FAQS

LAFD Answers the most common questions to help you meet your career goals.

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Q. What are the requirements to become a firefighter (under the 2024 application process)?

A. 1) At least 18 years of age at the time of application, and 2) Graduation from a U.S. high school or equivalent, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required, and 3) Achievement of a passing score on the FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT (FCA) in order to be considered in the next phase of the selection process. The cost to take the FCA is $76.

Q. Does a foreign high school diploma satisfy the education minimum requirement to apply?

A. Yes, but you must attach an evaluation from an evaluation agency to your City application stating that the educational standards are equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. We recognize the following evaluation service agencies: https://www.naces.org/members

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Q. What is the FCA?

A. The FCA or Firefighter Candidate Assessment is a computer-based test battery consisting of two parts; a multimedia assessment and a self-description component. In the multimedia portion, candidates respond to audio and video cues on the computer. In the self-description component, candidates define themselves by responding to biographical, situational, and work attitude items. Under the 2023 application process, you must achieve a passing score on the FCA in order to be considered in the next phase in the selection process for the position of Firefighter with the City of Los Angeles. Even though a passing score on the FCA is required, you do not have to wait until you receive your score to apply.

Q. Is there a study guide for the FCA?

A. The FCA Preparation Guide which includes information about the Firefighter Candidate Assessment (FCA) is available at https://joinlafd.org/pdf/FCA_Preparation_Guide.pdf

Q. Do I need to retake the FCA if I achieved a passing score in 2016, 2018, 2020 or 2022?

A. No. Candidates may use their passing FCA score from 2016, 2018, 2020 or 2022 to satisfy the 2023 FCA requirement. This means that candidates with a passing FCA score taken from 2016, 2018, 2020 or 2022 satisfies the FCA requirement for the 2023 selection process. Candidates who tested and passed in 2016, 2018 or 2020, but did not pass in 2022, DO NOT need to retake the FCA as their previous pass score in 2016, 2018, or 2020 will satisfy the 2023 FCA requirement.

Q. How much does the FCA exam cost?

A. The fee for the FCA is $76, and is payable to the vendor, PSI. See their website: https://tara.vitapowered.com/LAFD/FCA for registration information. Payment of fees may be made by credit card (e.g., VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). CASH, MONEY ORDERS, CASHIER’S CHECKS AND PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. WALK-IN TESTING IS NOT AVAILABLE

Q. What if I can’t afford the $76 for the FCA test?

A. Test fee waivers are available to those of limited means who qualify. Please visit joinlafd.org/index.cfm?section=fcawaiver) for information on how to apply for the fee waiver. You must fill out a fee waiver application and submit it to the City Personnel Department as instructed.

Q. If I register for the FCA and pay, but later get approved for a fee waiver, will I receive a refund?

A. Yes, if you pay for the FCA and are later approved for a fee waiver, PSI will refund the account used to pay for your registration. Further information will be provided to you if you are determined to be eligible for a fee waiver.