Get Hired
Congratulations on wanting to become a New York City Firefighter. There has never been a better time to join the FDNY. The following steps should be followed to become an FDNY Firefighter.
The filing period for the Firefighter Open Competitive exam #4044 is now open and will close on August 23, 2024. To file for the exam, you must have an OASys account. If you do not have an OASys account, you will need to go to the DCAS website and create an account. If you have any questions, you can call the Recruitment office Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm at (718) 999-3369.
Step 1: Apply
Apply to take the written Firefighter exam. Exams are typically offered about every four years.
If you want to become a FDNY Firefighter, you must meet eligibility requirements.
You can start your process of becoming an FDNY Firefighter as early as 17 1/2 years of age. You should not reach your 29th birthday by the beginning of the application process. However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- If you are on the Special Military list for the Firefighter Exam, you cannot turn 36-year old by the beginning of the current application period to be eligible to take the exam.
- If you were on active military duty, you can subtract up the amount of time you spent on duty from your actual age. The maximum you can subtract is 7 years. This rule is defined in Section 243 of New York State Military Law.
If you meet requirements above, you must:
- Pass both the computer-based test and physical ability test.
- Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
- Be at least 21 years of age by time of appointment.
- Be able to prove your identity and the right to obtain employment in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
- Pass medical and psychological tests, as well as a drug screening.
- Demonstrate proof of good character and pass a background investigation.
- Be able to understand and be understood in English.
- Hold a valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s license.
- Be a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City or live in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester County.
Education/Military/Work Experience Eligibility
- By the date of appointment, have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.
- Have at least 15 college semester credits earned at an accredited college or university.
- OR, for applicants with a military service background, must have full-time military service with an honorable discharge.
- OR, six months of full-time, satisfactory, paid work experience.
Other Requirements
In addition, you will be required to be a Certified First Responder with Defibrillation Certificate (CFR-D) by the end of your probationary period. FDNY provides a CFR-D training program during the probationary Firefighter training course. Once the training course is successfully completed and you receive your certificate, $30 per pay period will be deducted until the total cost of the training course is covered. Those who fail to obtain a CFR-D by the end of the probation period will be terminated.
Step 2: Take Written Exam
Take the written exam that includes basic reading, listening, problem-solving, and arithmetic. FDNY hosts FREE prep sessions.
Step 3: Take Physical Exam
Pass Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) that includes an agility and strength test. The FDNY offers work-out sessions to prepare for CPAT.
Step 4: Complete Candidate Review
Pass medical, psychological and background checks. If you join the FDNY mentorship program, your mentor can assist you and prepare you for the Fire Academy
Step 5: Graduate From The Fire Academy
Successfully complete an 18-week classroom and physical fitness program that includes fire service training. Begin the career of a lifetime.
Benefits and Salary
FDNY Firefighters receive an incredible benefits package and a competitive salary.
- Lifelong medical coverage for you and your family
- Growth opportunities
- Flexible work schedules
- Up to four weeks paid vacation per year
- Generous pension
Starting salary for a Firefighter is $54,122. But with overtime, fringe and holiday pay, which is often required, you can get additional compensation. After five years, a Firefighter can make more than $105,146, including overtime and holiday pay.
Firefighter Salary Guide
| Number of Years | Salary* |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $54,122 |
| After 1.5 Year | $56,788 |
| After 2.5 Years | $61,853 |
| After 3.5 Years | $68,039 |
| After 4.5 Years | $74,998 |
| After 5.5 Years | $105,146 |
*Overtime, Fringe and Holiday Pay not included.
Firefighter Salary Guide for Promotional Opportunities
| Rank* | Salary** |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | $130,260 |
| Captain | $149,518 |
| Battalion Chief | $194,689 |
*Civil Service Title / **Salary = Maximum
Exam
The Firefighter exam does not require you to have any special knowledge of firefighting or the Fire Department. The exam includes multiple-choice questions that test on reading, problem-solving and applying rules and concepts. Once you pass the written test, you also must do an in-person interview with FDNY Officers.
Once the exam is completed, you are considered to be a Firefighter Applicant and your name will be put on a civil service list based on order of performance and other factors. Candidates will then be called to take the physical portion of the exam. The Applicant also will undergo a medical and psychological evaluation, a drug screening, and a background check.
Please note candidates for employment as Firefighter will be called based on the list number and need, which can take up to multiple years. Please also note that candidates on the Promotion to Firefighter Exam list get called before candidates on the Open Competitive Exam list.
Get Current List of Examinations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. The test will include a competitive computer-based test (CBT) and a qualifying physical ability test. You must achieve passing scores on the CBT and the physical ability test in order to be eligible for further consideration in the selection process.
The Computer-Based Test:The CBT is designed to assess important abilities and aptitudes that are required to successfully learn and perform the work of a Firefighter. The test will evaluate basic abilities, such as Reading, Listening, Problem Solving, Basic Arithmetic and related areas. It also will assess the way candidates approach work, interact with others, and concentrate on details. Before you take the CBT, you will have the opportunity to view a computer-based tutorial so that you are familiar with computer-based testing and the various question types. You are encouraged to view the tutorial. The tutorial is available for viewing on the DCAS website at https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/exam-year-2024-2025-firefighter-computer-based-test[1]tutorial.page. You are encouraged to view the tutorial.
The Physical Ability Test:Candidates who pass the computer-based test will be scheduled to take the physical ability test prior to admission to the Fire Academy as vacancies occur. The physical ability test used will be the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is scored on a pass/fail basis. This test consists of a series of 8 events designed to assess the ability to perform the physical aspects of the job of a Firefighter. The test events are: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. A more detailed description of the physical ability test will be distributed to candidates before they are scheduled for the physical ability test, and candidates will be invited to learn more about the CPAT.
- An official transcript showing the candidate both (a) graduated from a New York City public high school, or a private high school in New York City approved by the New York State Education Department or a recognized accrediting organization and (b) resided at a New York City address while attending that high school. Official transcripts from New York City public high schools must be mailed directly from the New York City Department of Education to the FDNY Candidate Investigation Division (CID) and official transcripts from New York City private high schools must be mailed directly from the private high school to CID.
- A GED certificate issued by New York State plus an official transcript showing both (a) the candidate’s last school enrollment was in a New York City public high school, or a private high school in New York City approved by the New York State Education Department or a recognized accrediting organization and (b) the candidate resided at a New York City address while attending that high school. Official transcripts from New York City public high schools must be mailed directly from the New York City Department of Education to CID and official transcripts from New York City private high schools must be mailed directly from the private high school to CID.
- A letter from the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) on HRA’s official letterhead showing both (a) the candidate received cash assistance benefits from HRA for a minimum of 12 months in total during 2022 and 2023; and (b) the candidate resided at a New York City address while receiving cash assistance benefits from HRA during those same months in 2022 and/or 2023. The letter must be mailed directly from HRA to CID.
- Official photocopies of New York State tax returns filed by the candidate (or an individual who claimed the candidate as a dependent) in 2022 and/or 2023 evidencing the candidate (or an individual who claimed the candidate as a dependent) was a New York City resident for a minimum of 12 months in total during 2022 and 2023. The official photocopies must be mailed directly from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to CID. The FDNY will not accept amended returns, late filed returns, worksheets, self-generated returns, or any other document that is not an official photocopy of a New York State tax return.
- Exception to the Age Requirement: All persons who were engaged in military duty as defined in Section 243 of the New York State Military Law may deduct from their actual age the length of time spent in such military duty up to a maximum deduction of seven (7) years.