How to get hired at El Paso Fire Department
El Paso hires entry-level firefighters as Firefighter Trainees, with separate tracks for Certified Firefighter Trainees and Certified Paramedic-Fire Trainees. Applications go through the City's governmentjobs.com portal during posted application periods, and candidates can file a Job Interest Card to be told when the next period opens. The process starts with a video-based written exam, then a pass/fail physical agility test, a background check, an interview board, and the Fire Training Academy.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- A score of 70% or better on the written exam is needed to advance src
- Must meet the minimum qualifications for the position, which are reviewed after the written exam src
- Must pass a background investigation, which may cover felonies, DUI/DWI, employment history, credit, and references src
- Must pass an NFPA 1582 medical exam and a drug and alcohol test src
- Each applicant needs their own email address and governmentjobs.com account src
Certifications
- EMT: unknown
- Firefighter I/II: unknown
Tests
- Video-based multiple-choice written exam (written): Tests teamwork, public relations, mechanical aptitude, and reading. 70% needed to pass. src
- CPAT / Physical Agility Test (physical): Pass/fail. Every task must be completed. The city links a CPAT prep guide. src
- Fire Department Interview Board (oral) src
Hiring process
- Apply online
- Written exam
- Minimum qualifications review
- Physical agility test
- Background investigation
- Interview board
- Conditional job offer
- Medical exam and drug test
- Fire Training Academy
- One-year probation
Source: official page
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 Texas.