How to Become a Firefighter
From PQA answers to the bleep test. The ultimate roadmap to earning your uniform.
Recruitment for Wholetime Firefighters is notoriously competitive. Thousands apply for a handful of spots. To succeed, you need preparation, fitness, and a deep understanding of the role.
1. The Application Phase
The first hurdle is the online application. Most services use PQA (Personal Qualities and Attributes) questions. You will be asked to provide examples of times you demonstrated specific behaviors.
The NFCC Leadership Framework
Familiarize yourself with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) leadership framework. Key areas include: (1) Working with others, (2) Leading yourself, (3) Emerging change, and (4) Organizational awareness.
2. Online Tests
If your application passes the sift, you'll face online psychometric tests. These typically cover:
- Verbal Reasoning: Understanding written information.
- Numerical Reasoning: Basic maths and data interpretation.
- Mechanical Reasoning: Understanding physics and mechanics (levers, gears, water flow).
3. The Physical Selection Tests
This is where many candidates fail. It's not just about brute strength; it's about functional fitness and stamina.
- Ladder Climb: Testing confidence at heights.
- Casualty Evacuation: Dragging a 55kg dummy backwards around an obstacle course.
- Equipment Carry: Tests aerobic fitness and muscular endurance.
- Enclosed Space: Testing for claustrophobia.
You will also likely need to pass a Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Bleep Test), usually to level 8.8.
4. The Interview
The interview is competency-based. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Be honest, be professional, and show you understand the community aspect of the role—it's not just about putting out fires.
5. Medical & Checks
Finally, you'll undergo a medical exam (checking lung function, hearing, eyesight) and security vetting.
Starting Salary
Once you get in, you'll start as a Trainee. Check out our Pay Scales page to see exactly what you will earn from day one through to becoming Competent.