How to Become a Firefighter in 2023
The complete guide to unlocking and passing the UK firefighter recruitment process.
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Become a FIREFIGHTER
If you want to join the fire service and are interested in becoming a firefighter, then you will need to pass a tough selection process. However, if you arm yourself with the right information, and the right practice materials, then your chances of passing will sky-rocket.
On this page, you will find details on how to join the fire service, as a wholetime firefighter including tips on how to pass the firefighter selection process at the first attempt as well as access to our comprehensive career packs which have been created by a Fire Officer with 17 years experience in the job.
The Firefighter Selection Process
The selection process to join the UK fire service as a wholetime Firefighter will normally consist of the following elements:
The Application Form
The Assessment Process & Practical Tests
The Competency-Based Interview
Vetting, Medical & Fitness Tests
Stage 1 – Completion of the application form
The application form is the first stage of selection and unfortunately, the vast majority of applicants fail at this stage. You will be required to complete the form online and it should be your number one priority to demonstrate the assessable competencies and qualities that are vital to the role.
For example, you will need to provide evidence of where you have provided a high-level of customer service, or when you have previously concentrated for long periods of time, or when you have had to work under pressure.
Stage 2 – The FIREFIGHTER ASSESSMENT PROCESS & PRACTICAL TESTS
Once you have successfully passed the application stage you will be invited to attend an assessment centre. The tests may vary between different Fire Services but those that form part of the National Firefighter Selection Process include:
- Situational awareness and problem solving;
- Understanding information;
- Working with numbers.
Some Fire Services may also use different forms of written tests including psychometric testing and group discussions.
The firefighter physical tests, which also form part of the National Selection Process, are designed to assess whether you have the physical strength and fitness to carry out the demanding role of a firefighter.
The tests themselves will assess three key areas:
- Your overall level of fitness;
- Your strength and manual dexterity;
- Your levels of confidence.
Stage 3 – THE INTERVIEW
If you successfully pass the firefighter assessment process you will be invited to attend an interview. Only the best candidates reach this stage of the selection process, and you will not want to fail this close to the end of the process!
Throughout the firefighter interview you will need to provide EVIDENCE that you meet the assessable qualities (the PQAs) required to pass the firefighter interview.
Stage 4 – VETTING, FITNESS & Medical TESTs
The final stages of selection involve a series of checks to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and a medical/fitness assessment to ensure that you are physically able to perform the job safely.
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How to Become A Firefighter: Commonly Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need to be a firefighter?
There are a few different entry routes to becoming a firefighter – the most common is to apply directly. Each fire service will have its own entry requirements but typically you will need English and maths GCSEs at grades C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
You may also be required to pass additional numerical and verbal reasoning assessments during the selection process.
What skills do you need to be a firefighter?
As a firefighter, you need to be able to make critical decisions under demanding time constraints, and make use of many skills such as mathematical aptitude and situational awareness. As such, recruiters are keen to test these skills during the notoriously tough recruitment process.
You must also possess more commonplace skills such as being a team-player, having excellent attention to detail, exercising patience and having the ability to remain calm under pressure.
How to become a firefighter in the UK?
To become a Firefighter, you will be required to pass a number of assessments, exams and interviews. The process is challenging and to have any chance of success, you will need to prepare comprehensively. Please see listed below the different stages to the firefighter selection process:
- Application form;
- Recruitment Tests, Working with Numbers and Understanding Information;
- National Firefighter Questionnaire;
- Situational Awareness and Problem Solving Assessment;
- Interview;
- Fitness Tests;
- Medical Exam.
How long is the Firefighter training in the UK?
Once you have successful passed the application process you will begin intensive training to become a firefighter. This training will provide you with the essential skills all firefighters must possess and typically takes between 12 and 18 weeks.
How much do Firefighters earn in the UK?
Trainee Wholetime Firefighters start on an average salary of around £23,800. Once fully qualified the base salary will rise to £31,144. With the London Fire Service, the base salary is over £27,000 for trainee firefighters and over £37,000 after the training period is completed. There are number of higher positions within the Fire Service which you can apply for once you are fully qualified, such as Crew Manager, Station Manager etc, these will all command higher salaries than firefighters.
