| Conditions of Employment |
| Recruitment Process |
| Fitness & Challenge Test |
| Career FAQs |
| Is this for you? |
| Women in firefighting |
| Contact us |
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Career Firefighting, on the following topics:
Conditions of Employment
The Recruitment Process
Educational Requirements
How Can I Prepare For The Recruitment Process?
The Training Course
I Am Already A Volunteer
Women in firefighting
What level of education do I need to be a firefighter?
Currently, there are no minimum educational requirements to become a firefighter. All applicants complete The CFA expects that all firefighters will undertake a continual process of learning. To this end, your capacity to participate in this learning is evaluated in the application process by; benchmarking the basic aptitude tests, and your work / training history.
What subjects should I study at school to become a career firefighter?
There are no specific subjects that you are recommended to study. You should ensure that you have a broad education including literacy and numeracy. You should ensure that you have opportunities to practice teamwork, deal with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and develop a high customer service ethic.
Can studying Fire Technology help my chances at securing a position?
Such a course is not a pre-requisite, however prior knowledge on relevant subjects will be of benefit to the learning experience. Subjects studied during such a course do not provide exemptions from any subject completed during the Training Course. All recruits, regardless of their knowledge and experience, complete the entire recruit Training Course.
Can I do anything to prepare for the psychometric assessment?
If you would like to know more about psychometric assessment, there are many resources at bookstores and local libraries. One example is the publication “Practise Now – How to Prepare for Recruitment and Selection Tests” that can be obtained by sending an email to bookshop@acer.edu.au or call 03 9277 5490 for $26.95.
Can I obtain a copy of the shuttle run or ‘beep test’ so that I can prepare?
Copies of the ‘beep test’ can be bought from the Australian Sports’ Commission at www.ausport.gov.au or on 02 6214 1915. The CD is $43.00 and the cassette is $28.00. However, it is recommended that you do not limit your physical preparation to only the ‘beep‘ test and that it comprises overall cardiovascular and upper body strength training.
Is there anything else that I can do in preparation?
You can ensure that you have all the necessary application documentation ready prior to a recruitment campaign because applications will be accepted for a limited period of time.
You will be required to provide a copy of your full, manual driver’s licence and documentary evidence of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency. For Australian and New Zealand citizenship this would comprise a copy of your birth certificate or current passport.For permanent residents, this would comprise a copy of your passport and relevant Australian visa.
It is recommended that you prepare and keep an up to date resume because you will be required to provide a copy with your application. Make sure you have up to date contact details on your nominated referees.
As the timing of the recruitment process occurs over a number of phases it is likely you will have to attend some phases during the working week. Please take some time to consider your approach and strategy to this requirement in advance to provide you with the flexibility to not to put your current employment at risk.
How many recruits does CFA look for?
The number is dependent on the number of firefighter vacancies at the time of the recruitment campaign. This will be mentioned in the Application Pack and also at the Application Information sessions.
How long is the recruit training course?
The recruit training course is approximately 16 weeks long.
If I am successful, when will I start my recruit course?
Successful applicants will be allocated to a recruit course as dates are established. Further detail will be provided during the recruitment campaign and prior to a job offer.
Where & when does the recruit course take place?
Recruit courses take place at CFA Training College, Fiskville. Fiskville is located near Ballan off the Western Highway, Melway Map reference 511 D2. Courses are conducted according to operational workforce planning requirements.
What happens at the training course?
The course comprises intensive practical and theoretical instruction. Assignments, tests and exams are utilised to assess recruits’ competency for each subject. Recruits must attain the required standard for each subject to be successful.
What are the hours of the training course?
The training course is live-in Monday-Friday at CFA Training College, Fiskville. The daily hours vary according to the scheduled training but they do not exceed 38 hours per week.
How many recruits are on each course?
The number of recruits on each course varies according to organisational requirements.
A documentary following a course of CFA career firefighter recruits over their 16-week course at CFA Training College, Fiskville, will be broadcast on CFA Connect over a period of 8 weeks starting from 8 July. View the Promotional Video below:
View all the other CFA Recruits documentary episodes on CFA Connect.
I am already a Volunteer and have completed minimum skills training. If I am successful, do I have to do the entire recruit Training Course?
Yes, you would need to complete the entire recruit Training Course. It is important that all recruits are trained in the same material to the same level. If you are successful, you will find that you will benefit from completing the entire Training Course.
I am already a Volunteer. What happens if I am unsuccessful?
If you are deemed unsuccessful at any stage of the recruitment process, it is important for you to realise that this outcome does not diminish in any way your highly valued contribution to CFA as a volunteer firefighter. Your dedication is recognised as an integral part of CFA’s culture and operations, without which it would struggle to survive. The service that you provide to your community and family is invaluable and is encouraged. You will be eligible to reapply to future recruitment campaigns.
