the panel will also select several alternates who will be offered a position if one of the conditionally-offered candidates is removed from consideration during the post-conditional screening process.
This is an in-person interview and will require travel into the Seattle area.
Medical + Psychological + Background Check
The medical exam includes a comprehensive medical history, blood and urine samples, body fat composition, hearing/vision testing, treadmill, physical condition assessment and other related medical tests. You will be asked to provide complete and accurate information in a medical questionnaire and during the medical examination with our physician. Our physicians reference the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines when conducting firefighter candidate medical evaluations. You may review NFPA guidelines online at www.nfpa.org. This is an in-person assessment and will require travel into the Seattle area.
The psychological exam includes a series of written questionnaires followed by an interview with a clinical psychologist. This is a virtual assessment and may be completed remotely.
The background check includes a careful review of criminal history and driving record. This is a virtual assessment and may be completed remotely.
FAQs
What is your projected hiring schedule?
Our entry-level Firefighter application period closed on Nov. 29, 2024. The hiring register was established in March of 2025, and the first class hired from the new register will begin in August of 2025. We anticipate hiring two classes from this register. The next entry-level application period will open in fall of 2025.
More information on the entry-level Firefighter hiring timeline for candidates who applied during the 2024 application period can be found here.
The department is also currently hiring lateral-entry Firefighter/Paramedics. This is a one-time process which will be used to hire 8-16 Firefighter/Paramedics starting in the summer of 2025. More information on this process can be found here.
You may sign up to be notified by email when the next application period begins here.
What if I already have a valid CPAT?
We require all entry-level Firefighter candidates to complete a CPAT through our own CPAT testing process. Once the Firefighter Register is established, candidates who are ranked within the top 25% will receive a paid CPAT voucher which can be used at any National Testing Network location.
What should I be doing to prepare?
Though no prior Fire Service or EMS experience is required to be hired as a Seattle Firefighter recruit, it may make you a more competitive candidate.
To gain experience and training in the fire service, we recommend that you apply to a local volunteer fire department. Volunteer information from the Washington State Firefighter's Association is available online at https://www.wsffa.org/. If you have the opportunity to gain any level of medical training, such as advanced CPR or First Aid, that may also help you in our hiring process.
You may review additional study resources on our Resources for Candidates page.
Do I need to be EMT certified?
You do not need to be EMT certified to apply or test for the position of Seattle Firefighter.
You will need to have a current Washington state EMT certification or be eligible for certification sponsorship prior to the start of recruit school. Due to the length of our hiring process, candidates have time to meet the EMT requirement during the testing and pre-employment screening process. A list of local organizations that offer EMT certification courses can be found here. A limited number of candidates will be offered space in an SFD-led EMT course.
Candidates with current, valid EMT certifications from another state will be eligible to gain reciprocity with the Seattle Fire Department.
More information on the EMT certification process can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website.
Do I need to live in Washington state?
There are no residency requirements for applicants or employees of the Seattle Fire Department. Some components of the testing and recruitment process may require candidates to travel into the area. In determining what's best for you, please review the hiring process steps above.
Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for a work permit or Green Card. If you are not already authorized to work in the United States, you will need to obtain authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.
Can I be a Seattle Firefighter if I have a criminal record or a negative driving record?
A negative background issue does not disqualify you from applying to our Department, and background check results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Seattle Firefighters receive Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) training and are expected to be able to safely drive an emergency vehicle. A positive driving record is therefore a requirement for the position. The Department currently uses a point system when reviewing driving records during pre-employment screening, reviewing number, severity, and recency of infractions.
What are the medical and psychological disqualifiers?
Our doctors reference the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines when conducting Firefighter candidate medical evaluations. You may review the NFPA guidelines online at www.nfpa.org.
A history of mental health treatment is not an automatic disqualifier. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, all job applicants are given an individualized assessment for the presence of any mental health disorders and to ascertain their possible impact on the job. Depending on the recency of the treatment, our psychologist may ask for records from your treatment provider.
We will not ask for and prefer you not offer any medical or psychological information until invited to a medical and psychological evaluation (after a conditional offer of employment has been signed).
How do I update my information?
If you have submitted an application, you should update your contact information by logging into your account on www.GovernmentJobs.com. You should also email SFD HR at SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov to make sure they have your new contact information on file.
Contacts
Questions regarding submitting an application, test dates and veterans scoring criteria should be directed to the Seattle Department of Human Resources Fire & Police Exams Unit via email to firecareers@seattle.gov.
Technical assistance with scheduling the FireTEAM test or completing the PSSA Part 1 should be directed to National Testing Network at (866) 563-3882.
Questions regarding pre-employment screening or the job of a Seattle firefighter should be directed to the Seattle Fire Department Recruitment Office via email to SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov.