What if I’m already a firefighter?
You will be required to test and if successful, you will have to go through the training as any other firefighter recruit,provided you have not gone through the Phoenix Fire Department Training Academy in the past couple of years (this is determined on a case by case basis). If you have been through the PFD Training Academy recently that may be considered. Your experience as a firefighter may help in the testing process, but the Phoenix Fire Department does notaccept transfers. Go to the AZ Dept.of Health Services website to check on transferring EMT Certification at www.azdhs.gov/bems/faq1.htm.

How long is the Academy?
The Recruit Academy lasts approximately 12 weeks. Those who successfully complete the recruit program are placed in the field as probationary firefighters for approximately nine months. During that time period an on-going structured training program will be provided along with monthly evaluations. Probationary firefighters return to the Training Academy for additional training days for further advanced training.

What happens after completion of my probation?
Following successful completion of the probationary period, all firefighters are then assigned to emergency medical transportation duty for 200 shifts. Following this period, firefighters will be assigned to fire companies.

Do firefighters get to sleep during their shift?
Every station is designed to accommodate a crew for 24 hours. This includes a kitchen, dorm, restrooms, showers, exercise equipment, TV room. Sleeping is permitted, as is cooking, working out, and studying, although you must be ready to respond to alarms and fulfill other duty requirements at all times.

Who is in charge?
The Phoenix Fire Department is structured to mirror a military hierarchy. The station is a microcosm of that, beginning with the firefighters, a fire engineer (driver) in charge of the apparatus, and a captain in charge of the entire crew. Each area of the city has a battalion chief in charge of operations and stations in his or her battalion.

How are promotions made in the Department?
The first promotional opportunity is to Fire Engineer. You must have 3 ½ years on the job. For promotion to Fire Captain, you must have seven years on the job. This time can be reduced up to six months with college credits. Both tests may consist of a written and practical exercise. The Battalion Chief test can be taken after one year as a certified
Captain.

Is it harder for a woman to get hired?
The Phoenix Fire Department is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race or gender.Having said that, some applicants find that our physical ability exam is very difficult. Therefore, we offer orientation classes so that all applicants can try out the parts of the exam so that they know what segment (i.e.: cardiovascular endurance, strength) to work on improving. Women have to pass the same physical ability exam as men do. Womenenjoy respect in the Department because they have demonstrated their abilities in order to be hired. In training they are held to the same standard as men. During the PFD Training Academy, one of the most important things instructors
look for is that recruits are giving 100 percent.

What is the job of a Firefighter really like?
Firefighting involves extremely hard, skilled physical work, and firefighters must be able to handle emergency, life-ordeath situations. Firefighters must also be willing learners. Continuous in-service training throughout their careers keeps them up-to-date on the newest technologies and latest fire suppression methods. Training in the fire service encompasses many subjects, such as building construction, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials, technical rescue, public education, community relations. Firefighters must have strong social skills, and the ability to think and communicate clearly in very stressful situations. You are more than welcome to stop by any Phoenix Fire Station during business hours (8-5) and visit with the on duty crew to find out more.

How much does all that gear weigh?
Firefighters must carry an array of specialized tools and equipment that can weigh over 70 lbs, plus a breathing apparatus that weighs 40 lbs.

What if I have a Police record?
All firefighter recruits go through a police background
check before being hired. A criminal conviction will not
automatically eliminate you from the process. Things that are
taken into consideration are:
□ Crimes committed
□ When it occurred
□ Your age at the time
□ The relationship between the crime and your position
as a firefighter
Police records never go away, so be sure and be totally straightforward on your application.

CAN I PICK UP AN APPLICATION FOR A FRIEND?
We will only be handing out one set of application materials per person. Replacement application materials are not available. If you know a friend or relative who will be out of town during the application period, he/she has the following options to obtain an application:
• Download the application materials, study guide, and recruitment packet online from the City’s website
(www.phoenix.gov).
• Call and request an application be mailed to them. The Application Office telephone number is printed in
the ‘Apply’ section of the job announcement.

WHERE DO I TURN IN MY APPLICATION?
Turn in your completed and signed original application form at the exam site. Copies of applications will not be accepted. You will not be allowed to take the exam if you do not have your application.

CAN THE WRITTEN EXAM BE TAKEN AT ANOTHER TIME?
No. All applicants will be administered the written exam on April 7, 2008.

WHAT IS THE PASSING SCORE?
The passing score is determined by the average score achieved by the applicants taking the test.

I DON’T LIVE IN PHOENIX. CAN I STILL APPLY?
Yes. However, upon employment, all Firefighters have 24 months from date of appointment to move into the Maricopa County limits, and shall continue County residence for the duration of City employment.

DO I NEED TO BE ARIZONA EMT CERTIFIED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION?
No. However, Proof of Valid certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the state of Arizona or National Registry is required at the scheduled date of your final selection interview with the Phoenix Fire Department.

IF I HAVE A VALID NATIONAL REGISTRY EMT CERTIFICATION , WILL I ALSO NEED TO BE CERTIFIED THROUGH THE STATE OF ARIZONA?
No. You must contact the Department of Health Services to transfer your national registry certification.

IF I HAVE A VALID EMT CERTIFICATION IN ANOTHER STATE, WILL I NEED TO BE CERTIFIED THROUGH THE STATE OF ARIZONA?
You must contact the Department of Health Services in the state you obtained your EMT certification in order to determine if your certification can be transferred. Not all state EMT certifications are eligible to transfer. Go to the website for frequently asked questions: www.azdhs.gov/bems/faq1.htm .