THE ROLE & STRUCTURE WITHIN THE SERVICE
You will need to be aware of the different roles each person plays within the Fire Service. Each position along the chain holds a level of responsibility, which will vary according to the Fire Service that you decide to join. A brief description of each role is outlined below:
FIREFIGHTER – Responsible for operational fire fighting duties and responding to incidents as required. Also responsible for carrying out community fire safety work as required.
CREW MANAGER – Usually the person in charge of a fire engine, but they may work in other specialised areas such as training, community fire safety or technical fire safety.
WATCH MANAGER – Watch Managers are in charge of a watch or a fire engine. They can also work in specialised roles such as technical fire safety or community fire safety and even training.
STATION MANAGER – Station Managers are in charge of a watch, a fire station, or even a group of fire stations depending on the Fire Service in question.
THE SHIFT PATTERN AND SALARY
You will be required to work a set shift pattern. This ensures that the Fire Service can provide operation cover for incidents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As an operational firefighter you can expect to work a routine similar to the following:
2x day shifts – 0900 hours (9 am) until 1800 hours (6 pm), followed by 2x night shifts – 1800 hours until 0900 hours, followed by 4 rest days. During the 4 rest days you will be able to recover from the operational demand of your shift in preparation for the following duty period.
During your shift you’ll be expected to carry out a number of duties, which include the following:
- Attend operational incidents;
- Carry out community safety work;
- Carry out training in preparation for incidents;
- Maintain the readiness of all operational equipment, which includes testing and cleaning;
- Conduct familiarisation visits of high-risk premises.
The salary usually increases each year. You can find out the exact salary by visiting the website www.fbu.org.uk.
PASS THE FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT PROCESS
We guarantee that our online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 210+ pages of firefighter recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the assessment centre, the interviews and the medical.
Start Preparing Now 👉Sample Firefighter Interview Questions
Q. “Can you tell me about a time when you have contributed to the effective working of a team?”
“I like to keep fit and healthy and as part this aim I play football for a local Sunday team. We had worked very hard to get to the cup final and we were faced with playing a very good opposition team who had recently won the league title. The team consisted of 11 players who regularly spend time together during training sessions and at social events. After only ten minutes of play, one of our players was sent off and we conceded a penalty as a result. Being one goal down and 80 minutes left to play we were faced with a mountain to climb. However, we all remembered our training and worked very hard in order to prevent any more goals being scored. Due to playing with ten players, I had to switch positions and play as a defender, something that I am not used to. Apart from being a defender I felt my role was to encourage the other players to keep going and to not give up until the final whistle had sounded. All the other players supported each other tremendously and the support of the crowd really pushed us on. The team worked brilliantly to hold off any further opposing goals and after 60 minutes we managed to get an equaliser. The game went to penalties in the end and we managed to win the cup.
I believe I am an excellent team player and can always be relied upon to work as an effective team member at all times. I understand that being an effective team member is very important if the Fire Service is to provide a high level of service to the community in which it serves. However, above all of this, effective teamwork is essential in order to maintain the high safety standards that are set.”
TOPICS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED WITHIN THIS GUIDE INCLUDE:
- A comprehensive firefighter application form section to get you started.
- Sample application form responses that you can use to help structure your own answers;
- How to prepare for the firefighter tests and what the assessors are looking for.
- Sample understanding information tests, working with numbers tests, and situational awareness and problem solving tests.
- How to prepare properly for the tough firefighter interview, plus learn the scoring criteria.
- Sample interview questions with responses that you can use to form your own answers.
- How to respond to the interview questions in order to BEAT THE COMPETITION.
- The Fire Service medical – what it involves and how to prepare.
- Fire Service guides and resources for practicing.
- Useful Fire Service recruitment contact details.
- Your Fire Service training and ‘The Integrated Personal Development System’.
- You will learn all about community fire safety which will assist you during the interview.
