For better or for worse, there is no standardized procedure for getting hired as a firefighter, making fire fighter education and training for beginners confusing. Requirements vary from state to state—and sometimes from county to county and city to city. Therefore, your first step in becoming a firefighter is to determine what the requirements are in the area or with the agency you'd like to work for.

Even so, education and training needed to be a firefighter does have some universal requirements. For example, firefighters must usually be at least 18 years of age, be physically fit, and be able to pass psychological and written exams. In pursuing information about firefighter education requirements, don't neglect to do the following:

1. Seek realistic information on what firefighting is like and overviews of fire fighter training.

2. Learn to be a fire fighter by studying for written exams.

3. Pursue fire fighting courses and training in order to pass physical requirements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Acquire a basic education to become a fire fighter

Many people consider firefighting a romantic occupation. But do you know what it's really like to be a firefighter? Before you take one more step toward training to become a fire fighter, be sure you know what you're getting into. One way to do this is to talk to firefighters in your area. Another way is to read up.

I recommend: "Become a Firelighter" by FabJob is an e-book offering the basics of what it takes to become a firefighter in the United States. Kelly Andersson also offers a great free article with practical tips on becoming a firefighter and an overview of what firefighting is like.

Seek fire fighter training information for written exams

No matter where you apply, you'll almost certainly need to take a written exam. Exams vary somewhat, but a good source of information about exams should provide you with all you need to pass your test.

I recommend: The Don McNea Fire School offers a variety of materials to help you with written exams, including packages to help you through oral, written and psychological tests. Firefighters Bookstore also offers lots of prep materials, including "Master the Firefighter Exam, 15th Ed."

Pursue physical education and training to become a fire fighter

Physical tests are a vital part of acquiring a job as a firefighter. Physical exams are often rigorous, and even people in relatively good shape must usually customize their workout according to guidelines specific to firefighters.

I recommend: How to Become a Firefighter provides reliable information on how to prepare for a physical firefighter's test. FireFightersWorkout.com offers advice on getting the physical training you need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There's a lot of competition for entry level firefighting positions. However, there are several ways to stand out from the crowd, including obtaining the following fire fighter education: CPR certification for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross), EMT certification and experience, a paramedic license and specialized certification in such things as Fire Prevention, Auto Extraction and Fire Investigation.

Education to become a fire fighter is an individualized process these days. Choices and options for training and education can be almost overwhelming. There are online courses, certifications and degree programs. There are traditional military colleges and universities.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions: "Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?" or "Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the workforce quickly? You can find good non-accredited fire fighter training programs. You need to research the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university. There are plenty of less than sterling courses out there too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for your school:

1. Look at brick and mortar schools with accredited programs.

2. Use online firefighter education for your training.

3. Find resources, tools and information websites for forest fire training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established colleges and schools for fire fighter education and training

Go to an established school to fulfill firefighter education requirements. Get a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: Eastern Oregon University offers a B.S. Degree in Fires Services Administration. Private agencies and fire departments that need administrators and supervisors more and more prefer candidates with higher degrees. Southwest Minnesota State University has tailored a Bachelor Degree program for Fire Service Administration that works with two-year colleges. This technical institute makes many of the courses in the program available online as well.

Take a rigorous online firefighter education course

There are many fine training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: Target Safety has an online EMS and fire fighting continuing education program. Fire Academy Online has training for future firefighters as well. Eastern Kentucky University has designed an online B.S. Degree program in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology.

Find scholarship information and other vital fire fighter training information

Look at the education and training needed to be a firefighter and define your needs and goals. Find the right benefits and resources for your fire fighter education and training.

I recommend: The official Smokey the Bear website offers resources and information about wildfires, science and fire fighting. Apply for a scholarship for firefighting training at FireLink. ActiveFireMaps has almost everything a fire fighter needs to know at a moment’s notice. Find training programs with the USFS in GIS, fire fighting, remote sensing and other forest management and resource services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Training programs and schools have popped up all over the Internet. It's a great opportunity for convenient forest fire education. However, watch the fine print. Look at the testimonials. Check Better Business Bureaus. Compare prices. Make sure the school is not too expensive compared to other schools, and that it offers a good solid program.

