How to get hired at Chicago Fire Department
Chicago hires entry-level Firefighter/EMTs through periodic applications and entrance exams run by the City's Department of Human Resources. In the 2022 cycle, qualified applicants got a random lottery number, took a pass/fail written exam, and were then referred for processing from the eligibility list as vacancies arose. Recruits attend a roughly six-month academy that includes EMT-B training.
Minimum requirements
- At least 18 (2022 cycle); cannot be appointed probationary Firefighter/EMT after 38th birthday src
- High school diploma or GED by time of processing src
- Current valid driver's license src
- Must reside in the City of Chicago src
- U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. src
- Valid CPAT certification (expires after one year) current when called for processing src
Certifications
- EMT: required by end of probation
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- City of Chicago Firefighter/EMT entrance exam (written): Cognitive multiple-choice plus non-cognitive component; pass/fail (2022 cycle) src
- CPAT (physical): Must hold valid CPAT certification when called for processing src
Hiring process
- Apply online; qualified applicants get a random lottery number
- Written exam (pass/fail)
- Placed on eligibility list in lottery order
- Referral to OPSA as vacancies arise
- Drug screen, background, fingerprinting, medical exam
- Conditional offer
- Fire Training Academy (about 6 months)
Source: official page
Starting pay
Starting $62,466/yr (as of Jan 1, 2022); $80,448 after 18 months, plus contract raises src
Academy
About 6 months: ~12 weeks EMT-B plus ~12 weeks fire suppression, then 9-month probation src
Checked 2026-11-05 against the department's official pages (linked). Hiring windows open and close quickly; always confirm on the official site before you apply. See every academy, EMT program and test site in Illinois.