How to get hired at Jersey City Fire Department

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

Jersey City hires entry-level firefighters through the New Jersey Civil Service Commission firefighter exam, which opens about every two years. Candidates apply online with the CSC and take the statewide written exam and a physical performance test. The city appoints from the ranked eligible list, and appointees must pass a background investigation and complete state-mandated training.

Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page

Minimum requirements

• U.S. citizen src
• Jersey City resident src
• Age 18 to 35, with exceptions in the state job specification src
• High school diploma or GED src
• Valid New Jersey driver's license src
• Pass a background investigation src

Certifications

• EMT: unknown
• Firefighter I/II: unknown

Source: official page

Tests

• NJ Firefighter Examination (NJFFE) (written): Statewide Civil Service exam usually given late fall/winter; candidates ranked by score and veteran status src
• CSC Physical Performance Test (PPT) (physical): Held at Somerset or Woodbury Armory for jurisdictions that request it src

Hiring process

1. Apply online with NJ Civil Service Commission
2. NJFFE written exam
3. Physical performance test
4. Ranked eligible list issued
5. Certification to Jersey City (Rule of Three)
6. Background investigation
7. State-mandated training academy

Source: official page

Academy

Appointees must complete the state-mandated firefighter training program (length not stated) 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 New Jersey.