To save lives, protect property, and serve our community with courage, commitment and compassion. HFD exists to serve our citizens. Prevention and enforcement, public education, pre-hospital emergency care & transportation, and fire control is part of our mission.
HFD will be recognized as a premier public service organization, respected and admired by our peers and the community as the most diverse, innovative, and efficient public safety provider in the world.
If you are interested in a career with the Houston Fire Department and would like to be notified of upcoming exams, please complete the form by clicking the button below.
| 2026 Projected Academy Dates
*All projected dates are subject to change based on the needs of the Houston Fire Department. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
||||||
|
||||||
| The next Civil Service Exam (C.S.E.) will be held in June 2026. Note: you must apply and clear prescreen to be sent a link for the C.S.E. |
The Houston Fire Department Academy is a paramilitary program that will last approximately 7-9 months (length of time may vary). During this time, cadets will attend fire school and emergency medical technician school (EMT). This program has physical ability training daily and will test physical agility. Cadets will be required to be able to perform physical fitness activities that may include, but are not limited to, running, pushups, sit ups, pull ups, climbing and carrying equipment, some of which may be tested and timed.
To participate in the Firefighter Training hiring process you must complete an official application at www.houstontx.gov and meet the minimum qualifications. Due to the volume of applicants, both the Civil Service Exam (CSE) and the Physical Abilities Testing (PAT) testing dates are by invitation only, and on a first come first serve basis. Failure to apply or meet the minimum qualifications will result in discontinuance of the process. Testing dates and times are subject to change.
