How to get hired at Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, Missouri opens firefighter applications in periodic recruitment windows; between windows, candidates submit a KCFD job interest form and are emailed when the next period opens. Applicants must be 18 to under 30 at the application deadline, hold a diploma/GED/HiSET and a valid Missouri driver's license, and move inside city limits within 9 months of hire. No EMT certification is needed to apply; KCFD pays for EMT certification and the fire academy.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- At least 18 by the close of the application period src
- Under 30 at the close of the application period (prior KCFD service may be deducted) src
- High school diploma, GED or HiSET src
- Valid Missouri driver's license at application and appointment src
- Must live within Kansas City, MO limits or move there within 9 months of hire src
- Must not have public safety disqualifiers per city guidelines src
Certifications
- EMT: not required
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- City electronic proctored written test (written): Taken remotely with Safe Exam Browser plus a second device for video monitoring; study materials emailed to eligible candidates (2024 cycle) src
Hiring process
- Submit interest form
- Apply online when window opens
- Written test
- Further steps not published
Source: official page
Starting pay
$24.75/hour (2024 recruitment) src
Academy
Paid fire academy and paid EMT certification (length not published) 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 Missouri.