qualifications & SELECTION PROCESS
For a City of Los Angeles Firefighter

QUALIFICATIONS

AGE

At least 18 years of age at the time of application. No upper age limit.

EDUCATION

Graduation from a U.S. high school or equivalent, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required. Foreign diplomas may take longer to validate/process.

FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT (FCA)

To meet the FCA requirement, you must register and take the FCA during the testing period. FCA registration will start on OPENING DATE PENDING. Candidates must also submit a City application during the application filing period. Candidates may submit the application prior to registering for the FCA. Testing Appointments are limited and on a first come, first served basis. If you have taken and passed the FCA in 2016, 2018, 2020 or 2022 you do not need to retake the FCA but you will be required to complete a new City application. For previous FCA score inquiries please email per.joinlafd@lacity.org.

CITIZENSHIP

U.S. Citizenship is not required to apply. However, candidates must have the the proper status (green card, work visa, etc.) to work legally in the United States of America. LAFD does not sponsor work visas, or green cards.

LICENSE

A valid California Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Once hired, Firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a California Class "B" or Firefighter's driver's license, in accordance with Fire Department Procedures, as a condition of employment.

CPAT

CPAT is required at the Pre-Background Appointment (PIQ) & CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment. Proof must also be provided at the time of certification for hiring consideration. A CPAT score is valid for one year. Information regarding the CPAT can be found here and here.

EMT

EMT is required at the Pre-Background Appointment (PIQ) & CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment. Candidates must provide proof of an EMT certification by the time all test parts have been successfully completed to be certified or deemed eligible for hiring consideration. Local candidates are required to submit a current, valid California State EMT license. Applicants from out of state must submit a current National Registry EMT / or higher certification AND a current and valid EMT / or higher license from their state. Click here to see a list of EMT/Paramedic programs in Southern California. Firefighters who complete probation and obtain their commercial driver's license may be required to go to paramedic school paid for by the fire department at between 18-36 months on the job.

PHYSICAL

Firefighting and medical rescue work is physically demanding. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions that would restrict their ability to safely do fire suppression and rescue work. Weight (body fat content) must be proportionate to height for men and women. The Fire Academy, as well as the job of firefighting, is physically demanding. Therefore, it is in the best interest of each candidate to prepare well in advance to reach his or her maximum fitness level.We HIGHLY encourage you to sign up for the Candidate Advancement Program (CAP). The most difficult challenge firefighter recruits face is the physical requirements of the fire academy. To assist you in the area, the Los Angeles Fire Department offers the CAP program to help you get physically fit and get accustomed to the training style you will encounter in the academy and help you have a successful career. We strongly encourage all LAFD candidates to take advantage of this FREE program. For more information about the CAP program please click here.

VISION

Uncorrected distance visual acuity of at least 20/100 in the poorer eye and 20/40 in the better eye, correctable to at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/20 in the other eye is required. Regarding refractive surgery, most persons who have had these procedures will be passed. However, some may be deferred for several months or disqualified based on an individualized assessment of the surgical outcome. Regarding color vision, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors and be free of other visual impairments that would restrict their ability to perform Firefighter duties.

TOBACCO

Firefighters are required to refrain from all use of tobacco, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, and vaping throughout their employment with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

TATTOO POLICY

Many factors influence the community's perception of our membership. The image we present to the community must be one of professionalism; therefore, our professional appearance is of utmost importance. On May 1, 2008, the Department established a policy prohibiting tattoos from being visible while on duty. Effective January 1, 2024, the Department's Tattoo, Scarification, and Branding Policy has been revised. The following establishes specific guidelines concerning the display of tattoos, scarifications, and branding by members of the Department.

Definitions

Tattoo
The act or practice of marking the skin with indelible designs, forms, figures, art, etc., by making punctures in the skin and inserting pigments.
Temporary Tattoo
The act or practice of marking the skin with temporary designs, forms, figures, art, etc., by applying ink or other substance for the purpose of decorating the skin for a short period of time.
Scarification
The act of intentionally cutting the skin to create a design, form, figure, art, etc.
Branding
The act of intentionally burning the skin to create a design, form, figure, art, etc.

PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILED TATTOO POLICY BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:

SELECTION PROCESS

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE

Follow the hiring process steps.