How to get hired at Honolulu Fire Department
HFD hires entry-level Fire Fighter Recruit I candidates through short online application windows run by the City and County of Honolulu. Qualified applicants self-schedule an in-person written test on Oahu, are ranked on an eligible list, and are then called by score to a Physical Ability Test, interview, background check and medical exam. Recruits attend a roughly 34-week academy that includes EMT-Basic, so no prior fire or EMT certification is listed as required.
Minimum requirements
- At least 18 years old src
- High school diploma or equivalent src
- Valid Hawaii driver license (Type 3) before appointment src
- Pass background review (fingerprints, criminal history, driving record), medical exam and drug-free requirements src
Certifications
- EMT: not required
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- City written test (written): In person on Oahu only; must self-schedule during the posted window src
- Physical Ability Test (PAT) (physical): Scheduled in score order after written test src
- HFD interview/assessment (oral): Scheduled by score as vacancies occur src
Hiring process
- Apply online during posting window
- Self-schedule and take written test
- Ranked eligible list (valid at least 1 year)
- Physical Ability Test
- HFD interview
- Background review
- Medical exam and drug test
- Recruit class (about 34 weeks)
- One-year probation
Source: official page
Starting pay
$63,864/yr (Fire Fighter Recruit I, subject to collective bargaining) src
Academy
About 34-week recruit training covering fire operations, EMT-Basic, water safety, driver training and hazmat awareness 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 Hawaii.