Firefighter-Recruit FAQ's

1. How do I get an application for Firefighter-Recruit?  
2. How often does the Mesa Fire Department hire?
3. When will applications be available?
4. What are the minimum requirements to apply?
5. Can I apply on-line?
6. Can I send my application by mail?  Can I have someone else drop it off for me?
7. Can I fax my application?
8. Do I have to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to apply?
9. I am an out of state EMT, where can I find information about becoming an Arizona EMT?
10. Do you accept applications from out of state applicants?
11. Can I test if I do not have an Arizona drivers license?
12. If I have tested before, may I review my test results?
13. What is the testing process to become a Mesa Firefighter?
14. Do I have to take a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) to get hired?
15. Where do I obtain a CPAT?
16. What is a "Conditional Offer"?
17. What is the salary of a Firefighter?

1.  How do I get an application for Firefighter-Recruit?  
The City of Mesa will not be accepting applications for Firefighter Recruit until August/September 2009.  Please visit the Mesa Fire Department web site for more information on Firefighter Recruit testing.  Hiring Update.

2.   How often does the Mesa Fire Department hire?
New stations, planned retirements, the City budget and the state of the economy are just a few of the many factors that influence Firefighter Recruit hiring.  Therefore, it is difficult to predict how often testing will be conducted and how many Firefighter Recruits will be hired.  click here to view the hiring history for the last 20 years.

3.   When will applications be available?
August/September 2009

4.  What are the minimum requirements to apply for a Firefighter Recruit position?
Applicants must be:

11. Can I test if I do not have an Arizona driver's license?
Yes, however, if selected you must possess a valid Arizona driver's license by hire date.  Visit the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division web site at www.dot.state.az.us/mvd/mvd.htm to learn about how to secure a Arizona driver's license.

12. If I have tested before, may I review my test results?
No, you may not review your test results because of the number of candidates who take the test and for test security reasons.

13. What is the testing process to become a Mesa Firefighter?
The typical testing process to become a Mesa Fire Recruit is as follows:

1. Complete an application during the open application period.
2. Take a written exam and or a video based exam.
3. First interview.
4. Intern Orientation participation.
5. Second interview.
6. Conditional offer.

14.  Do I have to take a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) to get hired?
Yes. Applicants selected to participate in the first interview will be asked to provide all information required to verify they have passed the CPAT.  The Mesa Fire Department will verify this information prior to the start of the Intern Orientation.  When we invite you to the first interview, we will email you a CPAT Result Authorization form.  This form is to be thoroughly filled out and brought to the first interview.  Applicants invited to participate in the Intern Orientation will have this information verified.  The City of Mesa will not be holding a CPAT; it is the applicant's responsibility to obtain a passing CPAT score.  Please note that any applicant meeting the minimum application requirements can apply and take the written exam without a CPAT. (Phoenix Fire Department will release their CPAT results to Mesa Fire).

15.  Where do I obtain a CPAT?
The CPAT cn be obtained from any CPAT licensee. Make sure the organization you take the CPAT through will release the results to Mesa Fire as well as other Arizona Fire Departments. You can get a CPAT in Arizona at certain Maricopa Community Colleges. Please see the Maricopa College web site for additional information.  For information on CPAT licensees, visit IAFF CPAT Information & current CPAT Licensees.

16.  What is a "Conditional Offer"?
A Conditional Offer is "the call" you will receive by the Mesa Fire Department offering the applicant a position as a Firefighter Recruit.  The offer is conditional upon the applicant passing all pre-employment assessments.  Pre-employment assessments may include a physical fitness exam, a driving and criminal history inquiry, an FBI background check, etc.  An applicant must also, at the time of conditional offer, prove all application and certification requirements like EMT, CPR, High School Diploma/GED, etc.  The City of Mesa Fire Department does not have definitive dates as to when conditional offers will be made, so please do not call and ask.

17.  What is the salary of a Firefighter?
A firefighter Recruit will be in the Recruit Academy for approximately 14 weeks and have a salary of $1,524.80 biweekly.  When a Firefighter Recruit graduates the academy and promotes to the Firefighter class, the pay is increased to $1,686.40 biweekly or $43,846.40 per year.  This annual salary does not include FSLA (Fair Labor Standards Act) pay, holiday pay or overtime which provide additional increases to a Firefighter's annual salary.