Welcome!
Are you intested in protecting and maintaining the safety of your community?
You have come to the right place! This page will give you all the information you need to start your journey to serving your community as a Firefighter.
Becoming A Firefighter
The Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (WSFF JATC) program is a rigorous and comprehensive three-year pathway designed to develop entry-level professional fire fighters and support their long-term career development. For more than two decades, this program has strengthened the fire service across Washington by producing highly skilled Journey-level fire fighters who are prepared to protect their communities from day one. Just as importantly, the apprenticeship model expands access to family-wage careers by creating pathways for women, minorities, and individuals from economically disadvantaged communities to enter and succeed in the fire service while earning college credit and nationally aligned credentials.
A Message from the Executive Director
Thank you for your interest in the Washington State Fire Fighters Apprenticeship Program.
Our program is a non-traditional apprenticeship, which means you must first be hired by a participating fire department before you can enroll in the apprenticeship program.
After being hired, your fire department will send you to a fire academy. Once you complete the academy, you will be on your journey as an apprenticeship, which includes:
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Completing five Fire Science courses over a three-year period.
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Logging 6,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Most fire departments require candidates to complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and may have additional hiring requirements, depending on the department. The two testing agencies most commonly used by Washington fire departments are Public Safety Testing and the National Testing Network.
I recommend contacting either of these organizations for information about testing requirements and available firefighter openings:
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Public Safety Testing (see the attached link for testing requirements, firefighter test day information, and other helpful resources). Public Safety Testing - Test Requirements - Firefighter Test Day and Policies
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National Testing Network (Public Safety Careers | Firefighter Jobs). NTN - Candidate Portal
I also encourage you to contact several fire departments in your area and ask about participating in a ride-along. Consider visiting both a combination department (career and volunteer firefighters) and a full-time career department. A ride-along provides an excellent opportunity to observe the job firsthand, ask questions, respond to calls when appropriate, and gain valuable insight from experienced firefighters about the profession.
I hope this information is helpful. I wish you the very best as you pursue a career in the fire service.
- David Myers
WSFF JATC
Are you up to the Challenge?
Qualifications
There is no single path to become a fire fighter in Washington State, but there are some basic qualifications:
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you should be over 18 years of age
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have earned a high school diploma or GED
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possess a valid driver’s license.
Firefighting is a physically demanding job. A first step might be to complete the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT). This test is designed to provide fire departments with pools of candidates who are physically able to perform essential tasks at fire scenes.
Every fire department uses a different process for recruiting, training, and hiring. To learn what these requirements are, contact your City, Fire District, or Regional Fire Authority.
Highlights of The Washington State Fire Training Academy
Courtesy of the Washington State Fire Marshals
Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
The WSFF JATC offers career fire fighters a disciplined career training and development program that integrates:
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On-the-Job Training (OJT)
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Professional Certifications: IFSAC, ProBoard
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College-level Academic Studies
Fire Science degrees are offered at several educational institutions around the state, including:
Volunteering, particularly in rural communities, can be a great way to learn more about the fire service.
Many departments rely on centralized private training organizations to test candidates for jobs. The National Testing Network and Public Safety Testing provide testing and forward test scores and information to departments with open positions.
Feeling Uncertain?
Don't worry!
Many departments have ride-along programs that you can schedule where you can get the ins and outs of what their department is like, and is a perfect opportunity to ask questions to current Firefighters of how they began their journeys.
In addition, for those who want a more hands-on experience, some departments have volunteer programs where you can gain experience as a firefighter before committing to the full role as a protector of public safety.
