How to get hired at Washington, DC Fire & EMS Department
DC Fire and EMS hires entry-level Firefighter/EMTs during periodic application windows through DC Human Resources. After an HR eligibility review, applicants take the National Testing Network written exam, and scores (with residency, veteran and foster-youth preference points) form a ranked register. Selected candidates get a conditional offer, then complete the CPAT, a suitability board interview and a medical/psych exam before a training academy that includes EMT.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- At least 19 by the application closing date src
- U.S. citizen at time of application src
- High school diploma or GED (a college degree may substitute) src
- Full valid driver's license at application; provisional licenses and learner's permits not accepted src
- Must pass the written Firefighter/EMT entry-level exam and a physical abilities test src
- Must pass background check, medical and suitability assessments, and a drug screen src
Certifications
- EMT: not required
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- NTN entry-level exam (written): Invitation comes only after the DC HR eligibility review; testing with NTN without an HR referral does not count. src
- CPAT (physical): Taken after the conditional offer; CPAT certifications from other agencies within 12 months may be accepted. src
- Suitability Board interview (oral): Assesses the department's Core Values src
Hiring process
- Apply via DC HR during an open period
- HR eligibility review
- NTN written exam
- Ranked register
- Conditional offer
- CPAT
- Document submission
- Suitability Board interview
- Medical and psych evaluation
- Academy
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 District of Columbia.