How to get hired at Columbia Fire Department

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

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) hires on two tracks: Non-Certified Firefighter for people new to the fire service, and Certified Firefighter for candidates who already hold Firefighter II. Both tracks require passing entry-level testing and completing an 18-week Recruit School. Applications go through the City of Columbia job portal. Between windows, candidates can submit a Firefighter Interest Form.

Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page

Minimum requirements

• High school diploma or GED src
• Valid Class D driver's license src
• No prior experience required (Non-Certified track) src
• Certified track: IFSAC and/or Pro Board Firefighter II; EMR/EMT and experience preferred src
• Pass entry-level testing and complete the 18-week Recruit School src

Certifications

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

Source: official page

Tests

• Entry-level testing (other): Specific tests not described src

Hiring process

1. Submit Firefighter Interest Form
2. Apply via City of Columbia job portal when open
3. Entry-level testing
4. 18-week Recruit School

Source: official page

Starting pay

Non-certified $34,900/yr during training, $43,800/yr after; certified start $43,800/yr src

Academy

18-week Columbia Fire Department Recruit School (abridged for certified Direct Hire) 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 South Carolina.