2023 Firefighter Bulletin


1 / 2
LAFD Bulletin Page 1
2 / 2
LAFD Bulletin Page 2

Additional Information

What are the duties of a Firefighter?

Medical Evaluation

CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment

California Driver's License

EMT

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Miscellaneous Notes


What are the duties of a Firefighter?

As members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, a Firefighter's duties include engaging directly in firefighting, emergency medical services requiring assignment to a rescue ambulance, mitigation of hazardous materials emergencies, fire prevention and rescue, peace officer responsibilities and inspections of buildings and properties to ensure compliance with the fire codes. All Firefighters are required to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and may be required to become Paramedics. Prepare yourself for the missed holidays, birthdays, and special events with kids or loved ones; it will be worth it. Resiliency is a trait that can be learned; focus on it, read about it, and understand what others have done to cultivate mental toughness in themselves.

⇑ Back To Top ⇑

Medical Evaluation

PHYSICAL: Firefighting and medical rescue work is physically demanding. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions which would restrict their ability to safely perform fire suppression and rescue work. Weight (body fat content) must be proportionate to height.

VISION: Uncorrected distance visual acuity of at least 20/100 in the poorer eye and 20/40 in the better eye, correctable to at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/20 in the other eye is required. Regarding refractive surgery, most persons who have had these procedures will be passed. However, some may be deferred for several months or disqualified based on an individualized assessment of the surgical outcome. Regarding color vision, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors and be free of other visual impairments that would restrict their ability to perform Firefighter duties.

TOBACCO: Firefighters are required to refrain from all use of tobacco throughout their employment with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

DRUG & ALCOHOL SCREENING: A drug (including, but not limited to, marijuana) and alcohol screening test may be required at any time prior to appointment because Firefighter has been designated as a safety sensitive class.

⇑ Back To Top ⇑

CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment

Candidate Advancement Program (CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment): Candidates selected in the stratified random sampling and who move forward in the selection process after the interview, will be required to complete the CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment at the PIQ. The CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment results are advisory. Candidates will also be required to maintain the CAP Fitness Assessment Logbook throughout the field investigation. The CAP Fitness Assessment Logbook must be completed by the conclusion of the field investigation. For more information about the CAP program please click here.

⇑ Back To Top ⇑

California Driver's License

A valid California Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Once hired, Firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a California Class "B" or Firefighter's driver's license, in accordance with Fire Department Procedures, as a condition of employment.

⇑ Back To Top ⇑

EMT

Candidates must obtain a valid Emergency Medical Technician Certificate issued by an approved California certifying agency or an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate issued by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Proof of EMT Certification must be provided at the start of the PIQ to move forward in the background process and for hiring consideration prior to appointment.

As a condition of employment, all sworn members of the LAFD are required at a minimum to maintain a valid EMT I Certification.

EMT Programs [PDF]

⇑ Back To Top ⇑

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Candidates must obtain a valid Emergency Medical Technician Certificate issued by an approved California certifying agency or an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate issued by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Proof of EMT Certification must be provided at the Pre-Background Appointment (PIQ) & CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment to move forward in the background process and for hiring consideration prior to appointment.

As a condition of employment, all sworn members of the LAFD are required at a minimum to maintain a valid EMT I Certification. Firefighters who complete probation and obtain their commercial driver's license may be required to go to paramedic school paid for by the fire department at between 18-36 months on the job.

Candidates must provide proof of a current passing score on the CPAT at the Pre-Background Appointment (PIQ) & CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment. Proof must also be provided at the time of certification for hiring consideration. A CPAT score is valid for one year. Information regarding the CPAT can be found at: https://per.lacity.org/exams/FirefighterCPATInformation.pdf and https://joinlafd.org/index.cfm?section=candidatephysicalability

⇑ Back To Top ⇑

Miscellaneous Notes

  1. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.

  2. Names will be removed from the eligible list after one year unless the eligibility of candidates on the list is extended.

  3. All entry-level positions are temporary training positions as defined in Civil Service Commission Rule 5.30. Upon completion of this training period, an appointment to a regular position of Firefighter can be made in which a one year probationary period begins.

  4. If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employer benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position.

⇑ Back To Top ⇑