Application process for wholetime firefighters

The first step to becoming a firefighter starts with our application form. This is where you fill in your personal details and explain how you meet the eligibility criteria.

Once you hit submit, the application will be anonymised and you’ll be sent an applicant number. We’ll use this in all further communication with you. This is to make sure there is no bias towards applications.

Initially, you must only submit one application. Once you have submitted an application, you must not apply again, unless you have been unsuccessful and the specified re-application time period has passed. This will be detailed in the email you receive informing you that you were unsuccessful. When you apply you will be asked to input your National Insurance number in your application form which we will use to identify multiple applications. If we identify that you have more than one live application in the system, we may remove all your applications from the process and not allow you to apply again for a certain period of time.

You’ll then complete two online behavioural tests and three online ability tests.

You’ll receive an email link inviting you to take the test, with practice tests too. You can have a go at the practice tests as many times as you like.

Find out what you can expect in the online tests.

You'll then be invited, either online or in-person, to meet with a panel of two (made up of a woman and man). This is an opportunity to discuss expectations for the role.

You’re now in the applicant pool where you’ll have an equal chance against the other applicants to be selected to progress to the next stages of the process. If you’re still waiting after 12 months, there’ll be a review to make sure you’re still eligible.

An important part of being a firefighter is making sure you have a good level of fitness. We assess this through a Bleep test and a swimming test.

Find out more about the fitness and practical tests

Now onto the practical assessments. It’s here that you’ll complete the following activities:

• Ladder lift
• Ladder climb
• Equipment assembly
• Equipment carry
• Breathing apparatus and confined space.

Find out more about the fitness and practical tests

Phew. You’re now over halfway through. Now it’s time for the interview, where you’ll be asked about your experience, knowledge and skills. It’s here that we want to see whether you’ve got the qualities we’re looking for.

You’ll also give us a five-minute presentation on a current affairs topic or project you’ve done in a previous role. You won’t be able to use any tech for this, but there will be a flipchart if you wish to use it. You can also bring in visual aids to support your presentation. 

We’ll carry out a medical and fitness assessment here to make sure you’re able to do the role. This includes:

• height and weight measurement to give an idea of general health 
• blood pressure test
• urinalysis
• an eye test (with and without glasses if you wear them)
• a breathing test to check your lung function
• a hearing test
• fitness assessment.

You’ll also be asked questions about your health and any disabilities or medical needs you may have. All cases are looked at individually while following professional medical guidance. 

Our fitness advisers will carry out a fitness assessment as part of the medical called a VO2 max test. You will jog on a treadmill wearing a facemask while connected to an analyser. The gradient and speed will gradually increase. This will measure your lung capacity. This test equates to level 8.8 on the bleep test. 

You’ll also complete a criminal records check (DBS).

Following the medical stage, the references on your application will now be followed up. When everything is cleared, you’ll then receive a contract of employment and a start date for your initial training.

Once you've reached this stage, it's time to celebrate. You’ll now be an apprentice firefighter.