How to get hired at San Jose Fire Department
San Jose hires Firefighter Recruits (EMT and Paramedic tracks) in numbered recruitments, each tied to an academy class. Applicants must already hold EMT or paramedic certification and a current CPAT. They apply and take the written test through National Testing Network, then go through a personal history questionnaire, an oral and Chief's interview, a background check with polygraph, and medical and psychological screening before an 18-week academy.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- Minimum age 18 at the time of the written exam src
- High school diploma, GED or California Certificate of Proficiency src
- Valid California driver's license, or ability to obtain one src
- EMT track: valid EMT certificate or NREMT-Basic; Paramedic track: California EMSA paramedic license src
- CPAT certificate dated within 6 months of the filing deadline and within 1 year before hire src
- Eligible to work in the US; the city does not sponsor visas src
Certifications
- EMT: required at application
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- NTN FireTEAM (written): Video human relations, mechanical aptitude, math and reading src
- CPAT (physical): Renewed annually src
- Oral panel interview and Chief's interview (oral) src
- Polygraph (other) src
Hiring process
- Confirm minimum qualifications
- Take the NTN written test and apply through NTN
- Personal History Questionnaire
- Qualified candidate group
- Oral interview and Chief's interview
- Background investigation
- Conditional offer (LiveScan, polygraph, medical, psychological)
- Final offer and academy
Source: official page
Starting pay
Recruit $51.92/hr ($4,153.25 biweekly); Firefighter Step 1 $124,151.98/yr after academy (27-01 recruitment) src
Academy
18-week non-residential academy, weekdays 8:30am to 5:30pm, plus some evenings and weekends 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.