2026 Firefighter

About the role

This examination is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to establish an eligible list from which to fill Firefighter vacancies in Civil Service Fire Departments. This examination consists of two components which make up your total score; a written examination 50% and an entry level physical ability test (ELPAT) 50%.

Responsibilities

• Firefighters often perform risky and physically demanding duties under emergency conditions.
• Firefighters work under supervision, often as a member of a team, to respond to fires and other emergencies.
• Duties may include, for example:
• Connecting, pulling, and operating hose lines;
• Operating a pump;
• Positioning and climbing ladders;
• Emergency rescue and lifesaving;
• Ventilating smoke-filled areas;
• Using and maintaining tools and equipment;
• Training;
• Fire station activities.

Requirements

The examination requires candidates to be at least 19 years of age on or before August 31, 2026, for all civil service fire departments as defined in Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 31, Section 58. An exception may apply to current military personnel serving on active duty on the date of examination and requesting a military makeup examination.

Qualifications

All applications and examination processing fees must be received by the application deadline. You will receive two confirmation emails when you have completed the process: one email confirming your application has been received, and one email confirming your payment has been received. Your application is not complete until you have received both confirmation emails.

Skills

Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31, 22, individuals may apply to receive credit for employment or experience in the position title of Municipal Firefighter. You must claim this credit by completing the applicable section of the application. All claims must be verified by supporting documentation, which must provide specific details of any employment or experience you have in the examination title as a Municipal Firefighter, including dates of service and, if part time, total number of hours worked.

Benefits

No benefits are provided with this examination.

Pay

The pay range for this position is TBD.

Schedule

The original examination date of October 2nd will be utilized for all statutory purposes and referenced throughout this posting in italics. Testing will begin on August 3, 2026, and will continue through early 2027 until all candidates have been scheduled and have had the opportunity to take the ELPAT.

Identification at the Examination Site

At the examination site, candidates must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID).

Preparation Guide for the Municipal Firefighter examination

The Preparation Guide for the Municipal Firefighter examination recommends spending one hour and fifteen minutes on the Ability section, before continuing to the rest of the examination. For more information regarding the written examination and access to the Preparation Guide, please visit Preparation Guides & Reading Lists.

Entry Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT)

The ELPAT is designed to assess a candidate's capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a Firefighter. Candidates must pass both the written examination and the ELPAT to be considered for placement on the eligible list.