How to get hired at San Francisco Fire Department
Hiring statusHiring now
H-2 Firefighter applications close November 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM; must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List by the deadline. src
LocationSan Francisco, CA
Career firefighters1,700
Stations49
SFFD hires entry-level H-2 Firefighters through the City's HR portal plus the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, which requires a passing FCTC written test and a valid CPAT card. Candidates also need EMT certification, then go through a preliminary interview panel, a Command Staff interview, background and medical exam. Recruits finish an approximately 20-week Fire Academy.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- Apply on the City DHR site and be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List by the application deadline src
- FCTC written test score of 70% or higher within one year of the deadline src
- Valid CPAT card (8 events within 10:20) completed less than one year from job offer src
- Current National Registry EMT or California EMT-1 certification, or CA paramedic license; must accredit with local EMS Authority during probation src
- Valid California Class A, B or C driver's license src
- No felony convictions and no misdemeanor probation within one year of application src
- At least 19 to apply; high school diploma or GED src
Certifications
- EMT: required at application
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- FCTC written test (written): 100 multiple-choice questions, 70% to pass; in person, offered at least quarterly src
- CPAT (physical): 8 events within 10:20 src
- Preliminary interview panel and Command Staff interview (oral) src
Hiring process
- Apply online via City HR portal
- FCTC written test, CPAT and EMT proof uploaded to FCTC
- Preliminary interview panel
- Fire Recruitment portal profile and questionnaire
- Command Staff interview
- Background investigation
- Provisional offer and medical exam
- Fire Academy (about 20 weeks)
Source: official page
Academy
About 20 weeks, Monday-Friday 0800-1700 with some Saturdays 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.