Resources for Current and Future Candidates
Hiring Events in King County
Sept. 26 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 Sept. 26 at Seattle Fire Station 17 in the U-district (1050 NE 50th St.).
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: https://bit.ly/4qRXHA0
Future Women in Fire and EMS Workshop
Join King County EMS, host agency Redmond Fire and more than 14 other King County agencies for an immersive weekend of hands-on fire and EMS activities. Attendees will explore a career in the fire or EMS service through interactive activities, discussion panels, viewing live demos, and networking with EMTs, firefighters and paramedics in our region. Must be 18+ to apply; King County residency preferred.
Workshop: Oct. 17 & 18, 2026, 0800-1700 both days
Host: Redmond Fire Department
Application: https://bit.ly/RFDFWIEF
Applications due Sept. 21, 2026
Send questions to: futurewomenems@kingcounty.gov
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 This is historical content.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.