Introduction: Your Guide to the Firefighter Hiring Process in Canada

Graduating from a Pre-Service Firefighter Program is only the first step toward becoming a firefighter in Canada. The competition is fierce, and not everyone who completes their training will land a job. Factors such as retirements, municipal budgets, and training capacity directly impact hiring frequency. Some candidates spend 5 to 10 years in the recruitment cycle, writing tests and attending multiple interviews before getting hired.

To stand out, you’ll need a strategic plan, perseverance, and a deep understanding of what each city looks for in new recruits. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the firefighter hiring process for Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in 2025 including key qualifications, testing stages, and tips to succeed.

Toronto Fire Services Hiring Process: Requirements and Stages

Minimum Requirements:

• Age 18+, legally entitled to work in Canada
• Valid Ontario D driver’s licence with Z endorsement
• NFPA 1001 Level I & II with IFSAC or ProBoard seals (from an OFM-recognized institution)
• NEW for 2025: Valid EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certification
• A full set of current OFAI Candidate Testing Services (CTS) certificates: aptitude, vision, hearing, treadmill, and physical fitness tests

Assets:

• Volunteerism, multilingualism, emergency medical experience (e.g., lifeguard, paramedic)
• Experience operating heavy vehicles, military or healthcare background
• Demonstrated swimming ability, commitment to health and fitness

Toronto Firefighter Recruitment Stages:

1. Application Screening – Based on qualifications and assets
2. Document Verification – Must submit valid certifications
3. Panel Interview – Behavioral and competency-based questions
4. Clearances – Medical, criminal record, employment references, driver’s abstract
5. Job Offer – For those who pass all prior stages

Calgary Fire Department Recruitment: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Minimum Requirements:

• Age 18+, legal work eligibility in Canada
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Class 5 licence (non-GDL) with fewer than 7 demerit points
• No criminal activity in past 3 years

Calgary Firefighter Application Process:

1. Apply Online – Submit application when the process opens
2. Aptitude Test – FireTEAM (NTN) virtual proctored exam (US$65+)
3. Document Upload – Proof of qualifications
4. Preparation Session + Personal History Statement (PHS)
5. Panel Interview – STAR-format responses
6. Polygraph Test – Confirm information from PHS (C$500)
7. CPAT Fitness Test – Optional orientations and trial runs (C$200)
8. Reference Check – Three professional references required
9. Selection Committee – Comprehensive file review
10. Conditional Job Offer – Medical, criminal, and documentation clearances

Note for Candidates: Calgary includes high upfront costs and requires in-person testing for key stages. Familiarity with the FireTEAM exam is crucial. Consider working with a firefighter aptitude test tutor to prepare effectively.

Vancouver Firefighter Hiring: Qualifications, Exams, and Interviews

Required Qualifications:

• High school transcripts (not just diploma)
• Valid Class 3 BC driver’s licence with air brake endorsement
• Two years post-high school work experience
• BC EMALB Licence (FR, EMR, PCP, etc.)
• NFPA 1001 Level I & II with IFSAC or ProBoard seal
• Vision/hearing per NFPA 1582 standards
• Clean driver’s abstract and no disqualifying criminal convictions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional emergency services training, coaching, trades, medical or military experience
• Volunteer work, athletic background, second language skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and computer literacy

Vancouver Firefighter Recruitment Stages:

1. Online Application – Rolling cycle, so apply early
2. Written Exam – Includes NFPA-based questions (from IFSTA 6th Ed.)
3. Panel Interview + References – In-depth assessment
4. Vancouver Physical Assessment Skills Test (VPAST) – Two-day physical evaluation
5. Ride-Along Orientation + Criminal Check
6. Ride-Along Program – 2–3 day shift evaluations
7. Presentation to Chief & Board – Final internal review
8. Medical Evaluation – Full physical and medical screening (approx. C$500)
9. Formal Job Offer

Important Note: VFRS emphasizes diversity, soft skills, and real-world community involvement. Preparing for the written exam is crucial. An experienced firefighter exam prep tutor can provide targeted strategies and study support.

