Fire Services State Licensing Boards

  • Contact Name in State: State of Alabama Fire Marshal's Office
  • Contact Phone Number: (334) 241-4166
  • Contact Email Address: Firemarshal@insurance.alabama.gov
  • Additional Information: At a minimum, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, must hold the State of Alabama’s valid driver’s license, must have successfully completed the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT), must hold the State of Alabama’s EMS certification at the EMT-Basic level or above, and must pass firefighter written exam with a passing score of 70%. Firefighter requirements in Alabama vary according to local jurisdictions, as opposed to some other occupations where each state sets educational and experience expectations.
  • Mailing Address:
    • State of Alabama Fire Marshal's Office
      P.O. Box 303352
      Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3352
  • Contact Name in State: Alaska Department of Public Safety - Fire and Life Safety
  • Contact Phone Number: (907) 269-5511
  • Contact Email Address: Alaska State Fire Marshal/Director at richard.boothby@alaska.gov
  • Additional Information: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, have a clean criminal record, and have an EMT certification in Alaska. Some jurisdictions may also have a state residency requirement and a minimum educational requirement of an associate's or a bachelor’s degree. You are advised to check with your local fire department for the exact set of requirements.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Alaska Department of Public Safety - Fire and Life Safety (Anchorage Office)
      5700 E. Tudor Road
      Anchorage, Alaska 99507-1225
  • Contact Name in State: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
  • Contact Phone Number: (602) 771-1400
  • Contact Email Address: Assistant Deputy Director, Office of the State Fire Marshal at cpeters@dffm.az.gov
  • Additional Information: At a minimum, applicants must be 18 years old, be a US citizen, hold a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma, or a GED, and must not have any past felonies or criminal convictions. An applicant must pass an aptitude test and the strength and agility test. Next, come oral and panel interviews and a criminal background check.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
      1110 W. Washington St., Ste. 100
      Phoenix, AZ 85007
  • Contact Name in State: Arkansas Department of Public Safety - State Fire Marshal's Office
  • Contact Phone Number: (870) 741-2988
  • Contact Email Address: Chair, Arkansas Fire Prevention Commission Officers at mlowery@cityofharrison.com
  • Additional Information: Arkansas minimum requirements include proof of US citizenship, a valid driver’s license, and a high school diploma or a GED. A candidate must pass a written exam, a psychological test, a drug screening test, and a polygraph test.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Arkansas Department of Public Safety - State Fire Marshal's Office One State Police Plaza Dr.
      Little Rock, AR 72209
  • Contact Name in State: California Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (916) 568-3800
  • Contact Email Address: No email address found
  • Additional Information: California requirements vary. For example, if you are interested in becoming Fire Fighter I, which is a seasonal and temporary classification, then you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. However, if you seek a permanent position with the Burbank Fire Department, then you must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Since the requirements vary so much, the following should only serve as a general guideline on minimum requirements to become a firefighter in California. Fulfill minimum age requirement, be a US citizen, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid state of California driver’s license, be certified as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and have a valid Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). The application process itself will usually take a few months to complete.

    The state of California lists firefighting jobs among Fire Protection Careers. Some of the careers offered under this classification are Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter & Fire Firefighter (Paramedic), Fire Apparatus Engineer & Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic), and Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO). Each of these positions will have its own set of hiring requirements.
  • Mailing Address:
    • California Office of the State Fire Marshal Sacramento Headquarters
      P.O. Box 944246
      Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
  • Contact Name in State: Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control
  • Contact Phone Number: (303) 239-4600
  • Contact: Contact Us Form
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements include residency in Colorado and being a citizen of the United States, being at least 18 years old, having a GED certificate or a high school diploma at the time of application, possessing a valid driver’s license, no past felonies or conviction charges, be in good mental and physical condition. Next, you'll take a recruitment exam then an agility and strength test, and undergo a background check.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control
      690 Kipling Street, STE 2000
      Lakewood, CO 80215
  • Contact Name in State: Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (860) 713-5750
  • Contact Email Address: osfm.engineer@ct.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum requirements in Connecticut include being a citizen of the United States, holding a GED or a High School Diploma, being at least 18 years of age, holding a valid driver’s license, and having no felony charges/convictions. Applicants will take a written exam that tests their cognitive abilities and mental skills. Those who pass this exam have to appear for the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Lastly, go through a polygraph test, a psychological test, and a drug screening exam.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal
      450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 1304
      Hartford, CT 06103
  • Contact Name in State: Delaware State Office of Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (302) 739-5665
  • Contact Email Address: B. Scott Bullock, Chief Deputy Fire Marshal at brian.bullock@delaware.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum requirements in Delaware include being a US citizen, holding a GED or a high school diploma, being at least 18, possessing a valid driver’s license, and having no criminal history.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Delaware Office of State Fire Marshal Headquarters
      1537 Chestnut Grove Road Dover
      DE 19904-1544
  • Contact Name in State: District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department
  • Contact Phone Number: (202) 673-3320
  • Contact Email Address: info.fems@dc.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements in the District of Columbia include the following: Be a US citizen, be the age of 19 as of the date of application, possess a current valid motor vehicle operator’s permit at the time of appointment, have a high school diploma or a certificate of equivalency (GED) issued by a recognized department of education, pass the written firefighter/EMT entry-level examination, pass a scheduled physical abilities test, pass a thorough background check, pass a thorough medical and employment suitability assessment, submit to urinalysis and test negative for the presence of controlled substances/illegal drugs, and be of high moral character and committed to public service.
