How to get hired at Los Angeles County Fire Department
Hiring statusStatus unknown
Most recent official posting found opened April 15, 2024 and stays open until department needs are met (may close without notice); current 2026 status not confirmed. src
LocationLos Angeles, CA
Career firefighters3,550
Stations171
LA County Fire hires entry-level Fire Fighter Trainees through a county exam that relies on the FCTC written test and a CPAT certificate. Applicants need an EMT certification and a high school diploma, submitted with the application or within 12 months of a passing FCTC score. Qualified candidates are banded by score, may be interviewed, and then go through background and medical checks.
Minimum requirements
- Passing FCTC written test score (70%+) within the last 12 months src
- Valid CPAT certificate, with application or within 12 months of passing FCTC score src
- High school diploma or equivalent (or higher degree) from an accredited institution src
- Current non-probationary EMT certificate/license (CA EMT/AEMT, NREMT with in-person CPR card, or CA Paramedic) valid at least 6 months past appointment src
- Valid California driver license before appointment; 4+ moving violations in past 2 years disqualifies src
- Meet vision and hearing standards in the class specification src
Certifications
- EMT: required at application
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- FCTC written test (written): 70% minimum; video, mechanical reasoning, math and reading sections src
- CPAT (physical): Certificate required within 12 months of passing FCTC score src
- Department interview (oral): May be given to candidates in the highest band src
Hiring process
- Pass FCTC written test
- Apply using the same email as FCTC profile
- Submit CPAT, diploma and EMT certificate
- Score verification and banding on eligible list
- Interview (top band)
- Conditional offer
- Background with fingerprinting
- Medical exam
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 California.