At least 18 years of age at the time of application. No upper age limit.
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. Foreign diplomas may take longer to validate/process.
To meet the FCA requirement, you must register and take the FCA during the testing period. FCA registration will start on OPENING DATE PENDING. Candidates must also submit a City application during the application filing period. Candidates may submit the application prior to registering for the FCA. Testing Appointments are limited and on a first come, first served basis. If you have taken and passed the FCA in 2016, 2018, 2020 or 2022 you do not need to retake the FCA but you will be required to complete a new City application. For previous FCA score inquiries please email per.joinlafd@lacity.org.
U.S. Citizenship is not required to apply. However, candidates must have the the proper status (green card, work visa, etc.) to work legally in the United States of America. LAFD does not sponsor work visas, or green cards.
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.
CPAT is required 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 here and here.
EMT is required at the Pre-Background Appointment (PIQ) & CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment. Candidates must provide proof of an EMT certification by the time all test parts have been successfully completed to be certified or deemed eligible for hiring consideration. Local candidates are required to submit a current, valid California State EMT license. Applicants from out of state must submit a current National Registry EMT / or higher certification AND a current and valid EMT / or higher license from their state. Click here to see a list of EMT/Paramedic programs in Southern California. 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.
Firefighting and medical rescue work is physically demanding. Candidates must be in excellent health and have no conditions that would restrict their ability to safely do fire suppression and rescue work. Weight (body fat content) must be proportionate to height for men and women. The Fire Academy, as well as the job of firefighting, is physically demanding. Therefore, it is in the best interest of each candidate to prepare well in advance to reach his or her maximum fitness level.We HIGHLY encourage you to sign up for the Candidate Advancement Program (CAP). The most difficult challenge firefighter recruits face is the physical requirements of the fire academy. To assist you in the area, the Los Angeles Fire Department offers the CAP program to help you get physically fit and get accustomed to the training style you will encounter in the academy and help you have a successful career. We strongly encourage all LAFD candidates to take advantage of this FREE program. For more information about the CAP program please click here.
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.
Firefighters are required to refrain from all use of tobacco, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, and vaping throughout their employment with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Many factors influence the community's perception of our membership. The image we present to the community must be one of professionalism; therefore, our professional appearance is of utmost importance. On May 1, 2008, the Department established a policy prohibiting tattoos from being visible while on duty. Effective January 1, 2024, the Department's Tattoo, Scarification, and Branding Policy has been revised. The following establishes specific guidelines concerning the display of tattoos, scarifications, and branding by members of the Department.
Tattoo
The act or practice of marking the skin with indelible designs, forms, figures, art, etc., by making punctures in the skin and inserting pigments.
Temporary Tattoo
The act or practice of marking the skin with temporary designs, forms, figures, art, etc., by applying ink or other substance for the purpose of decorating the skin for a short period of time.
Scarification
The act of intentionally cutting the skin to create a design, form, figure, art, etc.
Branding
The act of intentionally burning the skin to create a design, form, figure, art, etc.
PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILED TATTOO POLICY BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:
Applications will open at a date to be disclosed in 2025
The Interview is a behavior-based review of a candidate’s personal history. It is designed to evaluate initiative in learning, practical orientation, role adaptability, service orientation, oral communication skills, job motivation, teamwork, and respect for diversity. The minimum passing score is 70. This score will determine a candidate’s rank on the eligible list, which is valid for one year from the date of the interview. This is an extremely competitive examination and only those candidates with the highest scores will continue in the selection process.
Based on a candidate’s ranking on the eligible list and the hiring needs of the Fire Department, candidates with the highest scores will be selected for a pre-background appointment. Candidates will also be required to complete the Candidate Advancement Program (CAP) Baseline Fitness Assessment. The CAP Baseline Fitness Assessment results are advisory.
The Background Investigation will consist of a field investigation and a records check. Candidates who possess a valid EMT certification & CPAT will then be considered for a field investigation. Candidates are evaluated on interpersonal skills, including sensitivity, and respect for others; decision-making and judgment; maturity and discipline; honesty, integrity, and personal ethics; setting and achieving goals.
This review may include the evaluation of the candidate’s training, experience, personal qualifications, and findings of the background investigation as they prepared the candidate for the job of Firefighter. Based on the hiring needs, those candidates who are free of felony convictions and possess the strongest qualifications and good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation be scheduled for the remaining steps.
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