How to get hired at Minneapolis Fire Department

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

Minneapolis hires entry-level firefighters as fire cadets when the City posts openings. Selected applicants go through CPAT orientation, practice and the CPAT exam (passing makes them a certified-eligible cadet for two years), then a behavioral interview, conditional offer, background and pre-employment tests. Hired cadets complete a paid 3-4 month academy and graduate as City firefighters.

Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page

Minimum requirements

• At least 18 years old src
• High school diploma or GED src
• Valid driver's license src
• Authorized to work in the United States src
• Pass pre-employment tests (CPAT, interview, background, health and fitness) src
• EMT/paramedic certification and college degree are helpful but not required src

Certifications

• EMT: not required
• Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)

Source: official page

Tests

• CPAT (physical): Orientation plus up to two practice sessions; passing makes you a certified-eligible fire cadet for 2 years src
• Behavioral-based oral interview (oral) src

Hiring process

1. Optional information session
2. Apply when posted
3. Application review
4. CPAT orientation, practice and exam
5. Oral interview
6. Conditional offer
7. Background and pre-employment tests
8. Final offer
9. 3-4 month paid cadet academy

Source: official page

Academy

Paid Minneapolis Fire Cadet Academy, 3-4 months; graduates become City firefighters 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 Minnesota.