  • Mailing Address:
    • District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department
      2000 14th Street, NW, 5th Floor
      Washington, DC 20009
  • Contact Name in State: Florida Division of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (352) 369-2800
  • Contact Email Address: sfm@myfloridacfo.com or fsfc.comments@myfloridacfo.com
  • Additional Information: Minimum requirements to become a firefighter in Florida: Must be at least 18 years of age, must be a high school graduate or its equivalent, must hold a valid driver’s license, have a clean criminal history with no misdemeanor and felony conviction, must meet and maintain departmental requirements of physical and mental health, be a resident of the county where the application is being submitted, no use of illegal drugs and no abuse of prescription drugs one year prior to submission of the application, and must be in possession of a current State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician Certification and a current State of Florida Firefighter Certification or Paramedic Certification (Fire Medics). Finally, complete CPAT and NTN Fire Team Testing at National Testing Network.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Florida Division of State Fire Marshal
      200 East Gaines Street
      Tallahassee, FL 32399-0322
  • Contact Name in State: Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
  • Contact Phone Number: (404) 656-2070
  • Contact Email Address: Careers@oci.ga.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum requirements in Georgia include being at least 18 years of age, holding a high school diploma or GED, being in good physical condition, successfully completing the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council’s physical agility test, and holding a valid Georgia driver's license. After these requirements are met you will take a written exam, a polygraph test, physical and drug screening, and undergo a criminal background check. Upon completion of the Basic Firefighter Training Course (BFTC), you will have the opportunity to take the written portion of the GFSTC-mandated NPQ I Firefighter test. If you pass, you will become Georgia state-certified firefighter.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
      2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
      West Tower, Suite 702
      Atlanta, GA 30334
  • Contact Name in State: Guam Fire Department
  • Contact Phone Number: Daniel C. Stone, Fire Chief at (671) 642-3321
  • Contact Email Address: Joey Manibusan, Assistant Fire Chief/ Fire Marshall at joey.manibusan@gfd.guam.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Graduation from high school or certification of high school equivalency (GED), progression beyond the FireFighter Recruit position shall require that an employee occupying this position attain permanent status and satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Fire Academy. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the Territory of Guam. (This requirement does not apply to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia.) Must be in good health and physical condition, and must possess a valid Guam driver’s license at the time of certification, every Guam Fire Department firefighter shall obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) certification. No person convicted of a sex offense or an offense in any jurisdiction which includes, at a minimum, all of the elements of said offenses, or who is listed on the Sex Offender Registry shall work in any agency or instrumentality of the government of Guam.
  • Mailing Address:
    • C. Tamuning Fire Station
      595 South Marine Drive
      ​​​​​​​Tamuning, Guam 96913
  • Contact Name in State: State of Hawaii, State Fire Council
  • Contact Phone Number: (808) 723-7176 or (808) 723-7139
  • Contact Email Address: No email address found
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements to Become a Firefighter in Hawaii: Meet the residency requirements and have to be a US citizen, be at least 18 at the time of his/her application, have a clean legal track record, have mental and physical health, and possess a valid driver’s license. Once these requirements are met, a candidate has to appear for a written aptitude exam that tests the individual’s reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities. If the individual passes this test, he/she is called for a physical agility exam, which requires the candidate to perform various exercises and tasks. If the person’s performance on the physical test is satisfactory, he/she is called for a panel interview that assesses the candidate’s potential. He/she also has to go through background screening, a psychological exam, a medical test, and a polygraph test.