Firefighter education requirements are physically rigorous, but they are also mentally taxing. The decisions that these life savers make have to be split second, and not only do they have to be knowledgeable about the physiological aspects of the human life, but they also have to know about the chemical properties of objects around fire. Education and training to be a fire fighter isn't just about brute strength, it's also about playing it safe and smart.

Fire fighter training continues to evolve as technology changes. New equipment brings changes to the field, and firefighters constantly require new fire fighter training information. Learning how to handle new equipment might one day save your life.

To find out more about fire fighter education and training news and trends:

1. Stay current on fire fighter training news to keep abreast of the latest tips and tactics in the field.

2. Be knowledgeable about the most current fire fighter education requirements in your state, county or city.

3. Find out about the latest fire fighter training information trends in the industry. New technology may save your life.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out the most up-to-date news on fire fighter training

Stay current on fire fighter training tips and tactics to stay at the top of your class or to be the best leader possible.

I recommend: Find out the latest education and training needed to be a firefighter from Firehouse.com. The site offers weekly drills and company level training. Watch the latest videos on training to become a fire fighter from fireengineering.com. Its Fire Engineering TV offers you training videos for firefighters in training.

Become knowledgeable on firefighter education requirements

Make sure that you are staying on top of your fire fighter education skills and training by taking advantage of the latest resources and educational materials.

I recommend: Read the featured education and training news from FireRescue1. Take advantage of the education and training resources, or read the featured education and training story. Check out the latest in education on becoming a fire fighter from FireLink.

Learn the latest trends and information on fire fighter education and training

Find out the most current information on fire fighter education and training. Being knowledgeable about the latest technology or trend may end up saving your life or that of the person you are saving.

I recommend: Take a look at the latest courses from Training Division - Online Fire Academy. Check out the most current fire fighter education and training news and trends in New York City. See what programs are offered at the FDNY Fire Academy, and learn about additional information at the Bureau of Training.

Individuals interested in fire fighter education and training will want to know about the key terms involved with the process. These terms reflect the person’s certification requirements, education pre-requisites and training sessions.

Fire fighter education and training is rigorous due to the nature of the job. The individual must not only know about fire safety and extinguishing fires, but also trained in life saving techniques. Fire fighter education and training is mostly done on the job after being hired by a fire department.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

EMT certification

Many fire departments require that fire fighters go through the certification program for emergency medical technicians. Fire departments will require either basic EMT certification or the more involved paramedic certification. EMT certification ensures that the fire fighter knows basic life saving techniques.

I recommend: Review EMT certification under the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Fire Fighting Occupations webpage.

Fire science degree

The fire science degree is a fairly new collegiate program that offers fire fighters the chance to earn a degree in fire science in order to improve their chances of being hired by a fire department. A fire science degree will focus on fire protection systems, fire fighting strategy and fire codes.

I recommend: Learn about fire science degree programs on Fire Link.

Firefighter exam

The firefighter exam is the test given by local fire departments to determine the appropriateness of the candidate. The test involves a written test, physical exam and medical clearance. The department will invite the highest scorers to go through fire academy training.

I recommend: State University.com has a definition of the firefighter exam on the Firefighter Job Description section of their site.

US National Fire Academy

Besides going through department training, a fire fighter may attend classes offered by the US National Fire Academy. These classes give information on anti-arson techniques, hazardous material safety strategies and more.

I recommend: College Grad details training for fire fighters, including classes from the US National Fire Academy.

Fire fighter certification

Once you finish training as a fire fighter, your state may offer a fire fighter certification. With this certificate, you have proven that you gone through the training necessary to become a fire fighter in your state.

I recommend: Read about the fire fighter certification program available in Florida through the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Firefighter physical test

The main concern of fire departments is that the applicant can physically endure the conditions of fighting fires. A firefighter physical test will measure both the time and skill you demonstrated while completing different obstacle courses.

I recommend: Look at information about the firefighter physical test on How to Become a Firefighter.