Key Differences: Firefighter Hiring in Toronto vs. Calgary vs. Vancouver

Top Certifications Needed to Apply as a Firefighter in Canada

• NFPA 1001 Level I & II – Mandatory for all three cities
• Emergency Medical Certification – EMR or EMALB (depends on province)
• Valid Driver’s Licence – With correct class and endorsements
• Vision/Hearing/Medical Standards – Per NFPA 1582

How to Pass the FireTEAM and OFAI Aptitude Tests

• Study aptitude categories: mechanical reasoning, math, reading, human relations
• Practice with real test formats: timed, proctored, and scenario-based
• Use materials aligned with OFAI Stage 1 or FireTEAM content
• Consider tutoring for confidence and speed under pressure

Why Working with a Firefighter Aptitude Test Tutor Makes a Difference

Working with a qualified tutor helps you:

• Understand each city’s unique testing requirements
• Learn proven strategies to improve test performance
• Get personalized feedback and practice with real sample questions
• Build confidence and avoid common applicant mistakes

Conclusion: Plan Your Path to a Firefighter Career in Canada

Landing a firefighter job in Canada means more than checking boxes. You need a structured plan, patience, and a strong support system.

Prepare by:

• Working with a firefighter aptitude test tutor to master entrance exams
• Staying physically and mentally fit year-round
• Building a resume that highlights leadership, service, and emergency readiness
• Volunteering and networking in your community
• Saving for exam fees and certifications

Ready to Crush Your Firefighter Aptitude Test?

Whether you’re applying to Toronto Fire Services, Calgary Fire Department, or Vancouver Fire Rescue, passing the firefighter aptitude test is your first major hurdle, and the most competitive.

As a firefighter aptitude test tutor, I specialize in helping aspiring firefighters:

• Master exam content tailored to OFAI Stage 1, FireTEAM (NTN), and entry-level firefighter exams
• Build real test-day strategies and time management skills
• Boost confidence for interviews and physical testing phases

Get one-on-one support, practice real questions, and maximize your score.

Book your personalized firefighter aptitude test prep session today.

👉 Click here to book your first session now!

 

Lou-Anne McPherson

Founder, Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation | S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring

Creator, Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation YouTube Channel

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OFAI Aptitude Testing

• Online testing is held in a proctored computer lab at the GTAA Fire and Emergency Training Institute (FESTI) in Mississauga, ON
• Firefighter candidates have three hours to complete the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT).
• If a firefighter candidate has a disability within the definitions of the Ontario Human Rights Code and needs to request testing accommodations for the FACT test, they are to contact the OFAI Administration office at least 10 weeks before the assessment to obtain accommodation request forms.
• OFAI Aptitude Test Cost: $75 +HST

Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test

• Number of questions 110 multiple-choice questions
• Types of questions Multiple choice, general aptitude and personal characteristics
• Weighted components 45% aptitude, 55% character

Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Questions

• Reading Ability – 15 questions
• Mathematical Reasoning – 15 questions
• Map Reading – 10 questions
• Writing Ability – 10 questions
• Personal Characteristics – 60 questions

OFAI Aptitude Test Scoring System

• Pass/Fail Candidates do not receive their FACT Test results immediately. If successful, the firefighter candidate’s account will be updated with a certificate within 72 hours. OFAI Municipal Partners do not receive a candidate’s results.
• Failed Attempts If a candidate does not pass the firefighter FACT test, they may retake it after 15 days if it’s their first attempt or after 30 days on all subsequent attempts. If additional OFAI tests are booked on the same day, candidates are able to complete them as scheduled.
• Feedback Firefighter candidates are not told their results, nor are they given a mark. The proctor is not permitted to discuss the results of a candidate’s FACT test, but a candidate can email the OFAI administration office after their second failed attempt to request general feedback.
• OFAI Aptitude Test Validity Period: 24 months

What to Study for OFAI Stage 1

Reading Ability

• Fire-related material
• Interpreting tables and charts
• Answering factual information questions

Mathematical Reasoning

• Rational numbers (whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages)
• Steps to solve word problems
• Calculations. Calculators are not permitted, but paper is provided.

