Who can apply to the WSFF JATC? Career firefighters employed by departments registered as training agents under WSFF JATC are eligible. Applicants must be officially sponsored by their employing agency to enroll.

What are the minimum qualifications to become a firefighter apprentice? Candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid driver’s license. Physical ability, medical clearance, and department hiring requirements must also be met.

How do I apply? We are a non-traditional apprenticeship and require that you must be hired first by a participating fire department. Most fire departments require applicants to have passed the CPAT test Candidate Physical Ability Test you can find out more about that by going to Public Safety testing. Attatched below are the Testing Site links, please visit the links for additional information. Public Safety Testing https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/ National Testing Network Public Safety Careers | Firefighter Jobs | Police Officer Jobs | National Testing Network WA Fire Careers https://wafirecareers.org/

Are volunteer or reserve firefighters eligible? No. WSFF JATC is designed specifically for full-time, career firefighters employed by municipal, district, or regional fire departments.

Can veterans use their G.I. Bill benefits? Yes. The program is approved for use with G.I. Bill education benefits, allowing veterans to offset tuition and living costs while completing apprenticeship requirements.

Is there currently a moratorium on new department participation? Yes. Due to limited state funding, WSFF JATC has temporarily paused new department admissions. Nineteen additional departments are currently on the waiting list to join once funding expands.

Can prior training or experience count toward completion? Yes. Apprentices may receive credit for previous relevant training or experience, as approved by WSFF JATC and L&I, through a formal evaluation process.