  • Mailing Address:
    • State of Hawaii, State Fire Council
      636 South Street Honolulu
      Hawaii 96813
  • Contact Name in State: Idaho Department of Insurance - State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (208) 334-4250
  • Contact: Licensing Section
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Be a US citizen, possess a GED/high school diploma, be at least 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and hold a valid driver's license. Candidates have to pass various tests including a written test, a physical test, interviews, a drug screening exam, a polygraph test, a psychological exam, and background screening.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal
      700 West State Street, 3rd Floor
      P.O. Box 83720
      Boise, ID 83720-0043
  • Contact Name in State: Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal - Matt Perez, State Fire Marshal/li>
  • Contact Phone Number: (217) 785-0969
  • Contact: Contact Us Form
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Applicants must be at least 20 years of age at the time of filing of application and 21 years of age at appointment. Applicants older than 34 years may not be considered for employment. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the ability to climb ladders. All applicants must have correctable vision to 20/20 in each eye. All applicants must be of good moral character. They must agree to be fingerprinted and during a thorough background investigation must not be found convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors. He/She must live in the county where he/she works as a firefighter or within a certain mile radius of a landmark (as specified by your employer). All applicants must possess an Illinois Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) license at the time of application. Applicants holding a National Registry paramedic license or an out-of-state license can apply for the Illinois paramedic license on a reciprocity basis by contacting the Illinois Department of Public Health. All applicants must hold a valid driver’s license at the time of hiring. All applicants must be citizens of the US.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Office of the State Fire Marshal
      1035 Stevenson Drive
      ​​​​​​​Springfield, IL 62703
  • Contact Name in State: Indiana Division of Fire and Building Safety
  • Contact Phone Number: (317) 232-2222
  • Contact Email Address: No email address found
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Be at least 21 years of age at the time of applying but not more than 36 years of age by the date of appointment, be a US citizen, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a clean criminal record with no felony convictions, possess a valid driver’s license. Next, you pass a timed test (3.5 hours), pass the timed physical test (CPAT), complete a timed aerial climb, and pass a psychological exam.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Indiana Division of Fire and Building Safety
      302 W Washington St Ste W246
      Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Contact Name in State: Iowa State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (515) 725-6145
  • Contact Email Address: fminfo@dps.state.ia.us
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements to join the Iowa Firefighting Department: Must be a minimum of 18 years of age, and must have at least a high school diploma (HSD). If not, then the equivalent GED certificate will suffice too, must have a valid Iowa driving license, must have legal citizenship of the US, either by naturalization or birth, and must not have any criminal record in Iowa or the rest of the United States, must clear the initial written exam, must get an acceptable score on the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) (different departments in the state may have different thresholds), some fire departments in Iowa also make it compulsory for their firefighting staff to hold a certification such as an EMT (EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) or a CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
  • Mailing Address:
    • Iowa Department of Public Safety
      State Fire Marshal Division
      215 E 7th St
      Des Moines IA 50319
  • Contact Name in State: Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (785) 296-3401
  • Contact: Contact Us Form
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must have US citizenship, must hold a GED/high school diploma, must be 18 years old at the time of application, must have a clean criminal record, must hold a valid driver’s license. Pass the written exam, a physical exam, a panel interview, a psychological exam, a drug test, and background screening.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Office of the State Fire Marshal
      800 SW Jackson Street Suite 104
      Topeka, KS 66612
  • Contact Name in State: Kentucky State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: Mike Haney (State Fire Marshal) at (502) 573-0382
  • Contact Email Address: Mike Haney (State Fire Marshal) at mike.haney@ky.go
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must be at least 18, must have cleared high school or possess an alternative GED (General Educational Development) certificate, must be a US citizen, be it through birth or naturalization, must have a valid Kentucky driver’s license, must not have a criminal record of any kind, whether in Kentucky or some other state, must qualify the initial written test, must pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), and must clear the medical exam along with a polygraph test and a thorough background check.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Kentucky State Fire Marshal
      500 Mero Street, First Floor
      Frankfort, KY 40601
  • Contact Name in State: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (225) 925-4911
  • Contact Email Address: Captain Ricky Roubique at Ricky.Roubique@la.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: All applicants must be citizens of the US and should be of legal age. They must also meet the requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, after the employment offer, and before beginning the job, all firefighters will be required to pass a physical exam, applicants ought to possess any of the following: “high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, high school transcript, affidavit from the issuing high school, associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or college transcript, any one of which must indicate that graduation has occurred or a degree awarded. A certification of completion shall not be sufficient to substitute for a diploma or equivalency certificate”, candidates need to have a valid driver’s license, and should not be less than 18 years old. Please make sure you check the exact requirements of the jurisdiction you are planning to apply in since most jurisdictions will have additional requirements.
  • Mailing Address:
    • The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office
      Fire Marshal H. "Butch" Browning, Jr.
