Not sure if you qualify to become a firefighter? Answer a few quick questions about your background and we’ll tell you where you stand. This checker covers the most common requirements across U.S. fire departments — age, education, fitness, certifications, and more.
ELIGIBILITY CHECKER
Can You Become a Firefighter?
8 questions • ~2 minutes
Question 1 of 8
Common Firefighter Requirements
While every department sets its own requirements, most fire departments in the United States share these basic eligibility criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Many departments prefer 21+. Some have maximum age limits (often 35-40).
- Education: High school diploma or GED is the minimum. A college degree is increasingly preferred.
- Driver’s license: Valid license with a clean driving record is required.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required by most departments.
- Physical fitness: Must pass the CPAT or department-specific physical ability test.
- Background check: Clean criminal record. Felony convictions are usually disqualifying.
- Drug screening: Must pass a drug test. Marijuana use (even in legal states) may be disqualifying.
- EMT certification: Required by most career departments, either at hire or within a probationary period.
More Firefighter Career Tools
- Firefighter Salary Calculator — See what firefighters earn in your state
- Free Resume Review Guide — Download our complete resume checklist
- CPAT Training Timer — Practice the physical ability test
- Interview Prep Quiz — Test your interview knowledge
- How to Become a Firefighter — Complete career guide
