How to get hired at Phoenix Fire Department

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

Phoenix hires Firefighter Recruits through periodic recruitments. Candidates apply through City of Phoenix employment and take online exams through Public Safety Answers, a general aptitude test and a test based on the department's study packet. Passing candidates go on an eligibility list and are called to selection interviews; by the final interview they must hold Arizona EMT certification and a recent CPAT. Background, medical and drug tests follow, then a paid recruit academy.

Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page

Minimum requirements

• At least 18 on or before the written exam date; no maximum age src
• High school diploma or GED (the PSA testing page lists it as a requirement; the city FAQ calls it preferred) src
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one by hire src
• Arizona EMT certification by the final selection interview; National Registry EMT alone is not accepted src
• CPAT from a licensed agency, dated within 6 months of the final selection interview src
• Must move into the designated residency area within 24 months of hire src
• Legal work authorization documentation at job offer; U.S. citizenship not required src
• Must pass background screening, a medical exam with a cardiovascular component, and drug testing src

Certifications

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

Source: official page

Tests

• Public Safety Answers online exams (written): Two online exams: a general aptitude test and a test based on the department's study packet. The testing fee is $50, of which the city pays $25. src
• CPAT (physical): Taken at a licensed agency within 6 months of the final interview. src
• Selection interviews (oral): Scheduled from the eligibility list, ending with a final selection interview. src

Hiring process

1. Apply online (City of Phoenix, Firefighter Recruit)
2. Online written exams (Public Safety Answers)
3. Eligibility list
4. Selection interviews
5. Final selection interview (show AZ EMT and CPAT)
6. Background
7. Medical exam and drug test
8. Recruit academy
9. Probation

Source: official page

Academy

About a 14-week paid recruit academy, followed by about 9 months of probation 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 Arizona.