Requirements to become a firefighter
Get in touch with the basic requirements to become a firefighter. Prior to apply for a job as a firefighter, you must be at least 18 years old, and be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D. In some areas, you could be able to start the process at age 17.
Take advice from firefighters. Make a visit to your local fire department and ask them if you can set up a time to take a tour of their facility. They may even let you ride in the truck with them, when they go out on a respond to an emergency call. Ask them about the ups and downs of the profession. If you make a good impression, you may even be able to use some of those firefighters as references later when you are looking for work.
Get as much practical experience as possible. You can do this by volunteering as a firefighter, or by working as a paramedic or EMT. You may even be able to get an internship at a fire department.
Get the essential training. Learn basic medical training such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. Emergency medical skills are one of the demands to become a firefighter. The more you can do, the better your chances of becoming hired.
Stay physically fit. The job of a firefighter is very demanding on the body. Besides, once you apply for a job as a firefighter, you’ll be called for to pass a physical survival test, a medical exam and drug testing. You may even have to go through psychological screening. Together, these exams will be used to check whether you have met the requirements to become a firefighter.
Look for work. You can get job leads where you live by meeting your state or local fire department. They can also give you information on the specific exams you will be demanded to take.