      8181 Independence Blvd.
      Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
  • Contact Name in State: Maine Department of Public Safety - Office of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (207) 626-3870
  • Contact Email Address: General Information at webmaster_fmo@maine.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Minimum age of 18, US citizenship, valid driver’s license for the state of Maine, and at least a high school diploma (HSD). If not, then the equivalent GED certificate is acceptable too, with no criminal record whatsoever. This goes for Maine as well as every other state, clear the written evaluation, and a high score on the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Different fire departments in Maine may have different CPAT cutoffs. So, aim to score as high as possible on this exam, many fire departments in Maine also make it mandatory for their fire service personnel to acquire some basic medical certifications like EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
  • Mailing Address:
    • Maine Department of Public Safety
      Office of State Fire Marshal
      52 State House Station
      Augusta, Maine 04333-0052
  • Contact Name in State: Maryland State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (410) 653-4200
  • Contact Email Address: msp.osfm@maryland.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license, applicants must be US nationals or legally allowed to work in the US, applicants must be able to clear/pass all the exams/tests required by a particular fire department in Maryland.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Maryland State Fire Marshal
      1201 Reisterstown Road
      Pikesville, Maryland 21208
  • Contact Name in State: Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
  • Contact Phone Number: (978) 567-3100
  • Contact Email Address: Peter Ostroskey, State Fire Marshal at peter.ostroskey@mass.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: You must be at least 19 years old in order to take the Massachusetts Firefighter Civil Service Exam, you should have a GED or a high school diploma, you must possess a valid driver’s license, you must be in a good physical condition, appear for a written exam, and appear for the physical ability test (PAT).
  • Mailing Address:
    • Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
      Springfield Campus
      100 Grochmal Avenue
      P.O. Box 51025
      Springfield, MA 01151
  • Contact Name in State: Missouri Department of Public Safety - Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (573) 751-2930
  • Contact Email Address: firesafe@dfs.dps.mo.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, be a legal citizen of the United States, must possess a High School Diploma (HSD) or an equivalent GED certificate, hold a valid Missouri driving license, clear the Candidate's Physical Agility Test (CPAT), get screened for drug usage, must not be a convicted felon nor have any serious misdemeanor charges against their name during the last 5 years, have 20/30 vision or better (with or without glasses/contact lenses).

    Some fire departments in Missouri make it mandatory for all their firefighters to hold a paramedic license or obtain an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification within a year of becoming employed as a trained staff member. However, this is not a statewide requirement yet.
  • Mailing Address:
    • ​​​​​​​Missouri Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety
      205 Jefferson St., 13th Floor
      Jefferson City, MO 65101-4421
  • Contact Name in State: Montana State Fire Marshal’s Office & Fire Prevention
  • Contact Phone Number: (406) 444-2050
  • Contact Email Address: Dick Swingley, State Fire Marshal at diswingley@mt.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, have a GED certificate or a high school diploma at least, hold a valid Montana driver’s license, have legal status as a US citizen, must not have any criminal record whatsoever in any state, sit for and pass the written evaluation, pass the physical exam, whether CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or any other depending upon the particular fire service.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Dick Swingley, State Fire Marshal
      Fire Prevention and Investigation Section
      Division of Criminal Investigation
      Department of Justice
      2225 11th Avenue
      P.O. Box 201417
      Helena, MT 59620-1417
  • Contact Name in State: Nebraska State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (402) 471-2027
  • Contact Email Address: Contact Form
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must be 18 or older to apply, must have a high school diploma (HSD) or an equivalent GED certificate, have a valid driving license in Nebraska, must not have a criminal record in Nebraska or anywhere else in the USA, be a legal American citizen. This includes both US-born and naturalized citizens, who qualify for the preliminary written test, and pass the physical exam. Different fire departments in Nebraska are likely to have different physical testing procedures of their own. Some may also accept a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) score. The fire department in Omaha also conducts a human relations video test in addition to its physical evaluation, clears the drugs test and psychological assessment, and obtains an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)certification.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency
      246 South 14th Street, Suite 1
      ​​​​​​​Lincoln, NE 68508-1804
  • Contact Name in State: Nevada Department of Public Safety - State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (775) 684-7500
  • Contact Email Address: sfm@dps.state.nv.us
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Candidates must be citizens of the US, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, candidates must have a valid driver’s license, candidates must have at least a high school diploma or a GED, candidates must be physically and mentally fit to perform the rigorous tasks involved, candidates must not have been convicted of a felony – in such a case, they will not be eligible to apply. Candidates must pass the following tests: Written Exam, Physical Ability Test, Oral Board Interview, Medical Exam, Suitability Exam, and Background Exam.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Nevada State Fire Marshal Division
      107 Jacobsen Way
      ​​​​​​​Carson City, Nevada 89701
  • Contact Name in State: New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety
  • Contact Phone Number: (603) 223-4289
  • Contact Email Address: fmo@dos.nh.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must be a US citizen, must be 18 years old at the time of application, should have a clean legal track record, should have stable mental health and a good physical condition, and should have a valid driver’s license. This also involves a number of stages including a written exam, a physical test, interviews, a medical check, a psychological test, background screening, and a polygraph test.
