How to Become a Firefighter in Cleveland

Firefighters must pass a series of exams to qualify for firefighter cadet training.

Firefighters in Cleveland, Ohio do more than simply respond to and put out fires. Firefighters conduct search and rescue operations during fire calls, respond to medical emergencies, educate the community on safety issues and enforce fire code. Firefighters work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, in all types of weather conditions. Even after being hired and completing initial fire training, firefighters in Cleveland continue to attend classes and maintain physical fitness throughout their career. In order to be considered for a firefighter position in Cleveland, an applicant must be between 18 and 35 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and be a United States citizen with a valid Ohio driver's license.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED
• Ohio driver's license

Instructions

Hiring Process

1. Sign up for and attend a training and orientation session. The City of Cleveland: Safety Careers website lists dates and locations. Start studying for the written exam. To help you prepare, you can download a preparation guide from the City of Cleveland: Safety Careers website under the Assessment Prep Guide section.

2. Sign up for and take the written exam. You will receive information on this exam at the orientation session. If you pass the written exam, you will then take a physical agility test to measure your level of physical fitness.

3. Schedule the medical and psychological exams after passing the physical agility test. At this point the department will also conduct a criminal history and background check. If you pass these exams and the background check, the Cleveland Fire Department may offer you a position.

4. Attend three months of cadet training at the Cleveland Fire Department's Fire Training Academy. The training covers fire operations, fire rescue and medical training. Cadets receive certification by the National Registry and state of Ohio as EMTs and certification by the state of Ohio as structural firefighters. Once you pass this training, you begin work as a firefighter.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin improving your physical fitness as soon as possible. It takes time to improve your fitness and if you fail the physical fitness test, you will be disqualified from the hiring process.

• Be honest about the information you provide on your background check. In some cases, criminal convictions may not disqualify you, but lying about them will.

References

• City of Cleveland: Safety Careers
• City of Cleveland: Fire Training Academy
• City of Cleveland: What It Means To Be A Cleveland Firefighter