Eligibility Requirements
WA Fire Careers is made up of several different fire agencies from throughout King County, WA. Each of these agencies has its own exam and hiring eligibility requirements. Make sure you meet the minimum requirements to register for the exam and apply for employment before you begin the registration process. The requirements to consider include:
Exam Requirements
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Requirements
Pre-employment Requirements
Veterans Preference Requirements
Exam Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements applicants need to meet for each agency to take the online exam.
| Must be able to show proof of legal right to work in the U.S. | |
| Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language. | |
| Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. |
| AGENCY | MINIMUM AGE TO TEST/APPLY |
|---|---|
|
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Renton Regional Fire Authority Tukwila Fire Department |
At least 18 years old |
| Eastside Fire & Rescue
South King Fire & Rescue Valley Regional Fire Authority |
At least 21 years old |
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Requirements
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is not required to take the written exam, but it will be required to move forward in the hiring process. You will need to have a valid CPAT if you are contacted to participate in the interview process. Keep the following items in mind:
| Your CPAT must be provided by an IAFF certified CPAT provider. | |
| You must be able to show proof of a current CPAT by the time you’re invited for an interview. | |
| A current CPAT is one that was completed within the last 12 months. | |
| CPAT centers do not have CPATs available every day. Make sure you plan ahead so that your CPAT is completed in time. |
WA Based IAFF Certified CPAT Centers
Pre-Employment Requirements
In addition to the exam requirements above, applicants must also meet the minimum requirements listed below to move forward in the hiring process with each agency.
| Must possess a valid driver’s license. | |
| Must show proof of passing the CPAT by the time you are contacted to interview. | |
| Must pass a personal and professional reference check. | |
| Must pass a criminal background check. | |
| Must pass an NFPA 1582 standard firefighter medical exam. | |
| Must pass an illegal drug screening. | |
| Must pass a psychological exam. |
VETERANS PREFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants wishing to claim veterans preference will be required to upload a digital copy of their DD-214 discharge form and a completed Civil Service Veterans Scoring Declaration form during the pre-screen application part of the registration process. The Civil Service Declaration form is available here.