The process to become a City of Fayetteville Firefighter will include several phases. Candidates must pass each phase to move to the next, and all stages of the hiring process must be successfully completed to be considered for the position.
Step 1: Application Submission
Each candidate must submit their online application during the open recruitment period according to the provided instructions. Applications must include details about educational background and a complete work history spanning the last 10 years. If you do not have a 10-year work history, please include information about your education or other relevant activities. For any questions or assistance in ensuring your application is complete, contact the recruitment officer. Incomplete applications will not be processed, and candidates will not be allowed to proceed with the testing process.
Step 2: Written Exam
All complete applications that meet the minimum requirements for the position will receive an email invitation to the written exam. Each candidate is responsible for scheduling their exam and any subsequent steps in the hiring process.
The written examination is designed to assess the cognitive skills necessary for effective firefighter performance. It is provided and scored by a third-party vendor approved by the City of Fayetteville. The exam may cover various topics, including reasoning, memory, problem-solving, decision-making, mathematical comprehension and computation, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning.
Candidates who achieve a passing score will be invited to advance to the next phase of the hiring process.
**To purchase a study guide from our written test vendor, click here or below.
FF-EL Study Guide (Online)
Step 3: Physical Ability Test (PAT)
To successfully pass the physical ability test, candidates must complete a series of exercises designed to simulate tasks routinely performed by firefighters. If a candidate fails to complete any exercise within the maximum allotted time, they will be disqualified from the selection process. Practice sessions are available before the actual test. Once the physical ability test is completed, candidates will receive a five-minute rest period before ascending a 77-foot aerial ladder, which must be completed within five minutes.
Please review this downloadable guide and video below:
FFD-Candidate-Orientation-Guide.pdf(PDF, 260KB)
Step 4: Panel Interview
Candidates who complete all previous stages of the process will be invited to participate in a panel interview. This interview will include questions aimed at assessing various aspects of your personality, your compatibility with the Fire Service, and your ability to communicate those traits effectively.
Your answers will be judged on several factors to include but not limited to:
- Oral communication
- Work ethic
- Work style
- Moral
- Ethical decision making
- Prioritizing and values
Step 5: Eligibility List
Candidates who complete all sections of the hiring process will be considered "eligible for hire." Candidates are ranked based on their overall performance during the process and placed on the "Eligibility List." This list is valid until August 31st of the following calendar year in which the testing occurs. Candidates placed on the eligibility list may be considered for hire based on the department's needs for the remainder of the list duration. Those not selected for hire will need to retest if they wish to be considered for employment with the Fayetteville Fire Department in the future.
The City of Fayetteville's Human Resources Development Department will email each candidate regarding their placement on the eligibility list. Please note that the City of Fayetteville does not disclose an individual's ranking on the list or final scores, as the selection process is complex.
Step 6: Selection for entry into the Fayetteville Fire Training Academy
If selected for employment, all candidates will undergo screenings that include background checks for criminal and driving records, drug testing, reference checks, employment history verification, and medical evaluations conducted by the city’s approved occupational physician.
All recruits must attend the Fayetteville Fire Training Academy as recruit firefighters, commonly called “Recruits.” Recruits will follow a Monday through Friday schedule, with hours varying based on training requirements. After completing Fire and EMT training, they will transition to a shift work schedule.
The Fire Training Academy is physically and mentally demanding. Recruits should be prepared for long hours, home study, and daily physical fitness training. For more information about life at the academy, please contact the recruitment officer.