  • Mailing Address:
    • New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety
      33 Hazen Drive
      ​​​​​​​Concord, NH | 03305
  • Contact Name in State: State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs - New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
  • Contact Phone Number: (609) 633-6106
  • Contact Email Address: Richard Mikutsky, Director at Richard.Mikutsky@dca.nj.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The following list of requirements may vary from county to county within the state. Furthermore, city-to-city requirements may vary too. Therefore, treat the following as a general guideline only - Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of filing an application and at least 21 years of age at the time of hiring, applicants must be citizens of the US, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, more and more employers now prefer applicants with some college education and/or pre-hospital care (EMT/paramedic) certifications. Applicants must possess the State of New Jersey’s valid driver’s license, applicants with a dishonorable discharge may not be considered for employment, applicant’s background is thoroughly checked including criminal history and if they have been convicted of felony or misdemeanors, they may not be considered for employment, applicants must pass a thorough drug screening for marijuana, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, and other illegal drugs use to be considered for employment, applicants must pass a thorough medical and psychological exam. This is conducted to determine whether they can perform the functions of a firefighter. To cross-check the truthfulness of the information on the application, your future employer will ask you to take a polygraph test. You must pass this test to be considered for employment.
  • Mailing Address:
    • State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
      Division of Fire Safety
      P.O. Box 809 Trenton
      ​​​​​​​New Jersey 08625
  • Contact Name in State: New Mexico Public Regulation Commission - State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: General and Training Information at (575) 835-7500
  • Contact Email Address: Brad Brunson, Deputy State Fire Marshal at Brad.Brunson@state.nm.us
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Be at least 21 or older to be eligible to apply, must have passed high school. If not, the alternative GED (General Educational Development) certificate will suffice, no criminal record anywhere in the United States, must be an American national (through naturalization or birth in the US), pass the preliminary written exam, and clear the physical assessment. Many fire departments also accept the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) score. So, if you are applying with the CPAT, try to score as high as possible, and obtain a valid State of New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician license by the time open enrollment ends.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Public Regulation Commission
      State Fire Marshal Division
      1120 Paseo De Peralta
      P.O. Box 1269
      Santa Fe, NM 87504

      — or —
      ​​​​​​​
      Deputy Fire Marshal
      Firefighters Training Academy
      600 Aspen Road
      P.O. Box 239
      Socorro 87801
  • Contact Name in State: New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
  • Contact Phone Number: (518) 474-6746
  • Contact Email Address: fire@dhses.ny.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The following are some of the general qualifications (specific qualifications may vary from city to city and county to county) you will have to fulfill in order to work as a firefighter in the State of New York. You must be at least 17.5 years of age but not more than 29 years of age by the beginning of the application process, be a U.S. citizen, hold a high school diploma or GED, be a resident of the state, hold a valid driver’s license of the state, be proficient in English language, be of good moral character and pass a background investigation, pass a drug screening, medical and psychological tests, pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and must have 15 college credit hours earned from an accredited community college or military service with an honorable discharge. You will need to get a Certified First Responder with Defibrillation Certificate (CFR-D) as well.
  • Mailing Address:
    • New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
      1220 Washington Avenue Building 7A, Floor 2
      Albany, NY 12226
  • Contact Name in State: North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (800) 634-7854 (toll-free in North Carolina only)
  • Contact Email Address: No email address found
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: To become either a volunteer or a paid North Carolina firefighter, you must meet several basic requirements. Be 18 years old when you apply with a valid class C or better North Carolina driver's license. In addition to the state requirements listed, most North Carolina city fire departments require driving records and criminal background checks. Before you receive a North Carolina Firefighter Certification, you must take a battery of tests given by a Level II Instructor. Also, before you can be certified as a North Carolina Level I firefighter, you must pass the Haz Mat (Hazardous Materials) Awareness and Haz Mat Operations classes. You must score at least 70% on all tests to receive your certification.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Office of State Fire Marshall
      1201 Mail Service Center
      Raleigh NC 27699-1201
  • Contact Name in State: North Dakota Fire Marshal - Office of Attorney General
  • Contact Phone Number: (701) 328-5555
  • Contact Email Address: infofm@nd.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The applicant should meet the residency requirements; he/she has to be a US citizen, the applicant must have a high school diploma or an equivalent (GED), the applicant must be 18 years of age, must be mentally sound, must be in an excellent physical condition, should not have a criminal record and must have a good moral character, must have a valid driver’s license, and the applicant should pass a battery of tests.
  • Mailing Address:
    • North Dakota Fire Marshal
      P.O. Box 1054
      Bismarck, ND 58502-1054
  • Contact Name in State: Northern Mariana Islands Department of Public Safety - Fire Division
  • Contact Phone Number: Director of Fire at (670) 664-9140
  • Contact Email Address: No email address found
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: All applicants must be at least 18 years old, must have citizenship of the Mariana Islands, have a valid driver’s license issued by official state authorities, have no felony convictions in the United States of America, and have a high school education or equivalent degree e.g. a GED. In addition to these requirements, applicants are expected to follow more specific requirements as well. After meeting the basic requirements, candidates must actively work towards their field of interest by studying for exams.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Northern Mariana Islands, DPS-Fire Div.
