Firefighting is fast growing to become one of the best career choices out there today, however not all individuals who seek to follow this path, see their dreams come to fruition. Keep in mind that firefighting is both physically intensive and morally exhaustive work, it is not a career path meant for the “easy-going” individual, firefighting in itself is a way of life and one would do well in assessing one’s own capabilities before attempting to run the gauntlet of becoming a firefighter.

There are many ways in which a prospective candidate can “boost” her/his credentials to give themselves an edge over the competition, following are some steps one will need to take and accompanying strategies that one may choose to employ to make their dream of becoming a firefighter, a reality!

It should be noted that most firefighting jobs differ from state to state with fluctuations in salary, work schedules, training regimes etc; however there are some common factors that play a big role in one’s selection as a firefighter:

1. Age: Depending on the state that one maybe seeking employment in, the minimum age of entry into the firefighting profession maybe between 18 to 21 years of age. In most cases however 18 years is the norm.

2. Prior Qualification: No matter what fire department you are applying to, more often than not, you will be required to hold at the very least a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. In addition to this, holding a Degree/Major in science is an added in your course to become a career fighter, the benefits of which will become apparent in the next step.

3. Selection Process: Once an individual holds the necessary minimum qualifications to become a firefighter, the first step in achieving their goals is to apply to the local fire department, as a trainee. It should be noted that though a minimum qualification is mentioned most candidates will find that competition is severe even at this stage in the process, and one would do well to keep their credentials in the top tier to avoid disappointment, No one said it was going to be easy!

However, if you find yourself at a disadvantage in terms of qualification, then the best solution is to gather up experience in the firefighting field, by first volunteering at a local firehouse for a stint, not only will this get you noticed; it will also come with the added advantage of exposing you to the firefighter way of life.

4. Firefighter Academy: Once preliminary selections are completed the recruit will be subjected to a gauntlet of tests both physical and mental, upon surviving these tests the recruit is then offered admission into the respective firefighter academy of each fire department for training to become a career firefighter. Upon completion of the training period, which may last anywhere between 2 – 6 months depending on your respective fire departments, you will be eligible for entry into a fire department as a career firefighter pending a formal interview process involving background checks and credit checks.

5. Final Selection: One’s final selection as a firefighter would depend upon completing the interview process of the respective fire department, with the chief’s oral interview stage being the most relevant, if they do not like you as an individual, then irrespective of your qualification they will not select you, firefighters are brothers in arms united for a common cause, as such most firefighters are very tight knit especially department wise and one would only benefit from doing some research into finding out how to fit in with their employing department.

In closing, once you are sworn you are officially a fully fledged member of the fire department. Firefighters are some of the most courageous and selfless individuals wherever they may be, as a firefighter one must always remember to hold this tradition in utmost regard. Remember your commitment to your fellow human being and to your community and you will be the best firefighter any department can ask for, all the best to you!