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You want to be a firefighter? Good news, fire departments are looking for you!

Here’s what you can expect from a career in the fire service as you navigate the path and complete the critical steps along the way.

This special series on how to become a firefighter breaks down everything prospective and new firefighters need to know about joining the fire service. Review key aspects of the job, including the physical demands and classroom work that aids firefighters on the job. Learn how to maintain a strong work ethic and reputation to ensure you’ll make it past Round 1 of the application process.

Do you know the 11 requirements to become a firefighter so you can begin your training? This series outlines these requirements, plus the varied factors required by some fire departments, like driver’s license, background checks and physical exams. Learn what chiefs are looking for in new recruits and ensure you understand an important concept for anyone looking to work as a first responder: public trust.

Once you’ve made it through the first round, it’s time to join a fire academy. Learn the differences among the various types of academies, and how you can set yourself up for success in the process.

Finally, after completing the fire academy, it’s on to the rookie years. Get a glimpse into rookie life, with tips for how to survive as the new person on the crew.

Test how your personality aligns with the motivation, teamwork and key character traits that exemplify firefighters around the world
Watch: How to Become a Firefighter
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Part 1: What to expect from a career in the fire service
6:13
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Part 2: 11 critical steps in the path to becoming a firefighter
7:38
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Part 3: Getting into a fire academy
8:11
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Part 4: Surviving the rookie years
5:40
COMPLETE COVERAGE
We asked FireRescue1 readers what seasoned advice they would offer their younger selves, and they delivered
How to use your personal playbook in the weeks, days and hours before your interview – and then what to do when it’s over
From the classroom to the training ground, Marc Bashoor offers a 30,000-foot look at what to expect if you want to become a firefighter
Get a glimpse into rookie life, plus a value set that helps firefighters succeed in the industry
Breaking down key factors involved in getting into a fire academy, the differences among the types of academies, and how you can set yourself up for success
Plus learn tips for what chiefs are looking for in new recruits as well as the importance of public trust
Learn your learning style, focus on fitness, and understand your place on the incident scene
Crews detail a dramatic rescue of two individuals trapped in a ranch-style home
Brooke DeLeon was the only woman in her 21-member recruit class
Four tips for making it through the early transition into your probationary period as a firefighter