How to Become a Raleigh Firefighter

Eligibility Requirements

The application period for the 2024 Fire Academy is available September 1 through Oct. 10 for an Academy start date of February 12, 2024. The application form is now available.

Candidates are required to meet the rigorous physical and mental demands of the job.  Firefighters must be able to think and act quickly as well as perform competently in complex, dangerous, and dynamic emergencies.

Candidates must:

• be at least 19 years old by the first day of the academy;
• have a high school diploma or equivalent (proof required);
• have corrected vision of at least 20/30 in both eyes;
• have an operational telephone; and
• have a valid driver’s license.

Application Process

The  application process is usually five months. Steps for application are described in detail below.

Submit an Application Online

The application for the 2024 Academy will be available September 1 through Oct. 10 for an Academy start date of February 12, 2024. 

All applicants must go to the NEOGOV website and create a governmentjobs.com account. If you already have a GovernmentJobs.com account, sign in with your username and password, select the job title and then apply. All sections of the application must be completed, including supplemental questionnaire and necessary documents attached. If a question does not apply to you, indicate with NA. Questions marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

For support related to the online application process please call 855-524-5627 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Complete and Pass a Written Aptitude Test

Applicants must pass the Candidate Written Aptitude Test. The written test is based on a standardized aptitude test. Prior fire service experience is not necessary. The test is similar to a Civil Service exam and will test one’s general knowledge.

An email from NEOGOV will be sent to applicants with detailed information on where and when to take the test. Applicants must report to the test site early to allow time for registration and verification procedures. A government-issued photo ID must be presented at the test site before being permitted to take the test. Applicants who do not report as scheduled or who fail to present the above verification will be disqualified. 

Once the test is completed, applicants will be notified via an email from NEOGOV with their results. Those that have passed will be given a date and time for the Physical Agility Test. Please do not contact Keeter Training Center for your results, the results will be emailed to you.

No retest will be administered, and no scheduling adjustments can be arranged.

Pass the Physical Agility Test

In order to be considered for selection, firefighter applicants must pass the Physical Agility Test (PAT) conducted at the City's Keeter Training Center.  

Applicants are advised to prepare for the agility test for purposes of safety as well as to enhance their chance for a higher score.  With adequate preparation, the average healthy, fit individual should be able to complete the test safely and satisfactorily. During testing, all procedures will be explained in detail and demonstrated if necessary. Learn more about the Physical Agility Test including videos showing all parts of the agility test.

Pass the Oral Interview

Pass the Contingent Offer Phase

Firefight applicants who receive contingent job offers will must pass a:

• criminal background check,
• driving background check,
• controlled substance test,
• medical exam; and,
• psychological evaluation.

 Final job offers will be contingent on candidates passing all steps.

Receive and Accept Offer of employment

Candidates who receive job offers will be notified in time to give proper notice to their current employer. All other applicants will be notified of their status after all recruitment steps are complete.

Complete Training Academy and Probationary Period

Soon after firefighter selections are made, new recruits begin an extensive training program at the City's Keeter Fire Training Center. This program or academy, conducted by the department's training staff lasts approximately 32 weeks.

The Fire Academy includes an extensive physical fitness program and a multitude of live firefighting simulations. In order to complete the academy, each candidate must maintain an overall average score of 70% in the classroom. If a recruit does not maintain an average score of 70% or greater, they are subject to termination. Learn more about the Fire Academy.