At least 18 years of age at the time of application. No upper age limit.
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. If you earned your diploma outside of the U.S., you may be asked to submit a credential evaluation from an approved agency confirming your education is equivalent to a U.S. high school or college program.
We recognize the following agencies for high school verification:
http://www.naces.org/
http://www.aice-eval.org/
If you have a college degree earned outside of the U.S., and your university is recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU), you do not need to provide an equivalency evaluation. A list of IAU-recognized institutions can be found here: http://iau-aiu.net/List-of-IAU-members?lang=en
The Firefighter Candidate Assessment (FCA) is a required, 4-hour, computer-based test and one of the first steps in the City of Los Angeles Firefighter selection process. It measures general aptitude, including learning ability, reasoning, reading and listening comprehension, and basic math. If you earned a passing FCA score in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, or 2023, you still must submit a City application, but you do not need to retake the FCA. For questions about a previous FCA score, please email .per.joinlafd@lacity.org
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.
A valid California Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent driver's license is required at the time of appointment. Once hired, firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a California Class “C,” or out-of-state equivalent driver's license, or Firefighter’s driver’s license, in accordance with Fire Department Procedures, as a condition of employment.
The Biddle Physical Agility Test (BPAT) is a standardized, pass/fail test that is not administered by the City of Los Angeles. It includes 11 events, and you have 9 minutes and 34 seconds to complete all eleven tasks. A current BPAT certification is required during the Pre-Background Assessment and Field Investigation phases of the selection process, and you’ll also need a valid BPAT at the time of certification for hiring consideration. Click HERE for additional information on the BPAT.
A current EMT or paramedic license is required during the Pre-Background Assessment and Field Investigation phases of the selection process, and again at the time of certification for hiring consideration. California applicants must provide a valid California State EMT license. Out-of-state applicants must provide a current National Registry EMT (or higher) certification and a current EMT (or higher) license from their home state. Click Here for a list of Southern California EMT/Paramedic programs. After probation and obtaining a commercial driver’s license, firefighters may be required to attend department-funded paramedic school within 18–36 months on the job.
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. 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 Firefighter Candidate Advancement Program (FCAP). 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 FCAP 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 FCAP program please click here.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Follow the hiring process steps.
Applications will open on March 3, 2026
The Interview is a behavior-based review of a candidate’s personal history. It is designed to evaluate initiative in learning, practical orientation, role adaptability, service orientation, oral communication skills, job motivation, teamwork, and respect for diversity. The minimum passing score is 70. This score will determine a candidate’s rank on the eligible list, which is valid for one year from the date of the interview. This is an extremely competitive examination and only those candidates with the highest scores will continue in the selection process.
The Pre-Background phase includes both a CAP Baseline Fitness Test along with a preliminary review of your personal history. All applicants must submit proof of their BPAT certification & EMT license during this phase of the selection process.
Your background investigation is conducted by highly experienced investigators with extensive law enforcement experience. Candidates selected to move forward will receive a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) from LAFD and will be required to meet with an investigator and complete the fingerprinting process. LAFD values candidates who are honest and consistently demonstrate the highest level of integrity.
This review is conducted by LAFD and may include an evaluation of the candidate’s training, education, personal qualifications, and the findings of the background investigation as they relate to preparing for the job of Firefighter. Candidates who are free of felony convictions and who demonstrate the strongest qualifications and good moral character, as determined through the background investigation, may receive a Pre - Academy Notice. This is a highly competitive process, everyone will not receive a PAN letter.
A Medical Examination is conducted by a City physician to evaluate the candidate’s medical fitness (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.) to perform the full range of Firefighter duties, with no conditions which would affect the candidate’s ability to safely perform those duties. A Psychological Evaluation (including written tests, and possibly an interview by a City Psychologist) is conducted to evaluate the candidate’s psychological fitness to safely perform the full range of Firefighter duties.
A drug and alcohol screening is required at any time prior to appointment because Firefighter has been designated a safety-sensitive class.
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