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Requirements to Be a Firefighter
Most career departments in the United States start from a similar baseline. Use this as a checklist, then read the posting for each department you apply to, because the exact rules vary.
| Requirement | What many departments ask for |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18, or 21 at some departments. Many have no upper limit. |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. A college degree is generally not required. |
| Driver's license | A valid license and an acceptable driving record, often reviewed for the last 3 to 7 years. |
| Citizenship or work status | U.S. citizenship at some departments; the legal right to work in the U.S. at others. |
| Criminal record | No felony convictions at many departments. Misdemeanors are often reviewed case by case. |
| Written test | A passing score, and often a high one, since many departments rank candidates by score. |
| Physical ability test | A pass on the CPAT or the department's own agility test. |
| Medical exam | Meeting the department's medical standard, which is often based on NFPA 1582. |
| Certifications | EMT is often required or preferred. Some departments want Firefighter I and II before you apply. |
| Background, drug test, psych | Common steps after a conditional job offer. |
For the full path in order, with timelines, see how to become a firefighter.
Can I Become a Firefighter If...
...I'm 30, 35, or 40?
Often, yes. Many municipal departments have no maximum hiring age, and people regularly start in their 30s and 40s. Some departments and states do set an upper limit, often tied to the retirement system. Federal primary firefighter positions generally have a maximum entry age of 37, with exceptions for some veterans and people with prior federal firefighting service. What matters most at any age is passing the physical test and the medical. See firefighter age limits by state.
...I have a DUI?
It depends on how recent it is and what else is on your record. Many departments look back over a set period, often somewhere between 3 and 7 years, and one older DUI with a clean record since is often not automatically disqualifying. A recent DUI, more than one, or a suspended license is much harder to get past, because driving apparatus is part of the job. Disclose it honestly. Read can I be a firefighter with a DUI.
...I have a misdemeanor?
Often, yes. Many departments review misdemeanors case by case, looking at what it was, how long ago, and what you have done since. Offenses involving violence, theft, dishonesty, or drugs tend to get the closest look. Hiding a misdemeanor is generally treated far worse than disclosing it.
...I have a felony?
This is the hardest one. Many departments disqualify felony convictions, and some state certification rules do too. A felony that was expunged, sealed, or reduced, or one from many years ago, may be treated differently in some places, and the rules vary by state. If this applies to you, read each department's posting closely and consider talking with an attorney about record relief before you apply. See common disqualifiers and the firefighter background check.
...I have tattoos?
Generally, yes. Many firefighters have tattoos. Some departments have policies on tattoos that are offensive or visible on the face, neck, or hands in uniform, and some require visible tattoos to be covered. Check the department's appearance policy. See can firefighters have tattoos.
...I wear glasses or contacts?
Usually, yes. Departments generally set a minimum for your corrected vision and often a limit for your uncorrected vision too, so very poor eyesight without correction can be an issue. Contacts are widely used, and many firefighters have had LASIK. See can I be a firefighter with glasses.
...I'm color blind?
Sometimes. Many departments test color vision during the medical. A mild deficiency is often evaluated case by case, and some departments allow a follow up test that checks whether you can tell apart the colors the job requires. Complete color blindness is more likely to be disqualifying.
...I have asthma?
Often, yes, if it is well controlled. Under NFPA 1582, which many departments use, asthma is generally evaluated individually, often with a lung function test, rather than being an automatic disqualifier. Active asthma that limits you during exercise or needs frequent rescue medication is more likely to be a problem. See can you be a firefighter with asthma.
...I have ADHD?
Generally, ADHD by itself does not disqualify you. The medical and psychological evaluations may ask about your history and any medications, and the department's physician makes the call. Be honest on the forms, and bring documentation from your doctor if you have it.
...I have diabetes?
Often, yes, if it is well managed. Diabetes, including diabetes treated with insulin, is generally evaluated individually under NFPA 1582, looking at how well it is controlled and whether you have had severe low blood sugar episodes. See can you be a firefighter with diabetes.
...I have no experience?
Yes. Many career departments hire people with no fire experience and train them in their own academy. Getting your EMT and some volunteer or related experience makes you more competitive. See becoming a firefighter with no experience.
...I don't have a college degree?
Yes. Most departments require a high school diploma or GED, not a degree. A fire science or EMS degree can help with promotion later. See do I need a degree to become a firefighter.
...I'm a woman?
Yes. Departments hire to the same job standards regardless of gender, and many actively recruit women. See being a female firefighter.
...I'm not very fit right now?
You can fix that. The physical ability test checks whether you can do the job's tasks on the clock, and many candidates fail their first attempt and pass after training for the specific events. Start now with the CPAT training timer and the CPAT guide.
...I've used drugs?
It depends on what, when, and how often. Many departments disqualify recent illegal drug use, often within a set number of years, and drug test during hiring. Rules on past marijuana use vary widely, even in states where it is legal. Answer honestly; the background investigator, and sometimes a polygraph, will ask. See do firefighters get drug tested.
The One Rule That Matters Most: Be Honest
Many problems in your past can be explained. Lying about them usually cannot. Background investigators often check court records, driving records, past employers, and references, and an answer that doesn't match what they find can end your application even when the underlying issue would have been acceptable. If you are unsure whether something counts, disclose it.
What to Do Next
- Run through the eligibility checker to flag anything worth looking into.
- Read how to become a firefighter for every step in order.
- Check your state guide (linked from the main guide), since certification rules differ by state.
- Get your resume ready with the free firefighter resume template.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements to be a firefighter?
At many departments: at least 18 (or 21), a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and passing a written test, a physical ability test, a background check, a drug test, and a medical exam. Many also require or prefer EMT certification.
What disqualifies you from being a firefighter?
Common reasons include a felony conviction, recent illegal drug use, a poor or recent driving record such as a recent DUI, dishonesty during the hiring process, and a medical condition that does not meet the department's standard. Many other issues are reviewed case by case.
Is 40 too old to become a firefighter?
Not at many departments, which have no upper age limit. Some departments and federal primary firefighter positions do set a maximum entry age, so check each posting.
Can you become a firefighter with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and how long ago it was. Many departments disqualify felonies and review misdemeanors case by case. Honest disclosure matters a great deal.
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