| If you are interested in becoming a firefighter it's | | | | certified, you will have the chance to work with a |
| in your best interest to be aware of the things | | | | local fire department so that you can get |
| that are required to achieve your goal with the | | | | hands-on experience. However, there can also be |
| best results possible. By gaining a little insight on | | | | a wait with many departments which may impact |
| the general basics, procedures and requirements, | | | | as to whether or not you are taking on as a |
| you can safeguard both your path for becoming a | | | | volunteer worker, bearing no form of income, or |
| firefighter and that of your future. | | | | one who is either part-time or full-time. |
| The main steps to take in order to pursue the | | | | While the general guidelines and rules for |
| firefighting career are the application procedures, | | | | firefighting can vary on location, most require that |
| exam process and training. Applications generally | | | | a person is at least 18 years old, although some |
| entail health exams, physicals, and background | | | | may allow those who are 17 years of age to |
| checks. Background checks mainly focus on | | | | apply. On the other hand, some locations may |
| potential candidates and whether or not they | | | | have a maximum limit in age, which is most often |
| have any previous crimes, especially ones that | | | | 29 years old in some locations. Also, most |
| revolve around arson, as well as to see how clean | | | | departments and academies require that the |
| their driving record may be. While each location | | | | individual has at least a GED or high school diploma |
| may vary on their requirements, every fire | | | | before they are considered. |
| department will require that you go through fire | | | | Many individuals opt to increase their chances for |
| academy training. | | | | getting through the door by showing their |
| With many departments, individuals may also be | | | | ambition or dedication for becoming a firefighter. |
| expected to take a psychological exam in order | | | | While there are several ways to do this, one of |
| to see if they are stable enough to handle the | | | | the more popular ways is to do volunteer work |
| job, along with the stress factors that are often | | | | for firefighter-related fields, as well as going for |
| within the field. After the application and the exam | | | | firefighting ride-alongs. Others may also choose to |
| process have been completed successfully, you | | | | gain experience or knowledge in first aid such as |
| will then train in a fire academy, where you'll have | | | | with CPR or other medical-related training, as well |
| the opportunity to learn about the science of fires | | | | as learning how to drive emergency-type vehicles. |
| and how they work, as well as gain training on | | | | If you think that firefighting is the right career |
| how to fight them. You will also gain insight on the | | | | choice for you, then it's always a good idea to |
| different kinds of equipment that are used while | | | | check with your local fire departments and |
| on the job, as well as learn how to use them as if | | | | academies in order to get a feel for their |
| you were in a real life situation. Once you have | | | | requirements and guidelines. Not only will you get |
| completed your training at the academy, you will | | | | a better idea of what to expect and what to |
| become a certified firefighter. | | | | prepare for, but you'll also ensure your chances |
| Once you have completed training and become | | | | for what it takes to become a firefighter. |