Public Safety

How to become a Firefighter

From emt or no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

6–18 months

Typical pay

$48k–$75k

Starting from

EMT or no experience

The steps

1. 1

   Get EMT certified

   Most departments now require it before you can even apply.

   3–6 monthsNREMT-B

   Course that covers thisNREMT National Registry Emergency Medical Technician ExamUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Pass the CPAT and written exam

   The physical ability test is a genuine filter — train for it months ahead.

   3–6 months

3. 3

   Get through the hiring process

   Written, physical, oral board, background, medical and psych. It takes a year.

   6–18 months

4. 4

   Complete the academy

   Paid, residential, and covers Firefighter I and II certification.

   3–6 monthsFirefighter I / II

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.