How to get hired at San Antonio Fire Department
San Antonio hires entry-level firefighters through a once-a-year Civil Service Firefighter Trainee written exam. Passing applicants are placed on a one-year eligibility list and then move through a candidate phase that includes the CPAT and a background check. Those hired attend a six-month cadet academy that covers firefighting, hazmat and state EMT certification.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- At least 19 and under 34 by the date of the entrance exam (no exceptions, including for military service) src
- High school diploma or GED src
- Able to read, write and speak English src
- No felony or moral turpitude conviction, no non-honorable military discharge, and no disqualifying traffic, misdemeanor or DWI convictions within set time windows src
- Must be eligible for Texas Commission on Fire Protection certification src
- Complete the Hepatitis B vaccine series before entering the Fire Training Academy src
Certifications
- EMT: not required
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- Civil Service Firefighter Trainee entrance exam (written): 230 questions in 3 hours; 70% minimum to pass; free; veterans get 5 points after passing src
- CPAT (physical): Part of the candidate phase after the eligibility list src
Hiring process
- Submit Job Interest Card / apply during the annual window
- Civil Service written exam
- Eligibility list (valid 1 year)
- Candidate phase (CPAT)
- Background
- Cadet academy (6 months)
Source: official page
Starting pay
$3,853.66/month as a fire cadet; $5,348/month as a probationary firefighter (months 1 to 18) src
Academy
Six-month paid cadet academy, including state EMT certification training 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 Texas.