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Hiring Process
- Application
- Written Exam & CPAT Orientation
- CPAT Mentorship & Testing
- Interview
- Conditional Offer
- Background Check
- Medical Evaluation
- Psychological Evaluation
- Final Offer
The Frederick County Department of Fire and Rescue Services offers exceptional and diverse career opportunities for men and women seeking professional development and satisfaction. With a variety of job assignments, unlimited opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a profound difference in the community.
Minimum Qualifications
- Posses a High School Diploma or GED
- Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
- age 19 yrs and 6 months by date of application
*As a condition of employment, persons selected for all future training classes shall not use tobacco products in any form throughout the term of their employment whether on or off duty. Any use of tobacco products during the term of employment shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action and/or termination.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION – Frederick County Fire and Rescue Service administers a Firefighter Entrance Exam (written exam) for all candidates that apply and meet minimum qualifications.
Soon after the candidate submits their application, they will receive the following by email:
-Information about the exam and a link to schedule their exam
-Access to the exam study guide and pre-test (this will allow candidates ample time to prepare for the exam)
On the day of the written exam, the candidate must present their valid driver’s license in order to participate in the exam - no exceptions.
Once the candidate completes their exam, they will leave the facility. Candidates will receive their results by email a few weeks after the exam.
Those candidates on the eligibility list will be contacted to move forward with the other steps in the process, including: structured oral interview, background investigation, health assessment/medical exam, and physical ability test.
Completion of the entire hiring process can take up to nine months. We appreciate your patience as we proceed through the various steps in the process.
At the written exam, an overview of the process will be given, and the required forms to include the Advanced Notice Agreement-Tobacco Free Agreement will be provided.
The written examination will begin promptly on each test date with no late arrivals admitted and should be completed within 4 hours. Candidates will be required to present photo identification at this written exam.
Reference Materials:
Background Investigation Packet
Conditions of Employment Agreement
Firefighter Recruit Hiring Steps
Promissory Note
Training Reimbursement Agreement
Volunteer Service Verification Form
For a Study Guide for the Fields Consulting Group entry-level Firefighter exam go to: Study Guide.
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT) ORIENTATION & TOUR – Immediately following the written exam, all applicants will be given an opportunity to attend CPAT orientation which will include a walk-thru of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) course and a review of details of the free mentoring program for candidate preparation. Transportation to the CPAT course will be provided immediately following completion of the written exam, with return transportation provided back to the site of the written exam. Due to construction and classes scheduled at the Public Safety Training Facility, candidates will not be authorized to drive to or park at the CPAT orientation site. Candidates will be required to sign in and present a valid driver’s license as photo ID at the orientation.
Candidates who elect not to attend the orientation will be required to complete an acknowledgement and the CPAT Waiver Form which will be provided following the written exam.
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT) MENTORING & TESTING - 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. In order to participate in the mentoring and testing, candidates must complete the Physician Authorization Form. Please follow the link for the schedule of mentoring dates.
FORMS
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.
CPAT Physical Ability Personal Information Sheet
CPAT Test Agreement
Doctor's Certification of Fitness to Perform CPAT
Legal Waiver Form
Heat Acclimatization, Hydration and Fitness Literature and Acknowledgement
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. .
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.
Conditional Offers will be sent to candidates selected by the Fire and Rescue Division and will include information on next steps.
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: Background Investigation Packet
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 HCDFRS.
Candidate 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 one 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.