Resources for Current and Future Candidates
Hiring Events in Seattle
Oct. 24 Fire Connect Workshop
The Seattle Fire Department is opening it's application window for Entry-level Firefighter/EMT positions from Oct. 6 through Nov. 17, 2026.
If you've considered a career in the fire service, explore further by attending an upcoming Fire Connect Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Seattle Fire Station 28 (5968 Rainier Ave S.).
At this workshop you'll learn about the hiring process, hear from SFD Human Resources and meet with local firefighters.
RSVP online via this link: register here.
Nov. 7 King County Diversity and Recruitment Workshop
Join the KCFCA Diversity & Recruitment Workshop, hosted by King County Fire District 20, to learn everything you need to know about starting and maintaining a rewarding career in Fire, EMS,
and other first response or public health opportunities. This event is FREE and designed to help potential candidates be successful in the pre-hiring, hiring, training, and career segments of their professional journey.
The classes covered in this workshop include:
- Firefighter written exam preparation
- Oral board interview preparation
- Wellness and fitness requirements and preparation
- Psych and background check expectations and preparation
- A Day in the Life of a first responder
- Networking with firefighters and paramedics
Breakfast and lunch are generously sponsored by King County EMS. There will be numerous opportunities to meet one-on-one with agencies from across the region throughout the event, including fire service agencies, EMS agencies, 911 communication agencies, and public health agencies.
Other Resources
Testing and Hiring Process
FireTEAM practice tests may be purchased here.
Prior to completing the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test), candidates are encouraged to review the CPAT Orientation Guide, Candidate Preparation Guide, and Candidate Instruction Video on the NTN website.
Recruit Study Resources
The primary text used in recruit school is the IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th Edition. This text is used nationally for Firefighter I & II certification.
The Basic Skills Manual is published in-house by our Training Division. This material covers equipment and some manipulative skills used in the Seattle Fire Department: SFD Basic Skills Manual. This is historical content. The City of Seattle considers historical information to be used for reference only. Details about its limitations are available in our Terms of Use.
Video examples of knots:
Introduction to Knots
Clove Hitch
Round Turn and Two Half Inches
Square Bend (aka Square Knot)
Prussik Hitch (using a prussik)
Ring Bend (using webbing, aka Water Knot)
Figure Eight Follow Through Knot
Double Becket Bend
Long Tail Bowline Knot
Bowline Knot w/Double Overhand Back Up
Double Long-Tailed Bowline (running end greater than standing end)
Handcuff Knot
Butterfly Knot
Additional resource materials are available through the International Fire Service Training Association: IFSTA Website
For more information on a career with the Seattle Fire Department, we encourage applicants to view our Fire Connect Podcast series. This webseries features interviews with SFD members about their experience in the fire service and their advice for new recruits.
We are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We continually work to improve the accessibility of our website and content in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A and AA. Learn more about the City of Seattle's digital inclusion commitment and practices at https://seattle.gov/web-accessibility. For accommodations, please call 206/733-9462 or email SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov.