How to get hired at Oakland Fire Department

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

Hiring statusNot currently hiring

Last application window was Jan 5-11, 2026, with the NTN written exam by mid-February 2026. That list feeds the Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 academies. EMT holders who pass the NREMT later may be added to the Fall 2027 list in March 2027. src

LocationOakland, CA

Career firefighters508

Stations26

Oakland hires entry-level firefighters through two separate recruitments, Firefighter Trainee (EMT) and Firefighter-Paramedic Trainee, run by city HR on governmentjobs.com. Candidates take the NTN FireTEAM written exam and a virtual panel interview to get on an eligibility list. Selected candidates then have a Chief's interview, background check, and medical and personality assessments. Hires go through a 20-week state-approved FF1 academy. The January 2026 recruitment fills academies in fall 2026 and fall 2027.

Apply / get notified Official recruitment page

Minimum requirements

At least 18 years old src
High school diploma or equivalent src
EMT certification, submitted by the deadline for the target academy (out-of-state EMT accepted with NREMT) src
CPAT card valid within one year, presented at the Chief's interview src
Oakland residency and veteran status earn additional credit; bilingual ability earns a pay premium once hired src

Certifications

EMT: required before hire (e.g. before final offer/background)
Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)

Source: official page

Tests

NTN FireTEAM (written): Online, 2 hours. Voucher for first 700 qualified applicants, else about $65. Prior NTN score within 1 year can be transferred. FCTC not accepted. src
Virtual structured panel interview (oral): Passing places candidate on eligibility list src
Chief's interview (oral): In person; CPAT card due here src
CPAT (physical): Card valid within one year src
Personality trait assessment (other): After conditional offer src

Hiring process

Apply online (governmentjobs.com)
NTN FireTEAM written exam
Virtual panel interview
Eligibility list
Chief's interview
Background
Conditional offer, personality assessment and medical
20-week academy

Source: official page

Academy

20-week state-approved FF1 academy; 18-month probation; 48/96 schedule 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 California.