      P.O. Box 500791 N Jose M Sablan Bldg RD
      Civic Center Susupe
      ​​​​​​​Saipan, State of Northern Mariana Islands 96950
  • Contact Name in State: Ohio Department of Commerce - Division Of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (614) 752-8200
  • Contact Email Address: websfm@com.state.oh.us
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: These may differ from city to city and county to county, so check with your prospective employer. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, candidates must be US citizens, candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED, and candidates must hold a valid driver’s license. If you fulfill these qualifications then you can move on to step 2, which is typically passing a written exam and oral assessment. Once you pass both the written and oral assessments, you will be asked to take a physical test.

    This test will be timed and you are likely to be asked to perform those physical activities that a firefighter performs on an average day. Once you pass the physical test, you will be asked to fill in a personal history questionnaire (PHQ), get fingerprinted, and take the polygraph test. The next step in the hiring process is to be interviewed by a board consisting of fire department representatives. Based on how you perform during the interview, the board will make its recommendations to the Director of Public Safety.
  • Mailing Address:
    • ​​​​​​​Division of State Fire Marshal
      8895 East Main Street
      Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
  • Contact Name in State: Oklahoma Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (405) 522-5005
  • Contact Email Address: FD-Recruitment@okc.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Applicant must be a citizen of the United States, must have a GED or a High School Diploma, must be 18 years of age, should possess a valid driver’s license, and should have no felony convictions in the past. Such charges and convictions can make the individual an unfavorable candidate. The applicant must have good mental and physical health. He/she should have adequate agility and strength to perform duties under adverse and strenuous conditions. The applicant must be willing to work irregular hours and long shifts, have the ability to learn firefighting emergency procedures, techniques, and principles, the ability to follow, understand, and communicate written and oral instructions, have the ability to perform a range of firefighting duties, have the ability to learn and apply life-saving techniques and first aid methods, and must be a team player. Applicants have to undergo a very extensive hiring process, so it’s better to be prepared beforehand. First, the candidates are required to pass the aptitude exam, which tests his/her mental and cognitive skills. Then, the applicant has to pass the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT), where he/she is asked to perform a number of strenuous exercises like hose drag, stair climb, ladder rise, etc. Once they have proved that they are physically fit for the job, they are expected to appear for interviews and a psychological exam, along with a polygraph test, a drug screening test, and a background investigation.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Oklahoma State Fire Marshals Office
      2401 NW 23rd Street Suite 4
      ​​​​​​​Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 7310
  • Contact Name in State: Oregon State Police - Office of State Fire Marshal Division
  • Contact Phone Number: (503) 373-1540
  • Contact Email Address: oregon.sfm@osp.oregon.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Be aware of the exact requirements of your local fire department’s hiring process. Even though this process tends to vary from city to city, the requirements are generally the same. Candidates must have at least a high school diploma or a GED, must be citizens of the US, must have an EMT certificate of the Basic Level, must clear all the entry tests, including a physical test and a psychological test, must participate in volunteer firefighting activities, and must have a valid driver’s license. In addition to these, candidates are also advised to get some of the preferred credentials and qualifications, if they can. These include any past experience as a firefighter, additional NFPA certifications or a college degree.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Office of State Fire Marshal
      3565 Trelstad Ave SE
      ​​​​​​​Salem, OR 97317
  • Contact Name in State: Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC)
  • Contact Phone Number: Bruce Trego, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner at (717) 651-2201
  • Contact Email Address: Bruce Trego, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner at brtrego@pa.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The following may differ from city to city, so treat the list as a general guideline only: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED), applicants must be physically fit to perform the duties of firefighters under all-weather conditions, applicants must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Those with a suspended or revoked license may not be considered for the position. Applicants must be residents of the city where they want to become a firefighter.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
      1150 Riverside Drive
      Lewistown, PA 17044
  • Contact Name in State: State of Rhode Island Office of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (401) 889-5555
  • Contact Email Address: Timothy P. McLaughlin, State Fire Marshal at Timothy.McLaughlin@dbr.ri.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The requirements to become a firefighter in Rhode Island would vary according to the city and the department you are applying to. For instance, the City of Providence might have slightly different requirements than the West Warwick Fire Department. That being said, however, the general requirements to become a firefighter remain somewhat similar throughout the state. Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the beginning of the academy training session, must have a high school diploma or a GED at the start of the academy training session, must have a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License, must agree to medical and informational reviews, and must get an EMT Basic Licensure before the completion of the academy training session. Candidates must complete the application and selection process which includes submitting an online application, along with the application fee. It also involves passing written examinations, clearing background investigations, passing a medical exam, clearing drug screening, passing a psychological exam, and an oral interview.
