How to get hired at Denver Fire Department
Denver hires entry-level firefighters through the Civil Service Commission during posted application periods; candidates apply through the City's job center and take the NTN FireTEAM written test and PSSA. Selected candidates then go through a background questionnaire, polygraph, psychological suitability screening, a possible panel interview, the CPAT and a background investigation before placement on the eligible register. Applicants must be at least 21; EMT is earned after hire.
Minimum requirements
- U.S. citizen on or before the application date src
- At least 21 years old on or before the application date src
- High school diploma or GED src
- Valid driver's license from application through appointment src
- Colorado resident at time of appointment src
- Good moral character; no disqualifying criminal, drug or traffic history src
- Pass the CPAT at least two months before the academy start src
Certifications
- EMT: earned in the academy
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- NTN FireTEAM (written): Human relations, mechanical, math, reading; ranking based on human relations score plus preference points src
- PSSA (Public Safety Self-Assessment) (other): Through NTN src
- CPAT (physical): Pass/fail, 10:20 or less; Denver is an accredited CPAT site, testing every other Thursday src
- Polygraph and psychological suitability assessment/interview (other) src
- Fire Department panel interview (oral): Possible src
Hiring process
- Apply online during open period
- PSSA
- FireTEAM written test
- Background questionnaire
- Polygraph
- Psych suitability assessment and interview
- Panel interview (possible)
- CPAT
- Background investigation and Commission review
- Eligible register
- Conditional offer
- Medical, drug screen, fingerprints
- Final offer and academy
Source: official page
Starting pay
Starting $66,430/yr (as of Jan 1, 2024) 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.