Requirements to Become...
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What are the Requirements to Become a Firefighter?

Firefighters live on the frontlines of danger, battling towering infernos and out of control flames. However, firefighters are not only responsible for putting out blazes. They are also perform a range of other important duties, including:
  • Educating the public about fire safety
  • Investigating causes of fire, including arson
  • Treating victims and providing emergency care
  • Rescuing victims from fires and other dangers
  • Removing hazardous materials out of harm's way
To say that this career can be dangerous would be an understatement. There are few peacetime jobs that pose the same types of threats that firefighters face on a daily basis. As such, the many formal requirements to become a firefighter are quite strict. In order to begin working professionally in this field, you must meet a range of physical, educational, and practical guidelines.

Requirements to Become a Firefighter

Most units only accept applicants with a high school degree or higher. You must also pass a written test to assess your problem-solving and cognitive skills. Then you take a physical exam that evaluates your endurance, dexterity, and overall strength. Next, you typically undergo extensive training offered by state and local firefighting units scattered throughout the country. Lastly, you must complete certification and training as an emergency medical technician. This is because as first responders, firefighters are expected to stabilize, if not treat, many different types of injuries and illnesses.

It is possible to accelerate some of these steps if you complete a two or four-year degree from an accredited fire engineering or fire science program. Some firefighting units even offer tuition reimbursement incentives to encourage more formal training in academic settings.

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