Become a Firefighter

Minimum Qualifications 

To be considered for the Entry Level Firefighter position with SMC Fire, candidates must meet the requirements in both categories below.

1. Education or Experience (meet at least one)

  • High school diploma, OR
  • An associate degree from an accredited college, or sixty (60) semester units, OR
  • Two (2) or more years of verifiable work experience, OR
  • Two (2) years of active military service with an honorable discharge

2. Required Certifications, Licensing, and Testing (all required)

  • Valid California Driver's License or equivalent upon appointment
  • Valid EMT card, or if a Paramedic, proof of valid Paramedic licensure (National Registry accepted), by date of appointment
  • Current standing on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) as of the closure of the relevant recruitment
  • A Cal-JAC CPAT card dated within the 12 months prior to the closure date of the relevant recruitment
  • A passing score on the FCTC Written Test dated within the 12 months prior to the closure date of the relevant recruitment

Resources for meeting these requirements:

Firefighter 1 Academy

Once hired, SMC Fire can sponsor candidates through the San Mateo County/College of San Mateo Fire Academy. 

Candidates may also self-sponsor and apply directly to the academy:

How to Become a Firefigther with SMC Fire Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the basic age and education requirements? 
  • You must be at least 18 years old. A high school diploma, two or more years of verifiable work experience or two years of active military service with honorable discharge.
  • You must possess a valid California’s driver's license and the ability to work in the state of California.
Is an EMT license mandatory? 

Yes and paramedic license is strongly desired.

What is FCTC SEL? 
  • This is a centralized database managed by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC).  You must be placed on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) by the closure date of the recruitment.
  • You must have a passing score on the FCTC written test by the closure date of the recruitment. Please visit fctconline.org for more information.
What is the CPAT? 
  • The Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) measures physical fitness and strength required for firefighting tasks. Most certificates are valid for six months to a year and must be renewed.
  • You must have a valid CPAT by the time the recruitment closes. Please visit fctconline.org for more information.
Do I need to go to a fire academy? 

Completing an academy is strongly desired but not mandatory.  If hired, new recruits will be sent to an academy.

What tests are involved in the hiring process? 

Besides the above mentioned examinations, expect a structured oral interview, a comprehensive background check, and medical/psychological evaluations.

Do you hire lateral firefighters? 

From time to time, SMC Fire hires lateral paramedic firefighters.