Houston Fire Department Fire Trainee Employment FAQs

What's the first step to applying? The first step is to take the Civil Service Exam. The Civil Service Exam application is on-line. HFD only accepts on-line applications thru NeoGov. www.houstonfire.org

How Long is the Civil Service Exam? The exam is approximately three hours.

Do I need to buy a study guide for the Civil Service Exam? No, there is not a study guide for HFD's exam. The Civil Service Exam covers basic Reading and Math questions.

What do I need to bring with me to the exam? You must bring your Drivers License or valid photo ID. If you have military experience, you must bring a copy of your DD214 Members 4 in order to receive your (5) extra military points.

Can I take the Civil Service Exam in another City? No. HFD's Civil Service Exam is valid only for applicants applying for the position of Firefighter/EMT in the City of Houston .

Application Process

How long is the application process? The application process is approximately three (3) months long. However, the process can be expedited or delayed by the applicant. The applicant must be available for scheduling, pass each phase of the process and produce all necessary documents before he/she can proceed to the next phase.

Is there a credit check during the applicant processing? No, the Houston Fire Department does not conduct a credit check at this time.

If I do not meet current minimum requirements, can I still apply? If you sit for the Civil Service Exam you must meet the minimum requirements.

*(Click here to view Recruiting Brochure-Minimum Requirements.)

I am currently in the military. Can I still apply? You must be available for processing immediately after taking the Civil Service Exam.

Fire/EMT Training

How long is the training period? The training period depends on the type of training chosen.

A "Certified Firefighter/EMT Fast Track" Academy Class is made up of members who are Texas Certified Firefighters and a Texas Department of State Health Services EMT Basic or Higher. The class is approximately 17 weeks in length and consists of 350 hours of training that cover the procedures, techniques and methods required of all Houston Firefighters. Instruction includes extensive physical preparation, written testing, response simulations, and live fire training. The course has a predominated focus on hands training in order to prepare the trainees to be productive Houston firefighters from the very first day of work at the fire station. The course components also include:

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Practices
• HFD Fire Tactics
• Firefighter Safety and Survival
• Apparatus Familiarization
• HFD Engine Company Operations
• HFD Ladder Company Operations
• Rescue Skills and Guidelines
• Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• HFD Incident Management System
• HFD Communications Procedures
• High-rise Fire Attack
• HFD Station Operations

A "Firefighter Trainee" Academy Class is one in which the trainee does not have a background as a firefighter or an emergency medical technician. The training is divided into several components and is approximately 38 weeks in length; each component must be passed before moving on.

Where does the training take place? Most of the training will occur at the Val Jahnke Training Facility, just outside of the Hobby Airport fence line, at 8030 Braniff, Houston , Texas 77061 .

Does HFD offer a paramedic program? Yes. EMS offers Paramedic Classes at various times through out the year. All Firefighters/EMT's can apply for this program after completing the academy.

Is the training paid and will the salary increase after training? Yes, and the salary of a firefighter trainee will increase once he/she completes the fire academy.

How long is the probationary period? Approximately 18 months from date of hire.

Can Firefighter Trainees choose the station where he/she will work? Only the top ranking graduates from the fire academy will be given an opportunity to choose from a list of designated fire stations. Other trainees will be assigned a station.

Are there promotional opportunities as a firefighter? Once the probationary period is satisfactorily completed and the member has functioned in the capacity of a Firefighter for at least two (2) years; then he/she may take a promotional test for Engineer/Operator (EO). After serving two (2) years in the capacity of any given rank, the member may test for the next higher rank. If the member passes the test, he/she will be placed on a ranking list and promoted to a vacant position when available.

Other Facts

Business or business casual is required for the Prescreen/Questionnaire interview and polygraph. No shorts, cutoffs, or midriffs are accepted.

An American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Card will be required during the application process.

Addresses and phone numbers must be correct on all documents.

Certificates of Dispositions are required for each arrest, traffic citation and failure to appear in court citations.

W-2 or 1040 form must be submitted for employers that no longer in business and for self employed applicants.

A Classified Recruiter must be notified of any change in name, phone number, or address of the applicant in writing.

Pay - The following are some examples of annual pay for various ranks within the Fire Service: