New here? Start where you are.
This whole site is one long map of a fire career. You do not need to read it in order. Tell us where you are right now and we will point you at the part that matters today.
Pick your path
Where are you right now?
I'm thinking about the job
Phase 1 · Get Hired
Not sure if firefighting is right for you, or where to even begin. Start with what the job really is and what it takes to qualify.
Go to Get Hired →I'm applying and testing
Phase 1 · Get Hired
You have your EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification or you are close. Now it is the FCTC (Firefighter Candidate Testing Center) written test, the oral board, and the background. This is where most people need the most help.
Go to Get Hired →I just got hired
Phase 2 · On the Job
Congratulations. Now you have to keep it. Probation is its own test. Here is how to pass it and grow into the job.
Go to On the Job →I'm going for rank
Phase 3 · Promote
Engineer, captain, chief. The promotion process is a different game with its own prep. Map the path to your next stripe.
Go to Promote →Two free tools can settle the question faster than reading. The Where Am I? assessment places you on the path in about two minutes, and the cost and timeline calculator shows what your route still costs and how long it takes.
Free · The EMT-to-Badge Roadmap
Still not sure where to start?
Get the whole California path on one page: every step, in order, with real timelines and costs. The fastest way to see the road ahead.
Get the free roadmap