How to get hired at San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

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

San Bernardino County Fire takes firefighter and firefighter/paramedic applications from time to time. Candidates need a California Paramedic license, a recent CPAT and an FCTC written test score, both taken through the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center. The district also hires Fire Suppression Aides (FSA I-III), an entry role open at 18 with a high school diploma, and offers FSAs EMT Ambulance Operator training at little or no cost.

Official recruitment page

Minimum requirements

• At least 18 years old src
• High school diploma or equivalent at application src
• Valid California Class C driver's license and a recent DMV H6 printout src
• Passing CPAT dated within the last 12 months src
• FCTC written test score src
• California Paramedic license (trainee track) and ICEMA Paramedic accreditation at appointment src
• Current CPR and ACLS src
• Must meet the department's health and physical standards src

Certifications

• EMT: paramedic required
• Firefighter I/II: unknown

Source: official page

Tests

• FCTC written (written): Taken through the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center; fees apply and FCTC offers online study guides src
• CPAT (physical): Taken through FCTC and dated within 12 months src

Hiring process

1. Register with FCTC
2. FCTC written test
3. CPAT
4. Apply when the district opens a firefighter/paramedic recruitment
5. Firefighter/Paramedic selection process

Source: official page

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.