Basic Requirements for Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age on the date of the written exam, and not be forty-five (45) years of age or older at time of hire.
Be legally eligible to work within the United States.
Be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate (GED).
Be of good moral character.
Achieve a minimum passing score of seventy (70) percent on the written examination.
Successfully complete the physical ability test.
Pass a background investigation.
Pass oral interviews.
Successfully complete a post-job offer drug screen, psychological examination, and medical examination that includes passing a visual acuity test, and physical certification that the applicant is not dependent on and does not use illegal drugs.
Possess a valid Texas driver’s license within 60 days of hire unless extended by the Department Head.
Obtain or possess certifications consistent with this Fire Department hiring policy.
Hiring Process
This guide is designed to help you prepare for the Georgetown Fire Department’s Hiring Process. To be considered for the position you are applying for, you will need to successfully go through multiple phases of the department’s selection process. This guide discusses the main parts of the testing process including:
Written Exam
PANEL INTERVIEW
Background INVESTIGATION
Fire Chief Interview
Physical Ability Test (PAT), Medical Exam, Drug Screening, and Psych Test
1. Written Exam:
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be allowed to take the written entrance exam. The written exam is designed to measure work behaviors, skills, and abilities important to becoming a firefighter. Even though questions on the test are occasionally placed in a firefighting context, you are not required to have prior knowledge about the fire service.
General Test Guidelines:
Driver’s License. Candidates must present a valid state issued photo I.D. at testing site.
Arrive Early. Candidates arriving late will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
No electronic devices. You are prohibited from receiving or sending pages, texts, photos or phone calls during any part of the testing process. No electronic devices are allowed in the testing room.
No chewing tobacco or smoking. You are prohibited from chewing tobacco and smoking at the testing site.
Testing material cannot be taken. You are prohibited from removing any material from the testing site.
Restroom breaks. You are encouraged to use the restroom before entering the testing room. Breaks will be offered in between tests. You will be allowed to use the restroom one at a time during the exam.
Military Points: Candidates who qualify for military points will have five bonus points added to their composite test score. To qualify for military points, a candidate must have been Honorably Discharged and submit a DD214 demonstrating at least 180 days of Active Duty Status. No other discharge status will be accepted.
2. PANEL INTERVIEW:
Candidates will also be required to participate in a structured interview process. This is an interview process consisting of a series of hypothetical situations, followed by questions that assess the skills, abilities, and other personal characteristics necessary for successful performance as an entry-level firefighter.
A candidate’s written test score plus military points (if applicable), will determine his/her place on the Eligibility List.
Candidates will be pulled as needed from the list (in order of rank) to continue in the hiring process to fill open positions.
3. Background Check:
Candidates must go through a background and healthcare exclusions check. Candidates must have a clear criminal history with no convictions of a Class B or higher in compliance with City of Georgetown policy.
Applicants who do not pass the background check will be removed from the process.
4. Fire Chief Interview:
Candidates who successfully pass the CPAT, written exam, background check and Interview Panel will meet with the Fire Chief of the Georgetown Fire Department for a final interview and for final determination.
5. Physical Ability Test (PAT), Medical Exam, Drug Screening, and Psych Test:
For information on the PAT, read about the test HERE. View a video demonstration of the PAT HERE.
This is the final step in the hiring process. Candidates must be able to perform the minimum physical requirements of the position they are applying for. Candidates are examined by the department’s contracted physician to determine whether the candidate has any condition that might interfere with the candidate’s ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicants will also be screened for drugs via urinalysis.
Candidates will complete a psychological evaluation. The evaluation is performed by a registered psychologist who specializes in public safety. The evaluation involves an oral interview designed to determine the candidate’s fitness for duty as a firefighter.
Applicants who do not pass the PAT, drug screening or psychological evaluation will be removed from the process.