  • Mailing Address:
    • RI Office of the State Fire Marshal
      560 Jefferson Boulevard
      ​​​​​​​Warwick, RI 02886
  • Contact Name in State: SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) - Office of State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (803) 896-9800
  • Contact Email Address: SCFA.Reciprocity@llr.sc.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The individual must be a US Citizen, should not be older than 18 years, should have a High School Diploma or an equivalent qualification, should possess a valid driver’s license, should have no criminal charges or convictions against the applicant, and should be mentally and physically fit. The applicants undergo a very tough and lengthy hiring process. First of all, they are expected to clear the aptitude exam, which tests the individual’s reasoning and critical thinking abilities. Then, they have to take the physical agility exam to prove that they are physically fit for the job. Once they clear these exams, they have to go through interviews, pre-screening, drug screening, and criminal background to check whether they have the character and aptitude for this profession.
  • Mailing Address:
    • SC Office of State Fire Marshal
      141 Monticello Trail
      ​​​​​​​Columbia, SC 29203
  • Contact Name in State: South Dakota Department of Public Safety - State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: DPS Fire Marshal at (605) 773-3562
  • Contact Email Address: DPS Fire Marshal at fireinfo@state.sd.us
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Be a U.S. citizen with have a GED or a high school diploma, cannot be younger than 18, have no criminal history, have a valid driver’s license, and then you need to pass a series of tests. These will include the written exam and the physical agility test. The written exam will test your cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and reasoning skills. The physical exam will include various physical exercises and tasks such as a stair climb, mannequin drag, hose pull, and hose platform. These tasks will test your upper body strength, aerobic ability, physical strength, and stamina.
  • Mailing Address:
    • SD State Fire Marshal
      221 South Central Avenue
      Pierre, SD 57501
  • Contact Name in State: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance - Fire Prevention / State Fire Marshal's Office
  • Contact Phone Number: (931) 294-4140
  • Contact Email Address: Fire.Prevention@tn.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Possess a valid Tennessee driving license, possess a High School Diploma or GED, and take a written test, which is designed to evaluate a candidate’s reading comprehension, spatial awareness, mechanical reasoning, observation, sharpness of memory and the ability to apply logic, take the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) which will gauge your physical prowess and suitability for the role of a firefighter in Tennessee. In the state of Tennessee, you must volunteer at your local fire department for between 6 months and 1 year before you can apply to the Tennessee Fire Department.
  • Mailing Address:
    • State of Tennessee - Department of Commerce and Insurance
      Division of Fire Prevention - Commission on Fire Fighting
      2161 Unionville - Deason Road
      ​​​​​​​Bell Buckle, Tennessee 37020
  • Contact Name in State: Texas Department of Insurance - State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: State Fire Marshal’s Office at (512) 676-6800
  • Contact Email Address: Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov — or — HumanResources@tdi.texas.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Meet the minimum and maximum age requirement, have a high school diploma or GED, be certified as EMT-B (or higher) by the State of Texas or enrolled in a qualifying course, be willing to graduate from a firefighter training academy, or be certified/certifiable by The Texas Commission on Fire Protection, be able to pass a background check, have no felony convictions and no recent misdemeanors, have a valid driver’s license, and have a clean driving record. These are some of the minimum qualifications for you to meet if you want to work as a firefighter in the state of Texas. In addition to these your city’s fire department may have its own requirements such as passing the entrance exam, etc. However, there is one requirement that is mandatory across all fire departments in the state of Texas and that is getting certified as a firefighter with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). This is mandatory especially if you want to work as a paid firefighter in Texas.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Texas Department of Insurance
      State Fire Marshal's Office
      P.O. Box 12030 Austin, TX 78711-2030
  • Contact Name in State: Utah Department of Public Safety - Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (801) 256-2390
  • Contact Email Address: Coy Porter, State Fire Marshal at coyporter@utah.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be 18 years old, must possess a high school diploma/GED, must have a valid driver’s license, must have a good moral character, and should not have past felony convictions, and your mental and physical health must be excellent.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office
      410 West 9800 South, Suite 372
      ​​​​​​​Sandy, Utah 84070
  • Contact Name in State: Vermont Department of Public Safety - Division of Fire Safety
  • Contact Phone Number: (802) 479-7561
  • Contact Email Address: Michael Desrochers, Division Executive Director at Michael.Desrochers@vermont.gov — or — Robert Sponable, Deputy Director at Robert.Sponable@vermont.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Candidates should be at least 18 years of age, should be a citizen of the US, should have a valid driver’s license, should possess an EMT certification, should not have a criminal record, should have at least a high school diploma or a GED, and should be in a good physical and mental shape. Most fire departments in Vermont do not require candidates to have an undergraduate degree. However, it would make your application a lot stronger if you invest in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fire science.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Vermont Division of Fire Safety (Central Office)