- Smoke alarms, home fire safety checks, and why the Fire Service offers them for free.
- Attending property fire and different types of rescues.
- The role of the firefighter whilst attending road traffic collisions.
- The tools and equipment that you will operate during fire fighting incidents.
- Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus.
- Chemical incidents, explosions and people trapped in buildings.
Don’t just be prepared, be FULLY prepared!
Pass the Firefighter Selection Process. First Time.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: successfully join the fire and rescue service.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
SCORING CRITERIA
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
PRACTICE ASSESSMENT CENTRE TESTS
Step-by-step information on how to pass the assessment centre including 100s of practice questions and answers.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Sample answers to each of the competency based interview questions.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the interview questions and advice on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Customer Success Stories
Having helped 1,000s of aspiring firefighters for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
I now feel totally prepared and full of knowledge for which will be a difficult process. I recommend this company – Lucy B. TrustPilot
…A great resource for anyone interest in joining the Fire Service – Daniel E. TrustPilot
It was very informative and I found the tips for the practice tests extremely valuable. – Lorraine F. TrustPilot
…the assessment and interview sections in particular were invaluable in knowing what to expect so you can prepare accordingly. Well worth the investment. – Max A. TrustPilot
This was my second interview for the fire service. Using this video for the second interview was so valuable. It gave me all the things I was missing from my first interview and it made a huge difference. Highly recommended! – Ciaran T. TrustPilot
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE firefighter recruitment process.
Where to look, and how to apply for the latest wholetime firefighter positions in the UK.
Insider advice on how to complete the application form, including sample questions and answers.
Previously successful application form responses that you can use to develop your own winning application!
Revealed – avoid the common pitfalls that most applicants make (75% of people fail the application stage – don’t be one of them!)
Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage).
A complete breakdown of the assessment centre and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed.
A detailed breakdown of the online SJT (situational judgement test) including practice questions and answers so you can fully prepare.
Firefighter interview questions you should prepare for and guidance on how to answer them for the structured interview.
What the firefighter interview panel are looking for from candidates and how to give it to them!
10 essential insider tips on how to pass the selection process with ease.
Practice 100s of Mechanical Comprehension, Numerical Reasoning, Situational Judgement, Written Tests, and Verbal Reasoning questions.
The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements (and understanding the role of a firefighter – hint: you will need to demonstrate this).
Why becoming a firefighter right now is a fantastic career choice.
The working hours, training and probationary period that you will undergo when you join.
Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of recruitment experts.
How you will be assessed during the medical test.
Suitable for all UK fire and rescue services.
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ downloadable resource free of charge. It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough firefighter interview!
- All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face, broken down.
- Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
- How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
- Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #2
How to Get Firefighter Fit: Insider’s Guide
A concise online guide to show you how you can get “Firefighter fit” and see results quickly to ensure you pass the fitness test – even without a gym membership!
- Crafted with the fitness benchmark levels required of a Firefighter in mind, this guide provides an insider insight to fitness regimes you can follow.
- Your very own “Firefighter fit” workout regime created by former emergency service staff.
- Full technique diagrams, workout timetables and regime templates you can implement right away!
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is available exclusively as a bonus with this resource.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #3
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Firefighter Testing Platform!
As well as life-time access to the Firefighter career resource, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to Online Firefighter Testing Platform (usually £9.99 + vat per month).
- 100s of questions on each element of the Firefighter assessment process to help boost your scores!
- Practice all of the test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite.
- Instant online access.
- Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers.
- Scores are tracked so you can focus on areas that need improvement.
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies to give you the advantage right away.
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*
*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
Features
You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the firefighter recruitment process.
Proven Guidance
Over 16 years’ of experience packed into on-demand insider recruitment guides that have helped 1000s.
Unique Training
Includes unique firefighter recruitment training content built from the ground up and not found anywhere else.
Actionable Content
We don’t just share what you need to do, but also HOW you should do it with tips and strategies you can implement today!
Swipeable Templates
These templates are worth the value of the resource themselves – we give you the exact foundations you can use to build your application and master the assessment stages!
