Join the Fire Brigade FAQ.

Frequently asked questions from people seeking to join the Fire Brigade in the UK.

1. When do Fire services recruit firefighters?

All Fire Services are different and recruit at different times. It may be many years between recruitment campaigns in some services due to financial constraints. Firefighters leaving the service and retiring create a need for recruitment.

2. How do I apply?

You will have to monitor your chosen Fire Service/s and watch out for their recruitment campaigns. When the campaign starts you can apply for an application pack. We cannot help or assist you with this as we are an independant information resource.

3. Is there an age limit?

You need to be 18 years old at the time of joining the Fire Service. You can apply to join from aged 17 years 10 months onwards due to the length of the process. There is no upper age limit.

4. I am in the Armed Forces serving my notice to leave can I still apply?

You can still apply but you need to bear in mind you will go through the same process as every other applicant. You will have to attend the test days as everyone else. If you are posted abroad this can be difficult. If you are successful and offered a place you must be able to begin your employment on the day offered.

5. How tall do I have to be to join the Fire Service?

There is no minimum height requirement to join and likewise there is no maximum. You must be able to complete the Firefighter Fitness test however that involves moving a ladder off an Appliance. This is one part of the test and you have to pass it to move on to the next stage.

6. What are the eyesight requirements to become a Firefighter?

You need to have reasonably good uncorrected vision and colour perception. There are also limitations on those who have had laser corrective eye surgery but this does not necessarily rule you out and many Firefighters have join post op. Have a look at our Firefighter Medical and Eyesight page for more information.

7. If I have a disability can I still apply to become a Firefighter?

Firefighters used to be exempt from the Act , however, this is no longer the case. So you can apply. As a part of the application process you will be asked about your disability and what reasonable adjustments can be made for you to take part in the process and in the role of Firefighter. Every individual case is taken on its own merits and considered. If reasonable adjustments can be made for the process and for you to work in the role then you application will continue.

8. I am female can I apply to become a Firefighter?

The Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer and is intent on achieving equality and diversity within its ranks that reflects the communities it serves. Bascialy applications are accepted from anyone regardless of their religion, creed, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origins, disability, sex, marital status, age, sex or any other factors that cannot be honestly justified in prevent a person doing the job.

9. How fit do I need to be to become a Firefighter?

Firstly you need to be able to pass the Firefighter Fitness test to join. The job can be very physically and mental demanding and a good level of fitness helps prevent fatigue. Most Firefighter train regularly to keep themselves in a good physical state. A high level of fitness is not achieved overnight there are some training books on our fitness page that will help you achieve a good level of fitness if you start in plenty of time.

10. I have a criminal record can I still apply to become a fire fighter?

This very much depends on the type of conviction and if it is classed as spent. You will have to declare any convictions that fall within the guidelines at the application stage. Have a look at Fire Service Requirements page for more information.

11. What medical conditions will prevent me from joining the Fire Service?

There are too many variables for us to give you the correct answer for this question. Our advice is to ring the Occupational Health Unit of the Fire Service you are applying to and ask them. They will be able to give you a definitive answer.

12. What can I do to give me a better chance of passing the National Firefighter Tests and become a Firefighter?

You need to begin by finding out as much as you can about the job and the application process to become a Firefighter. Start early so you have the longest time hence greatest chance of passing. Begin fitness training to get your body in shape for the Firefighter Fitness Tests. There are many books and DVD's etc that can help you prepare and get your nose ahead of the next applicant. We have listed some recommended products on our training page.

13. How long does the Firefighter application process take?

This differs between services but you will usually be given a timescale at the application stage.

14. What tests do I have to complete to become a Firefighter?

All Services now adhere to a National standard and use the National Firefighter Tests when they recruit new Fire Fighters. Have a look at our Fire Service Application Procedure page.

15. How do I become a Retained Firefighter?

Usually you need to speak to your local station. There is a stipulation that you must be able to respond to your pager and arrive within 5 minutes to the station.

16. I am not a UK National can I join the UK Fire Service?

Sadly No. You would require a work permit and a Fire Service would not be able to satisfy the condition that there are insufficient skilled people within the workforce available as they have so many applicants.

17. Do I need any qualifications to become a firefighter?

In short no. You have to pass all the written tests and also the aptitude tests. Obviously qualifications will assist you and may help with future promotion.