1. Written Test
The recruit examination is a 100-question, multiple-choice test with most of the questions taken from the Firefighter Recruit Exam Study Guide available for download at the time of application. The test also includes reading comprehension and basic math questions. Applicants are NOT allowed to use the study guide when taking the written exam. **Note: Veterans and/or disabled persons who PASS the written exam are eligible to receive 5 additional points. Eligible applicants will receive the additional points only upon obtaining a PASSING score on the written exam.
2. Applicant Eligibility List
Applicants who successfully pass the written test will be placed on the Firefighter Recruit eligibility list by the City of Phoenix Human Resources Department. When the list is certified, it will be forwarded to the Fire Department. The Fire Department uses the eligible list to invite applicants for job interviews. For address and other important changes, please use the following e-mail address: recruitment.pfd@phoenix.gov.
3. Oral Board Interview
The City of Phoenix Fire Department conducts two rounds of oral interviews. Candidates will be sent an email advising them of the date, time and location of the interview. Candidates are allowed 20 minutes for the interview. Candidates are notified via email to arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to their interview time if they wish to review the questions prior to their interview. Candidates will be allowed 20 minutes to review the questions. If candidates arrive late, time to review the questions is forfeited. After the interview is concluded, candidates will be handed an exit information sheet. Candidates selected to participate in the final interview will be notified via email with the date, time and location of the final selection interview. Candidates not selected to participate in the final selection interview will be notified via email. Candidates will be asked to provide proof of a State of Arizona Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification or National Registry EMT Certification and proof of successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) from a licensed agency. This certification must be no more than 6 months old at time of the final selection interview. Candidates who complete a final selection interview will be placed on a hiring list. Candidates who are selected to continue the hiring process will get a phone call from the Fire Department Human Resources Officer/Deputy Chief or his/her designee. A final job offer is contingent upon meeting requirements of a comprehensive criminal background investigation, a medical examination and a driver's license query.
4. Criminal Background Investigation, Medical Examination and Driver's License
A comprehensive criminal background investigation is conducted on finalists that have been given a contingency offer of employment to establish evidence of good moral character, a well-adjusted personality, community commitment, fire service adaptability, and a pattern of conduct acceptable to the Phoenix Fire Department. Phoenix Firefighters are considered public safety positions due to the safety sensitive nature of their job duties. Regular duties of Phoenix Firefighters include, but are not limited to: providing serviced directly to children, youth, elderly, or individuals with disabilities; routine access to private property; routine access to sensitive records, including medical reports; providing statements in interviews, depositions, and subpoenas in legal proceedings; and providing sworn testimony in courts of law. Additionally, certain assignments within the Phoenix Fire Department are subject to heightened scrutiny due to Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and Secret Service requirements. Be sure to answer the application screening questions completely and accurately.
Note: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that an applicant provide the City of Phoenix with proof of identification and authorization to work prior to employment. The most common documents that will furnish this proof are: Arizona Driver license AND Social Security Card. Ensure that your name appears the same on whatever documents you choose to provide as proof. Failure to provide accurate or complete employment documentation may result in the contingency hiring offer to be rescinded. Candidates must complete and pass a medical examination that includes a cardiovascular fitness component.
5. Drug Screening
Candidates will be administered a pre-employment drug screening test including testing for anabolic steroids. Drug screening tests will be conducted annually by the Fire Department throughout employment.
