How to Become A Firefighter in North Carolina

The US Fire Administration reported an average of 2.5 deaths and 10.2 injuries per 1,000 fires in North Carolina in 2018. Whereas, the national average was reported as 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires.

Should I Become a Firefighter in North Carolina?

If you want to work as a Firefighter in the state of North Carolina, you must at least have a High School Diploma or a GED, to begin with. Moreover, you must get the Firefighter I/II certification and it is highly recommended that you obtain certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Further hiring requirements are explained below.

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

Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5% employment increase for this profession between 2018 and 2028. In addition to that, 324,620 Firefighters were working to secure the safety of US residents in 2019.

Steps to Becoming a Firefighter in North Carolina

This guideline discusses a stepwise general hiring criterion set by the state of North Carolina. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact the local fire departments and stations to figure out the additional hiring requirements.

1.      Meet the Minimum Education Requirements

All prospective Firefighters in the state of North Carolina are supposed to have earned at least a High School Diploma or a GED. However, most local fire departments or stations prefer hiring candidates who have graduated with either a 2-year associate’s or a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Fire Science.

2.      Successful Completion of Mandatory Tests

The state of North Carolina requires all future firefighters to be fit for this very demanding job. Therefore, all candidates are subjected to the following tests that include,

•     A written aptitude test
•     The strength and agility test (CPAT)
•     Oral and panel Interviews
•     A criminal background investigation
•     Driving history check
•     Physical exam and stress test
•     Drug Screen, and so on

3.      Becoming a Certified EMT

Even though the state of North Carolina does not mandate its Firefighters to be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, they are strongly recommended to get certified. Many local fire Departments and stations typically hire individuals who possess an EMT certification.

4.      Attending a Fire Academy

All fresh Firefighter recruits in the state of North Carolina must acquire Firefighter I/II certification. Attend a fire academy allows them to get the required field training and they get their Firefighter I/II certification as well.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in North Carolina?

If you apply for this position right after completion of a High School Diploma, it may take less than 2 years. However, since many fire departments prefer hiring candidates with a college degree, it may take 3 years or more.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in North Carolina?

Requirements to become a firefighter vary from state to state and even from city to city. If you are looking for information on North Carolina firefighter requirements, then you have come to the right place. To join the ranks of the firefighters in the state, you will have to meet the minimum age requirements set by the fire department you are interested in joining. You will also have clear a hiring process, have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check and drug screening, etc. Once you go through the entire process, you will also have to clear a firefighters training at the designated firefighters academy.

How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in North Carolina?

In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $34,110 as the annual mean salary of 15,200 Firefighters dedicated to serving the residents of North Carolina. In addition to that, California was reported as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $84,370.