Los Angeles Firefighter Requirements and Career Summary

If you’re looking for a career that is challenging, rewarding, and makes a real difference in people’s lives, becoming a firefighter in Los Angeles might be the perfect fit for you. Firefighters are an essential part of any community, responsible for responding to emergency situations and ensuring public safety. In Los Angeles, the fire department plays a crucial role in protecting the city’s 4 million residents, making it a highly respected and sought-after career.

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In 2017, California witnessed an average of 1.2 deaths and 4.4 injuries per 1,000 fires. The corresponding national average was 2.3 casualties and 9.3 injuries for every 1,000 fires. The LAFD had a major role to play in keeping these numbers down. They are always looking for competent people to join them. If you are interested, then this piece is for you.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Meet the Minimum Qualifications

To become a firefighter in Los Angeles, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess a valid driver’s license.

Pass a Written Exam

You will need to pass a written exam that tests your knowledge of firefighting and emergency response. The exam will include multiple-choice questions and may also include a skills assessment.

Pass a Physical Ability Test

You will need to demonstrate your physical fitness by completing a timed obstacle course that simulates the physical demands of firefighting.

Pass an Oral Interview

You will need to demonstrate your communication and interpersonal skills by participating in an oral interview with a panel of firefighters and fire department officials.

Pass a Medical Exam

You will need to pass a medical exam that assesses your overall health and ability to perform the physical demands of firefighting.

Pass a background check and drug test: You will need to pass a thorough background check and drug test to ensure that you are a trustworthy and reliable candidate.

Attend the LAFD Fire Academy

If you meet all the qualifications and pass all the exams, you will be invited to attend the LAFD Fire Academy. This academy is a rigorous training program that will teach you all the skills you need to be an effective firefighter, including how to fight fires, perform rescues, and operate equipment.

Complete Probationary Period

After graduating from the academy, you will enter a probationary period where you will be closely monitored and evaluated by your superiors. You will need to demonstrate your skills and knowledge on the job to successfully complete this period.

• Firefighter (Volunteer and Non-Volunteer)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Fire Equipment Expert
• Fire Investigator
• Fire Safety Consultant

To join a fire department in LA, you need to fulfill the requirements outlined below.

• All candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• All candidates need to have a high school diploma (HSD) at least. The alternative GED (General Educational Development) or CHSPE (California High School Proficiency Examination) certificates are acceptable too.
• All applicants need to have a valid California driver’s license (at the time of appointment).
• All aspirant firefighters must be lawful and law-abiding US citizens. These include both naturalized Americans and those born in this country.
• Any candidate aspiring to become a firefighter in Los Angeles must not have a criminal record anywhere in the United States.
• All applicants must clear the FCA (Firefighter Candidate Assessment).
• All candidates have to pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test).
• All selected applicants must obtain their EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification before appointment to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

About 6 to 7 months are needed to complete firefighter training in Los Angeles. Other than that, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s selection process normally takes some months to complete as well. So, you are looking at a period of 8 to 12 months in total.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021), the annual mean wage for firefighters in California is $80,990. However, California Fire Department also offers a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, and sick leave. Additionally, firefighters can earn overtime pay and some departments offer incentives for advanced education and training.

According to O*Net Online, the job outlook for firefighters in Los Angeles is expected to grow by 4% between 2020 and 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, to ensure career progression, firefighters can seek advanced education and training opportunities, such as becoming a paramedic or earning a degree in fire science. These additional skills can lead to better job opportunities and higher-paying roles, such as fire captain or chief.