Many young person seeing fire trucks zooming down the streets with horns blaring and lights flashing declare that they want to be a Firefighter when they grow up.
All grown up now and still wanting to pursue that dream? There are skills to be accomplished and much to learn but it’s all worth it in the end.
Arizona certification for Firefighters 1 & 2 are conducted by facilities that are approved by the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence, AKA, AzCFSE.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Arizona
Basically there are 4 steps involved to receive your certificate…
- A certified trainer will verify you have met all the requirements so you can begin testing for your certification
- Money. Your money pays for the testing of both the written and skill examinations
- Pass your written exam
- Pass your skill exam
Let’s look at some of the requirements for becoming a firefighter starting with examples of the basics. Ready?
- Operating all types of hand tools…hooks, bars, forcible entry tools
- How to connect the hoses, direct the water stream and pressure, use firefighting chemicals
- Protecting a citizen’s property, proper clean up afterwards, and performing salvage work
- Being a First Responder on a HazMat scene
- Giving tours, being a guide around the fire house, and visiting schools and giving children the dream to follow in your footsteps
KNOWLEDGE. If you are like me, you probably only know what you have seen in the movies…
- What are the procedures and practices of modern day firefighting
- Learning and maintaining all your equipment, whether it’s the vehicles you drive, or the you tools use, proper care has to be taken of all
- Learning all the government rules and regulations governing Fire Departments
- HazMat, First Responder, Life supports procedures
Of course there is more “knowledge” needed, this was just the short list!
ABILITIES. You know what this means….being clear headed and able bodied to think through and carry out your knowledge
- You will learn to think, act, and respond quickly in whatever kind of emergency
- Deal with people who are in the midst of this disaster
- Selecting the proper equipment you will need
- Having the physical strength, endurance and stamina to operate under any and all pressure
Again, this was just a short list, too!
All these areas and more will be covered in your Fire Academy training to fully prepare you for your certification exam.
Test time!
Arizona Fireman Written Exam
Your written exam will be multiple choice containing 150 questions. Passing grade is 112 right, or 75%. Don’t let this scare you off. You are allowed 3 retests within one year of completing your initial training so. That‘s not so bad!
You know you need to be in the best physical and mental health to be a firefighter. For your own safety and that of those you will be serving this will be critical for all.
Additional Requirements: Polygraph Test & Firefighter Interview
Here are some additional steps that are required before getting hired by a fire department:
1. You must pass the firefighter entrance exam (also known as the civil service exam in some states).
2. You must pass a background check , free of any felony convictions.
3. You must pass a drug screen test.
4. You must pass the polygraph test. I recommend downloading How to Pass Your Polygraph ebook. I encourage you to look over this e-book before sitting down for your polygraph test. You can thank me later.
5. You must go through and pass an oral board interview. To prepare for the oral interview, we suggest reading through Master Your Firefighter Interview before sitting for your interview. It’s a very good interview preparation book for future fireman.
Good luck! I know you can do it! After all, this is your childhood dream come true.
Job Description of a Fire fighter:
Responds immediately to fires and other emergency situations. Provides protection to public and property. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. May need to pass strength tests.
Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. May direct and lead the work of others. Typically reports to a manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Average Salary & Pay scale of a Firefighter in AZ
The average salary of a fire fighter in Arizona is $41,000, according to CareerBuilder.com. The job listing website says the range for fire fighters in Arizona is from $29,612 to $56,444.
Firefighter Jobs in Arizona
The directory below is a list of every fire station in the state of Arizona. If you are looking for a firefighter job in your area, please visit our career job center, and then enter your city and state in the search box.
