How to Become A Firefighter in New Jersey

According to the statistics reported by the US Fire Administration, in 2018, the state of New Jersey witnessed an average of 1.9 deaths and 10.1 injuries per 1,000. Whereas, the national average was reported as 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires.

Should I Become a Firefighter in New Jersey?

The state of New Jersey has many requirements that must be met by all prospective candidates who want to become Firefighters. For instance, candidates need to hold at least a High School Diploma or a GED, Firefighter I/II certification, an EMT certification, a CPR certification, and so on. The additional hiring requirements have been detailed below.

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

Career Outlook

A 5% employment growth between 2018 and 2028 has been predicted for this career by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, 324,620 Firefighters were employed in the US, dedicated to serving its residents.

Steps to Becoming a Firefighter in New Jersey

This career guide aims to explain the state-set hiring criteria for New Jersey. However, if you want to know about the recruitment process of a particular city/county in New Jersey, we recommend that you contact the local Fire Department or Station.

1. Meeting Educational Requirements

As discussed earlier, the minimum educational requirement for the hiring of Firefighters in this state is a High School Diploma or a GED. Bear in mind that many local Fire Stations or Departments might set a higher educational requirement (such as a 2 or 4-year college degree in Fire Science).

2. Clearing all Tests of the Hiring Process

The job of a Firefighter is very challenging indeed. Therefore, the state of New Jersey requires all future Firefighters to clear the following tests.

• The physical agility test (CPAT)
• A written test and an oral interview
• A background and driving history check
• Physical exam and psychological evaluation
• Drug tests, etc.

3. Earning the EMT and CPR Certifications

All Firefighters in the state of New Jersey must be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Moreover, they must hold a valid CPR certification which ensures that they can give immediate first aid to the rescued individuals and save lives.

4. Graduating from a Fire Academy

Like many other states, the state of New Jersey also mandates its Firefighter recruits to get the Firefighter I/II certification. To do so, they must enroll and graduate from a Fire Academy.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in New Jersey?

After you apply for the position of a Firefighter in New Jersey, it may take approximately 6 months to 1 year for you to officially become a Firefighter. However, the duration may vary if you choose to pursue further education or earn additional certifications.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in New Jersey?

Getting employed as a Firefighter in the state of New Jersey has the following requirements that must be fulfilled by all aspiring candidates. They must,

• Be at least 18 years old US citizens
• Possess at least a high school diploma or a GED
• Clear a background check and not have any criminal convictions
• Clear all the tests mentioned earlier including the health exams as well as the written and oral tests
• Hold a valid New Jersey driver’s license
• Be fluent in speaking and writing English
• Hold a valid EMT and CPR certification

How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in New Jersey?

According to the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, the Firefighters in the state of New Jersey earned an annual mean salary of $80,890.