Once you have successfully submitted and application it will be reviewed to verify you meet the minimum requirements. All eligible applicants will then be invited to self schedule for a written exam date/time.

The 2022 written exam will be held at the Frederick Fairgrounds, Building 9 (Null Building). Located at 797 East Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21705

The testing dates will be:

Monday, July 25, 2022 @ 6:00pm

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 @ 6:00pm

Wednesday, July 27, 2022 @ 6:00pm

The written exam focuses on basic knowledge: reading comprehension, mechanical aptitude, basic math, etc. No fire service knowledge is required. 

Candidates are welcome to purchase study material on their own if they wish. It can be found at: NGFF Test

Required forms to include the Advanced Notice Agreement-Tobacco/Nicotine Free Agreement will be provided at a later date. 

The following reference material are just for you to review, there is no need to complete them and turn in prior to the written.

Reference Materials:

Recruit Background Packet Fillable Form
Conditions of Employment Agreement
Promissory Note
Training Reimbursement Agreement
Volunteer Service Verification Form

All candidates who pass the written exam with a 70% or higher will be invited to participate in the Candidate Physical Ability Test. The process to schedule for mentorship and testing will be emailed out to all candidates who successfully pass the written.

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT) MENTORING  - Candidates that successfully pass the written exam will be able to come and work out with fitness instructors to help prepare for the CPAT test. This will be offered on select dates and times beginning the week of August 21, 2022. All eligible candidates will be afforded a minimum of 2 mentorship sessions if desired. 

CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT) TESTING - Candidates must successfully complete the timed Candidate Physical Ability Test in order to move forward to the next step of the hiring process. It is a Pass/Fail Test. Every candidate will be afforded the opportunity to take 2 Practice tests and 1 Final test. If a candidate successfully passes during a Practice Test they have completed the requirement and will receive a CPAT certificate

** We highly recommend that candidates print and begin scheduling an appointment for a physical with their physician as SOON as possible! The document is below.

***In order to participate in the mentoring and testing, candidates must print, complete, and bring forms 1-6 below with you to your first CPAT event AND watch both video links below. 

NOTE: If you use a fillable form, please click "Save As" and save to your hard drive-do not save your personal information on the website.

1. CPAT Physical Ability Personal Information Sheet

2. CPAT Test Agreement

3.Doctors Certification of Fitness to Perform CPAT Packet  * must be completed by medical provider

4. CPAT Legal Waiver Form

5. CPAT Waiver  *must watch the video links below; select the opt out box if you do not plan to participate in any of the CPAT Mentorship offerings (you may change your mind at any point throughout)

6. Heat Acclimatization, Hydration and Fitness Literature and Acknowledgement

Video Links

IAFF CPAT Video

FCDFRS CPAT Video

Additional Resources

CPAT Orientation and Preparation Guide
Pre-CPAT Nutrition Guidelines 

INTERVIEWS - Candidates who successfully complete the CPAT exam will be invited to participate in a panel interview.**All candidates must bring with them a completed Background Investigation Packet (located on the Background Check tab) to the interview.

The interview process is very structured and the interview panel consists of 3 uniformed personnel. Each candidate will be asked the same questions and be required to provide a verbal response in a specific timeframe.

Candidates will be asked questions about how they relate to the community, Co-workers, employers, and people in general. You will also be evaluated on your decision making, problem solving, and life experience skills.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue is looking for professional ,dedicated, and enthusiastic, men and women that value the importance of serving the community. Take the time to ask yourself what values you hold as a high priority in your own life.  Frederick County FF/EMT's and Paramedics focus on coming together as a team during each shift to make the best decisions on each call they run.  They are trusted by the local community to use all the skills learned in some of the most challenging situations.

Once applicants successfully complete the written exam, the CPAT test, and the interview a review committee will meet and select who will receive a Conditional Offer.  

Candidates will be required to submit a completed background packet on the date of their interview. The background information packet can be downloaded and printed out here: Recruit Background Packet Fillable Form. If the candidate accepts the conditional offer the background packet will be opened and the investigation process will begin. 

All potential candidates will have a thorough medical evaluation in accordance with NFPA 1582 to see if they meet the qualified criteria for a career with FCFRS. These appointments will be scheduled via the NeoGov system and instructions will be sent in the conditional offer. All medical evaluations must be completed by Frederick Health Employer Solutions (FHES).

Candidates will partake in a written psychological evaluation, uniform fittings, and fingerprinting that will be administered at the Law Enforcement Center in Frederick once they receive a Conditional Offer. In the weeks following candidates will have a one on one meeting with the psychologist for a more in depth interview.  

Congratulations! If you satisfactorily complete all steps of the application process and are selected as a finalist you will receive a Final Offer of Employment with the academy start date. This will include information on Family Orientation Night.