AT WHAT POINT IN THE PROCESS DO I NEED TO HAVE PROOF OF PASSING CPAT ?
Proof of successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) from a licensed agency within 12 months is required at the scheduled date of your final selection interview

I WAS A FIREFIGHTER SOMEWHERE ELSE. DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM AND/OR DO I HAVE TO ATTEND THE FIRE ACADEMY?
Yes.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE FOR APPLICANTS?
You must be at least 18 years of age by February 29, 2008.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AGE FOR APPLICANTS?
The City of Phoenix does not have a maximum age limit.

DO I HAVE TO BE A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE OR HAVE A GED?
No. However, the written exam and materials used at the Phoenix Fire Department Training Academy are at the
grade 14 reading level.

I HAVE A RELATIVE WORKING FOR THE CITY OF PHOENIX. CAN I STILL APPLY?
Yes.

DO I HAVE TO BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES?
No. However, if you are a non-citizen, you must have acceptable documentation that you are a legal resident of the United States. The documentation must be presented when a job offer is made.

WHEN WILL THE CITY OF PHOENIX BE RECRUITING FOR FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT AGAIN?
The City of Phoenix usually distributes applications for Firefighter Recruit once a year. However, the expiration date of the eligible list may be extended at the discretion of the Personnel Department.

I AM A FIREFIGHTER NOW. CAN I TRANSFER TO THE PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT?
No. You must go through the recruitment process.

HOW MANY PEOPLE IS THE CITY OF PHOENIX GOING TO HIRE?
We don’t know at this time. The number of people hired varies from year to year, depending upon the number of employees retiring, the amount of employee turnover, and the number of new stations opened.

HOW LONG IS TRAINING AT THE FIRE ACADEMY?
12 weeks.

WILL I NEED A COPY OF MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE WHEN I TURN IN MY APPLICATION?
No. You will have to present two (2) forms of identification at the time of hire (usually DL & Social Security card).

WILL I NEED MY MILITARY DISCHARGE FORM (DD214) WHEN I TURN IN MY APPLICATION?
No. You will have to present a copy at the time of hire.

WILL I NEED AN I.D. CARD WHEN I TURN IN MY APPLICATION?
Yes. You will need to bring a photo I.D. card with you to the exam, or you will not be allowed to take it.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING TO THE WRITTEN EXAM?
Your completed/signed application, supplement, and your written exam notice. Do not bring the study guide, pens, pencils, calculators, food, drinks, family, friends, etc. DO NOT BRING IT BACK TO THE CITY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE EXAM ROOM?
No.

TO BE A PARAMEDIC, DO I HAVE TO BE A FIREFIGHTER FIRST?
Yes.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE WRITTEN EXAM?
Study the study guide. Approximately 70% of the questions on the exam are based on information within the study guide. The remaining questions are reading comprehension and math. Reading skills usually cannot be significantly improved in four weeks, but you may wish to brush up on your basic arithmetic skills.

WILL I BE ALLOWED TO USE THE RESTROOM DURING THE WRITTEN EXAM?
Yes.

I’M PREGNANT. CAN I TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM?
Yes. However, you should review the Candidate Physical Ability Test booklet with your physician to determine whether or not you can safely compete in that phase of the testing process.

DO I HAVE TO PASS A MEDICAL (PHYSICAL) EXAM PRIOR TO BEING HIRED?
Yes. Candidates must complete and pass a medical examination. This examination includes a cardiovascular fitness component that must be passed with a Tier 2 grading or better. (Refer to the following website for information on Tier 4 Program: www.phoenixfirehealth.com and also refer to the CPAT Candidate Preparation
Guide for more information on cardiovascular fitness and conditioning, this document is available for download at www.joinpfd.com ).

WILL I BE DRUG TESTED PRIOR TO BEING HIRED?
Yes, and you will be subject to being tested up to 3 additional times a year.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE RESULTS OF MY WRITTEN EXAM?
Written exam notices will be mailed four to six weeks after the exam. Your final notice will include your written exam score. You will then be placed on an eligibility list for Firefighter Recruit by the City of Phoenix Personnel Department. The Phoenix Fire Department will then use this list to invite candidates for selection interviews.

WILL THE CITY OF PHOENIX FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCEPT CPAT CERTIFICATION FROM ANOTHER AGENCY/MUNICIPALITY?
Yes. The City of Phoenix Fire Department will ONLY accept CPAT certification from other “licensed” agencies or municipalities. You must show proof of successful completion from a licensed agency within 12 months of your scheduled final selection interview.

I PARTICIPATED IN THE 2007 FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT PROCESS AND AM CURRENTLY ON THE ELIGIBILITY LIST. WILL COMPETING IN THE 2008 PROCESS WITHDRAW ME FROM LAST YEAR’S PROCESS OR COMPROMISE MY ELIGIBILITY?
No. If you are currently on the eligible list from the 2007 recruitment process, your status will be unaffected from testing in 2008.

IF I HAVE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PHONE #, ETC. OR IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE TESTING/HIRING PROCESS FOR FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT WHAT DO I DO?
Email the following email address: recruitment.pfd@phoenix.gov. This email is checked 7 days a week, you should get a response within 24 to 48 hours. The information you receive from this email is directly from Fire Personnel.