How to get hired at Colorado Springs Fire Department

Written by a career firefighter · Updated 2026-11-04

Hiring statusNot currently hiring

Process for the June 2025 academy has closed; the page will be updated for the next academy. Fill out the Job Interest Form for updates. src

LocationColorado Springs, CO

Career firefighters427

Stations21

Colorado Springs Fire Department builds an entry-level eligibility list from a job posting. Applicants need an EMT-Basic certification, a valid NTN FireTEAM score and a current CPAT. Top scorers complete a formal application and a video interview, and those selected receive a conditional offer, pre-employment screening including a polygraph, and a 20-22 week paid recruit academy.

Apply / get notified Official recruitment page

Minimum requirements

Minimum age 18 by date of hire src
High school diploma or GED src
Valid Colorado driver's license, or ability to obtain one src
Current NREMT-Basic or Colorado EMT-Basic certification (or higher), maintained throughout employment src
IAFF/IAFC-licensed CPAT taken within 12 months of the testing deadline src
NTN FireTEAM score from within 12 months of the testing deadline src
Eligible to work in the US; the city does not sponsor visas src
No medicinal or recreational marijuana use src
Pass background, medical, drug screen, polygraph and psychological testing src

Certifications

EMT: required at application
Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)

Source: official page

Tests

NTN FireTEAM (written): Score must be within 12 months src
CPAT (physical): IAFF/IAFC licensed src
Online video interview (oral): For top scorers src
Polygraph (other) src

Hiring process

Respond to the job posting for the eligibility list
Obtain EMT-Basic
NTN FireTEAM
CPAT
Formal application and video interview (top scorers)
Conditional offer
Background, medical, drug screen, polygraph and psych
Final offer
Recruit academy (20-22 weeks)

Source: official page

Starting pay

Trainee $5,324/month during academy; 4th Class Firefighter $70,764/yr (2025 structure) src

Academy

20-22 week paid recruit academy 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 Colorado.