How to Become A Firefighter in Georgia

In 2018, the US Fire Administration reported that the state of Georgia had an average of 2.9 deaths and 9.4 injuries per 1,000 fires. On the other hand, the national average was reported as 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires. The number of deaths in Georgia was higher and the number of deaths in this state was lower than the overall national average.

Should I Become a Firefighter in Georgia?

The Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) regulates the firefighter certification process in the state of Georgia. The Basic Firefighter Training Program offered by the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s (GPSTC) prepares students to sit for the GFSTC written Firefighter I test. Candidates who pass this test become certified as firefighters.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

Firefighters are expected to experience an increase of 5% in job opportunities (US Bureau of Labor Statistics) between 2018 and 2028. Moreover, BLS reported in 2019 that 324,620 Firefighters were employed in the US. Out of that, 11,760 were employed in Georgia. Based on the 5% employment growth prediction, the number of firefighters is expected to increase by up to 350,000 by 2028.

Steps to Becoming a Firefighter in Georgia

Most local fire departments/stations often set additional requirements. It is recommended that you check with your preferred fire department/station regarding hiring criteria before applying. However, this article outlines a general guide for the process of hiring firefighters in the state of Georgia.

Step-1: Completing a High School Degree or a GED

The minimum acceptable education for the position of a Firefighter in Georgia is a High School Diploma or a GED. It is important to know that the local fire departments/stations may prefer hiring candidates who have completed a college degree (associate’s/bachelor’s) in Fire Science. That is why you should confirm with the relevant fire department/station regarding hiring criteria before applying.

Step-2: Earning the Required Certifications

The state of Georgia mandates that all firefighters possess Firefighter I certification. In addition to that, Firefighters must have completed their CPR training from the American Heart Association (AHA) Health-Care Provider or an equivalent course.

Step-3: Clearing the Rests Mandated by the State

The state of Georgia requires all future firefighters to pass the tests mentioned below. All aspiring firefighters must clear,

• The Candidates’ Physical Ability Test
• Physical & psychological assessments
• Drug tests
• Background check

Step-3: Complete Training at the Fire Academy

The Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) provides Firefighter I certification to all candidates. All recruits are required by the state to complete training at a Fire Academy before officially joining their duties as Firefighters. This training gives them hands-on experience and prepares them for rescuing people, putting out fires, handling fire equipment, knowing all the codes & procedures of responding to fire emergencies, and so on.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Georgia?

The complete process of getting employed as a Firefighter in Georgia may take almost 2 years from submitting a formal application to getting hired. That is only if you apply after completing a High School Diploma. If you apply for this position after completing a college degree, then this duration will vary depending upon the type of degree you complete.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in Georgia?

All future firefighters in the state of Georgia must fulfill the following criteria if they want to work in this position. Candidates must,

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have earned at least a high school diploma or a GED
• Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license
• Have completed the Firefighter I Certification
• Be certified to perform CPR
• Pass the following tests,
  • The Candidates’ Physical Ability Test
  • Background check
  • Drug tests
  • Polygraph
  • Physical and mental health assessment, etc.

How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Georgia?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reported in 2019 that all Firefighters working in the state of Georgia had an annual mean salary of $38,900.