Your 210-page Guide To Success.
Our best-selling guide in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire firefighter selection process.
Created By Experts. Made For You.
With over 16 years of history behind us, we are the leaders in firefighter recruitment advice. So whether you want to understand the scoring criteria, learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interview, or practice and pass the online tests, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.
SILVER
FIREFIGHTER SILVER PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
YOU SAVE 14%
✓ SILVER Access to the UK’s No.1 Firefighter Career Guide and Bonuses
✓ 210-page How to Become a Firefighter Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 68-page Firefighter Application Form Q&A's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 60-minute Firefighter Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
96-page Firefighter Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
37-minute Firefighter Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
187-page Firefighter Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
116-page Firefighter Situational Judgement Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get Firefighter Fit Insiders' Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Firefighter Assessment Centre Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
GOLD (MOST POPULAR)
FIREFIGHTER GOLD PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
YOU SAVE 14%
✓ GOLD Access to the UK’s No.1 Firefighter Career Guide and Bonuses
✓ 210-page How to Become a Firefighter Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 68-page Firefighter Application Form Q&A's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 60-minute Firefighter Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 96-page Firefighter Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 37-minute Firefighter Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
187-page Firefighter Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
116-page Firefighter Situational Judgement Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get Firefighter Fit Insiders' Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Firefighter Assessment Centre Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
PLATINUM
FIREFIGHTER PLATINUM PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
BEST VALUE – YOU SAVE 20%
✓ PLATINUM Access to the UK’s No.1 Firefighter Career Guide and Bonuses
✓ 210-page How to Become a Firefighter Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 68-page Firefighter Application Form Q&A's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 60-minute Firefighter Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 96-page Firefighter Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 37-minute Firefighter Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 187-page Firefighter Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 116-page Firefighter Situational Judgement Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get Firefighter Fit Insiders' Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Firefighter Assessment Centre Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How will the 'How2Become a Firefighter' guide help me pass the selection process?
Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you to successfully join the fire and rescue service. With lifetime access to our firefighter resources, you will not only benefit from our flagship 210-page Firefighter career guide (which has sold 1,000s of copies) but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across the UK become firefighters. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best firefighter training material on the market.
Who is a good fit for the Firefighter career guide?
This resource is our flagship career guide, designed to help anyone looking to become a UK firefighter conquer the gruelling selection process.
It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.
If you have already begun the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the assessment centre, the interview, fitness tests and more with confidence.
Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.
What training is included in the guide? Will it really show me how to join the fire service?
Yes! With the UK Firefighter career guide you will be able to access training that has been helping applicants successfully become firefighters for over a decade.
At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the firefighter selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.
Is there a time limit on accessing the material?
You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within our resources with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to join the fire service can be a long and stressful experience, that is why we want to take away that worry – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the Firefighter career guide whenever you need it. You will also get access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.
Are your resources specific for geographical regions?
When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia, Africa and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our firefighter guide is designed specifically for all UK fire and rescue services. Please note: services outside of the UK may have different selection processes. If you can’t see a guide you need in our huge catalogue, then just let us know and we will help if we can!
What's the difference between the Silver, Gold, and Platinum versions?
Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to become a firefighter. All packages contain our flagship 210-page firefighter career guide, our firefighter application guide and video walkthrough, and the bonuses listed on this page.
The Gold package contains our firefighter interview questions and answers guide and coaching video.
The Platinum package contains everything in Silver and Gold, but also includes our full range of firefighter testing workbooks.
How will I access the guide/training materials?
As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources, and view the on-demand videos via your How2Become account! You can use any smart phone, PC, Mac, or tablet to access your materials.
Is your training really driving success?
Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training, thanking us for the help it has given them.
How often is this guide updated? Is it relevant for my fire and rescue service?
Having created recruitment guides for the last 16 years, we know how often selection processes change. That is why we keep close ties to those “in the know” and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to become a UK firefighter.
WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?
CREATED BY THE EXPERTS
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EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUSES
Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.
Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!
Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them (hint: they are now firefighters).
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