      Michael Desrochers, Executive Director
      Robert Sponable, Deputy Director
      1311 US Route 302 – Suite 600
      ​​​​​​​Barre, VT 05641
  • Contact Name in State: Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service
  • Contact Phone Number: (284) 468-4182
  • Contact Email Address: Bvi_Fire@gov.vg
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be at least 21 years old, must be able to speak and read English, must have a valid Virgin Islands or US Driver's License, must pass a written exam, must undergo a thorough psychological exam, must have no criminal record or convictions for domestic violence.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Fire And Rescue Service
      #26 Fishlock Road
      P.O.Box 999 Road Town
      ​​​​​​​Tortola Virgin Islands (British) VG 1110
  • Contact Name in State: Virginia Department of Fire Programs - State Fire Marshal's Office
  • Contact Phone Number: (804) 371-0220
  • Contact Email Address: Bill MacKay, Chief of Training and Operations at william.mackay@vdfp.virginia.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The candidate should be a citizen of the United States, at the time of application, the candidate must be 18 years of age, the candidate must hold a GED or a high school diploma, the candidate must hold a valid driver’s license, the candidate should be in an excellent mental and physical state, and the candidate must have a clean criminal record. Any felonies or convictions can decrease the applicant’s chances of being recruited as a firefighter.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Main Virginia Department of Fire Prevention Headquarters
      1005 Technology Park Drive
      ​​​​​​​Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500
  • Contact Name in State: Washington State Patrol - State Fire Marshal's Office
  • Contact Phone Number: Fire Training at (425) 453-3000 — or — State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3900
  • Contact Email Address: firemarsh@wsp.wa.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, must have a high school diploma or its equivalent GED, must hold the state’s valid driver’s license, must have a current Washington state EMT certification, or be eligible for EMT certification upon hire; and meet all the steps of the hiring process. Complete work attitudes questionnaire, a 2.5-hour test on math, reading, mechanical reasoning components, and human relations, and an Oral Board Exam.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Washington State Patrol
      P.O. Box 42642 Olympia
      ​​​​​​​WA 98504-2642
  • Contact Name in State: West Virginia Fire Commission - Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Contact Phone Number: (304) 558-2191
  • Contact Email Address: Contact Us Form
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: The requirements to become a firefighter in West Virginia would vary according to the city you are applying to. However, generally speaking, the requirements would be on the following lines: All candidates must have at least a high school diploma or a GED, all candidates must be citizens of the US, all candidates must have a valid driver’s license, all candidates must not have any prior felony convictions or a criminal record, all candidates must show proof of residency as required by their local department, all candidates must clear the written, oral, physical, medical and psychological tests and interviews, all candidates should have an EMT certification, and all candidates ought to have some volunteer firefighting experience (variable according to city requirements). In addition to the above requirements, it is recommended that aspiring firefighters in West Virginia go for an undergraduate degree in Fire Science or a related subject.
  • Mailing Address:
    • West Virginia Fire Commission
      Office of the State Fire Marshal
      1207 Quarrier St., (2nd Floor)
      Charleston, WV 25301
  • Contact Name in State: State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Fire Department Safety & Health Division
  • Contact Phone Number: Bradley Johnson, Program Supervisor at (920) 492-5605
  • Contact Email Address: DSPSSBHealthandSafetyTech@Wisconsin.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Even though the exact requirements vary according to jurisdiction, the following general requirements are usually applicable. Be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, have a high school diploma or a GED/HSED, have a State of Wisconsin Firefighter I or equivalent, and be a nationally registered EMT-Basic. Some jurisdictions might also require an Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection or Fire Science, along with certifications or licenses. In addition to that, several cities in the state require candidates to be citizens of the US as well and have a Hazmat Operations level certification. To make sure you have fulfilled all the relevant requirements, you are advised to check with the local city fire department you intend to apply. Some cities also have a residency requirement – for instance, Ashland firefighters are required to live within 15 miles from the limits of the city of Ashland.
  • Mailing Address:
    • State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
      Fire Department Safety & Health Division
      4822 Madison Yards Way
      Madison, WI 53705
  • Contact Name in State: Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
  • Contact Phone Number: Jerome King, Fire Instructor/Investigator, Cheyenne Office at (307) 777-5475 — or — J. Michael Reed, State Fire Marshal at (307) 777-7288
  • Contact Email Address: Jerome King, Fire Instructor/Investigator, Cheyenne Office at jerome.king@wyo.gov
  • Additional Information: Minimum Requirements: Must have attained the age of at least 18, and must have completed high school. If you don’t have an HSD (High School Diploma), then you can also obtain the equivalent GED (General Educational Development) certificate, must obtain a Wyoming driving license, must hold legal US citizenship (this can be either through birth or naturalization), and the candidate should not have a criminal record anywhere in the United States.
  • Mailing Address:
    • Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety
      320 W. 25th St., 3rd Floor
      ​​​​​​​Cheyenne, WY 82002