Firefighter Recruit - Written Exam July 20 - August 10, 2026
About the Role
The Phoenix Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services to our community. We protect lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical and transportation services, disaster services, fire prevention, and public education. Our members will Prevent Harm, Survive and Be Nice!
Training
Firefighter Recruits attend training for fire suppression, emergency medical treatment, and hazard mitigation work at the Phoenix Fire Department Training Academy for 14-16 weeks of basic recruit training followed by approximately nine months of structured probationary training and evaluation. Basic recruit training covers firefighting operations, emergency medical and transportation services, physical fitness, and other related subjects. After successfully completing the Academy, recruits become probationary firefighters.
Salary
- Firefighter Recruit salary: $24.83 hourly / $51,646.40 annually
- Upon successful completion of the academy, the Firefighter salary range: $58,324.45 - $78,158.08 annually
Hiring Incentive
The City is offering a $7,500 hiring incentive to new hires who are currently certified paramedics at the time of hire which will be paid in accordance with A.R. 2.55.
Benefits
- Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions
- 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
- Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
- Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
- Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
- Dental, vision, and life insurance options
- Employer paid long-term disability
- Free Bus/light rail pass
- Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
- Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
- Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age on or before July 20, 2026
- Ability to read and comprehend written material at a level appropriate for this assignment
- A high school diploma or GED (reading material used on the written exam, during the Academy, and on the job will be at approximately grade 12 reading level)
- Proof of successful completion of a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) from a licensed agency is required at the time of the final interview. This certification must be no more than 6 months old at the time of the final selection interview
- Arizona residents must possess State of Arizona Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification at the time of the final selection interview
- National Registry EMT certification ONLY accepted for out-of-state candidates; if hired, National Registry EMT must be converted to AZ EMT
- Periodic drug testing as a condition of continued employment
- Possess or be able to obtain a valid Arizona Driver License (Class D or other acceptable class) and have fewer than eight points assessed against the driving record within the last three years
- All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position
- Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage
Recruitment Dates
- City of Phoenix applications will close August 6, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 pm on this date
- Public Safety Answers online testing window will close August 10, 2026. Online exams must be received by 5:00 pm on this date
- This recruitment and any interview process as a result of this recruitment may be used by multiple hiring managers and multiple departments throughout the City to fill any related current or future vacancies; other recruitments and appropriate eligible lists may also be considered
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Study Packet — You will be taking two exams. One of the exams is based on this study packet, the other exam is general aptitude. Download Study Guide Now
Step 2: Apply With City of Phoenix — Applications can be submitted online between July 20 - 8:00 am and August 6, 2026 - 11:59 pm. An online application MUST be completed in order to be considered.
Step 3: Complete Both of Your Exams through Public Safety Answers
- First Exam: Your first exam is a general aptitude exam through Public Safety Answers
- Second Exam: Your second exam is based off City of Phoenix content derived from the study packet in step 1. Previous scores cannot be reused for the City of Phoenix exam
- Follow the link below to complete both exams online with Public Safety Answers between July 20 - 8:00 am and August 10 - 5:00 pm MT. There is a $50 testing fee, the City of Phoenix is paying half of the fee. Candidates are responsible for $25. Test Now
To request a reasonable accommodation during the testing process, please complete the City of Phoenix Reasonable Accommodation form and email to hrc@phoenix.gov. Hard copies can be submitted to the City's Human Resources Center. Request for an accommodation need to be completed and returned by July 30, 2026, detailing your request for accommodation for the Firefighter Recruit Written Exam. Request not submitted by July 30, 2026, may not be considered.
We Are Here to Help
- Job interviews will be held in-person at Phoenix Fire facilities. Accommodations for video interviews may be requested and will be reviewed by department leadership
- If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options
- Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information
- Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix
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- If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form