Become a Firefighter in California

CaliforniaCalifornia is a large state with a huge population, and where there is a huge population, you can be sure there are quite a few fires. In addition to fires in human habitation, the southern part of the state is often in danger from wildfires. If you have been considering becoming a firefighter, doing so in California is a great option. You may want to find colleges and schools offering fire science degrees so you have a better chance at finding employment. These schools can give you an edge.

How to Become a Firefighter in California

Featured Schools:

Anna Maria CollegeOnline BS in Fire Science
Eastern Oregon UniversityOnline FSA Degree
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline Degrees in Criminal Justice

It takes a number of steps to become a firefighter in California, and you will have to attend programs that will include the training you are going to need. You will have to pass a written exam that includes between 150 and 200 multiple-choice questions. These questions are not likely to have anything to do with actual firefighting. They usually encompass reading comprehension, problem solving, judgment, memory, and math. You can find books and programs that will help you study for this test so you can pass and become eligible to proceed.

After passing the written exam, you will have to take a physical agility test. To pass this test, you are going to need to be strong, and you will need to have great endurance. Start training for this as early as possible, and keep up with the training through your entire career if you want to do well. Applicants will also need to take a medical and a psychological test.

When you pass all of the preceding, you will go to the oral board exam, where a panel will question your skills and ask you questions such as why you want to become a firefighter. Only the best are able to make it through all of these levels of scrutiny.

Employment Trends for Firefighters

In California, the employment outlook for firefighters is not as dismal as it might seem in other parts of the country. Even though it can take a long time to go through the process of even qualifying to become a firefighter, the dense population of the state means that the chance of finding job is better. Of course, the competition is going to be higher as well.

Salary and Employment Facts

The average salary for a firefighter in California is higher than it is in many other states, coming in at around $61,000 per year. It is more expensive to live in most parts of California than it is to live in other states, and that is one of the reasons that the salary is a bit higher. Some of the top places that you might want to start looking for employment include Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Firefighter Activity in the News

The American Legion recently honored Los Angeles firefighters, police, and other personnel for their service with an awards banquet.