How to get hired at South Metro Fire Rescue Authority

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

Hiring statusNot currently hiring

Entry-level Firefighter and Paramedic/Firefighter applications will open in late January 2027; schedule FireTEAM and get CPAT certified by March 28, 2027 src

LocationCentennial, CO

Career firefighters560

Stations32

South Metro Fire Rescue hires Firefighter Recruits through a periodic hiring cycle. Candidates must have valid NTN FireTEAM scores and a CPAT before applying, and only the top 350 FireTEAM scores advance. A virtual interview and in-person oral boards follow before a contingent offer and the academy. EMT-B isn't required to apply; recruits who lack it take South Metro's EMT-B course.

Apply / get notified Official recruitment page

Minimum requirements

At least 18 by date of hire (21 for paramedic candidates) src
High school diploma or GED by date of hire src
Valid NTN FireTEAM scores and a valid CPAT uploaded with the application (both expire after 1 year) src
Colorado driver's license (or ability to obtain) and acceptable driving record by date of hire src
No marijuana use in the 12 months before a contingent offer src
Pass background, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical, drug screen and psychological exam src

Certifications

EMT: earned in the academy
Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)

Source: official page

Tests

NTN FireTEAM (written): Minimums: Human Relations 75, Math 70, Mechanical 65, Reading 70; top 350 advance src
CPAT (physical): Must be valid at application; repeat CPAT at the fitness assessment is paid by SMFR src
Virtual interview (oral): About 250 candidates, 15 minutes src
In-person oral boards (oral) src
Fitness/wellness assessment (physical): Includes VO2 test src

Hiring process

FireTEAM and CPAT
Apply online
Virtual interview
In-person oral boards
Contingent offer
Background, medical, drug and psych
Fitness/wellness assessment
Academy

Source: official page

Starting pay

After the academy, recruits start at Firefighter IV ($84,805) or Firefighter III ($98,131) depending on experience (2027 schedule) 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 Colorado.