Map Reading

• Read and interpret directions
• Read and interpret directional locations
• Read and interpret legends

Writing Ability

• Vocabulary and understanding the meaning of words
• Written skills (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
• Synonyms and antonyms

Personal Characteristics

• Firefighter situational judgement
• Most appropriate/ Least appropriate firefighter human relations questions
• Firefighter personality (interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment, honesty, integrity, emotional stability)

How to Study for OFAI Stage 1

• FPSI, the creator of the FACT test, sells a Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Orientation Guide. This OFAI Stage 1 practice test will help candidates understand the FACT test format and the types of questions they are likely to see.
• The OFAI website provides a free Pre-Assessment Guide to download. Use this guide to help you understand what to expect on your OFAI Stage 1 assessment day.
• Our 60-question Firefighter Aptitude Test PDF is free to download. Use this firefighter practice test to assess your skills in Oral Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Writing Ability, Mathematics, Mechanical Aptitude, Map Reading, Spatial Reasoning, and Human Relations.

Get your Firefighter Aptitude Test PDF Here >>

When preparing for the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test, aim to achieve 8/10 or greater in each testing component before attempting the FACT.

OFAI Tutor

The S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring FPSI Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation Course is designed for future firefighters who want to pass Fire and Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI) tests including the FACT Test (OFAI Stage 1).

After taking this Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation Course, OFAI Stage 1 firefighter candidates will know what to expect and how to approach the FPSI Firefighter Test.

 

Lou-Anne McPherson

Firefighter Aptitude Test Preparation | S.M.A.R.T. Tutoring

Firefighter Blogs

Firefighter Human Relations and Personality questions ask you to reveal your decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and personal characteristics.

I often ask the aspiring firefighters I work with about the approach they take to answering Human Relations and Firefighter Personality questions on a firefighter test. Most firefighter candidates answer in the same way:

• Be honest,
• Follow the chain of command, and
• Stick to the ends on a confidence scale.

If you’re answering firefighter Human Relations and Personality questions in this automatic manner, there’s no wonder why you’re not passing this portion of a firefighter test.

Lie #1: Be Honest

The fact is some firefighter candidates do not have the firefighter personality.

Listen, if I answered firefighter Human Relations and Personality questions honestly I’d fail too! I like introverted activities like reading and Yoga at home over team sports and social gatherings. I’m a teacher more than a coach, I have a difficult time taking orders from people, and I’m certainly easily excited. So, my true personality is not in line with that of a successful firefighter.

That’s not to say I can’t pass the firefighter test and become a successful firefighter, however.

To pass, I would have to strategize. I would have to answer questions with the firefighter personality in mind, and I would have to be consistent in my answers. If you’re like me, and you don’t have the firefighter personality, consider answering strategically instead.

Lie #2: Follow the Chain of Command

Do you really think your ranking officer wants to hear from you every time you have a problem on the floor?

Heck, no. They don’t!

Future firefighters need to understand when to report a situation and when to deal with it on their own.

Firefighters are expected to have excellent teamwork skills. This means they are to communicate with each other and work together to diffuse most difficult situations. In this regard, doing nothing to resolve an issue is just as wrong as reporting it to the Chief.

If the questions involve illegal acts of any sort, then reporting to a ranking officer is warranted. Otherwise, choose the best answer that demonstrates your ability to work with a group of people effectively.

Lie #3: Stick to the Ends on a Confidence Scale

Many aspiring firefighters that I tutor say that they respond with all 1s and 9s on an OS Test or all Strongly Agree and Strongly Disagree on a firefighter personality test. If this was the correct way to answer firefighter personality questions, no one would be failing!

Firefighter candidates are expected to answer confidently on their tests, but they have to be mindful of the scenario. In some situations there is a degree of distress expected.

Likewise, you are permitted to disagree with some things and strongly disagree with others.

Read the questions carefully and answer as confidently as you can in the given situation.

Conclusion

Be careful when you follow the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.

If firefighter candidates you know are answering questions in a particular way and not passing their tests, would you answer the same questions in the same way?

As a professional firefighter you will be expected to make critical decisions on your own. It is imperative that you use your judgement when answering firefighter Human Relations and Personality questions. Avoid the group-think mentality.