Fire Department · Career
Fire Department City Of New York (FDNY)
Brooklyn, NY · Kings County
“"The career of a lifetime starts here."”
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Department careers page ↗The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) protects the lives and property of New York City's residents and visitors through fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical response, fire prevention, and fire investigation across the five boroughs.
The department offers a broad range of uniformed and civilian career paths, including Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, Fire Alarm Dispatcher, Fire Protection Inspector, and civilian support roles, alongside youth outreach and educational pipelines such as the FDNY High School for Fire and Life Safety.
FDNY emphasizes best-in-class training and long-term advancement, with a clear promotional ladder from Firefighter through Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. Support programs like the Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program help candidates prepare for the exam and physical test.
Becoming an FDNY Firefighter begins by applying for the Firefighter open-competitive written exam, which is offered only every four to five years through the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). Candidates who pass the computer-based written exam advance to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an eight-event timed physical test, followed by medical, psychological, background, and drug screening, and finally an 18-week Probationary Firefighter School at the FDNY Training Academy.
Applicants generally must be at least 17.5 and under 29 at the relevant application dates (with military-service age deductions), hold a high school diploma/GED or equivalent qualifying experience, be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid New York State driver's license at appointment, and live in NYC or a designated neighboring county. Apply and check status through DCAS/OASys or the FDNY recruitment call center.
Requirements
- At least 17.5 years old by the application deadline and under 29 at the start of the application period (military-service deductions of up to 7 years may apply)
- High school diploma or GED, OR 15 college semester credits, OR honorable military discharge, OR 6 months of paid full-time work experience
- U.S. citizen at the time of appointment
- Valid New York State driver's license at appointment, maintained throughout employment
- Reside in one of NYC's five boroughs or Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Nassau, or Suffolk County at appointment
- Ability to speak and understand English
- Pass medical, psychological, drug screening, and background checks
Hiring process
- Apply for the Firefighter open-competitive written exam (offered every 4-5 years) through DCAS
- Pass the computer-based written exam (reading, listening, problem-solving, arithmetic)
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT): eight events completed within 10 minutes 20 seconds
- Complete candidate review: medical, psychological, and background checks
- Attend the 18-week Probationary Firefighter School at the FDNY Training Academy
Benefits
Lifelong medical coverage for firefighters and their families, flexible schedules, up to 4 weeks of paid vacation annually, a generous pension, and long-term growth and promotional opportunities.
18-week Probationary Firefighter School at the FDNY Training Academy; candidates must earn CFR-D certification by the end of probation.
How do I become an FDNY Firefighter?
Apply for the Firefighter open-competitive written exam through DCAS (offered every 4-5 years), pass the written exam and the CPAT physical test, clear medical/psychological/background review, then complete the 18-week Probationary Firefighter School.
What are the basic requirements?
You must be at least 17.5 and under 29 at the relevant application dates, have a high school diploma/GED (or qualifying credits, military service, or work experience), be a U.S. citizen at appointment, hold a valid NY State driver's license, and live in NYC or a designated neighboring county.
How much do FDNY Firefighters get paid?
Starting salary is $54,122, increasing to about $105,146 after 5.5 years with overtime and holiday pay. Promotions raise pay further (Lieutenant up to $130,260, Captain up to $149,518, Battalion Chief up to $194,689).
What is the physical test?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is an eight-event course that must be completed within 10 minutes and 20 seconds, including tasks like stair climbing, hose drag, and ladder work, designed to simulate essential fire-scene tasks.
How long is the academy?
The Probationary Firefighter School is an 18-week classroom and fitness program at the FDNY Training Academy, and candidates must earn CFR-D certification by the end of probation.
How can I get help preparing to apply?
FDNY offers a Firefighter Candidate Mentorship Program, CPAT prep, and study manuals. Contact the recruitment call center at (718) 559-1100 or email recruitment@fdny.nyc.gov.