What You Need to Know about Joining FDNY

There are five key phases to FDNY’s hiring process. It is a methodical step-by-step approach that ensures that all potential Firefighter candidates have a fair and equal opportunity to join our Department.

Expression of Interest Form

The Expression of Interest (EOI) form is an official FDNY document that helps us build a database of people who are interested in joining New York’s Bravest. It is the first step to receiving more information about becoming a Firefighter, including upcoming exam dates.

Written Exam

Completing the EOI will allow us to contact you when it is time to take the FDNY written exam. There is no knowledge of firefighting required. The exam tests your problem-solving skills and your ability to follow instructions and understand concepts. Tutorial videos on the Join FDNY YouTube channel can help you prepare for the exam. If you do well, you will have an in-person interview and move on to the next phase.

Candidate Physical Ability Test

Start working out now because the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) will push your limits of cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. FDNY offers CPAT training, including female-only training sponsored by the United Women Firefighters. If you’re serious about becoming a Firefighter, download the CPAT Orientation Guide today.

Hear from Firefighter Sarinya Srisakul as she talks about FDNY’s hiring process.

Additional Assessments

Good health is one of our most important tools. That’s why all Firefighter candidates participate in a day-long medical assessment performed by FDNY physicians and medical personnel. We will check you out from head to toe to make sure you are in proper condition to continue with the hiring process. If so, you will then take a psychological exam, a drug test, and go through a character and background check. Everything you need to know about the assessment and tests can be found here.

Fire Academy

If all of your assessments are approved, you will enter the Fire Academy (also known as Probationary Firefighter School). This is an 18-week commitment to classroom learning and physical training that can lead to the best career of your lifetime. You can get a head start by studying the Probie Manual now.

Learn more about the Firefighter hiring process!