How to get hired at Nashville Fire Department
Metro Nashville hires entry-level Fire Recruits once a year, usually taking applications at the start of the year through the Metro governmentjobs.com portal. Accepted applicants are emailed testing dates for a written exam and a physical agility exam, and those who pass go on an eligibility list used to fill future recruit classes. The recruit academy runs 26 weeks, or 13 weeks for recruits who already hold an EMT license.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- Age 21 or older at time of hire src
- U.S. citizen at time of hire src
- High school diploma or equivalent src
- Meet NFPA 1582 medical requirements for firefighters src
Certifications
- EMT: not required
- Firefighter I/II: unknown
Source: official page
Tests
- Fire Recruit written exam (written): The city publishes a Fire Recruit Study Guide src
- NFD physical agility exam (physical): Department-specific test. An orientation guide and video are available. Not named as CPAT. src
Hiring process
- Apply online during the annual window
- Application review
- Email notice of testing
- Written exam
- Physical agility exam
- Eligibility list
- Pre-hire orientation
- Recruit academy (13-26 weeks)
Source: official page
Starting pay
Starting base salary $61,665/yr, not counting overtime or education incentive pay src
Academy
26 weeks for recruits without an EMT license, or 13 weeks for those who have one, with orientation starting about two months before the hire date 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 Tennessee.