Apply for Entry-Level
Firefighter
Current Hiring Status
The hiring window for the 2026 Spring Academy has closed.
Please check back for future hiring dates. You can sign up to be notified when the next recruitment opportunity opens by visiting our job notification page, selecting “Fire & EMS” as the category, clicking “Subscribe,” and entering your details.
How to Apply
Spokane Fire no longer uses PST scores for hiring. Moving forward, we will conduct written testing in-house on an invitation basis only. We will not accept written tests from PST.
Entry-level firefighter recruitment will open via governmentjobs.com for a specified period of time. All interested job seekers are encouraged to apply right away. If the recruitment is not open, the listing will not show on governmentjobs.com. Click here to sign up for job notifications to receive an email when the recruitment opens.
After you apply through governmentjobs.com there are no further actions to take. Qualified applicants will receive an email via info@governmentjobs.com inviting them to take the written Civil Service test. The test will be conducted in-person at a location to be determined.
You may take the CPAT anytime up until your interview with the City of Spokane. Candidates must have a passing, current CPAT at time of interview.
If you have any questions about the application process, feel free to contact Civil Service through our Contact Us page, we’re happy to help!
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
What is the CPAT?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a nationally recognized assessment created by the IAFF/IAFC to measure whether firefighter candidates can safely perform critical on the job tasks. Only licensed organizations may run the program.
The CPAT is pass/fail validated at a maximum total time of 10 mins and 20 secs. Test takers will wear a 50lb vest to complete the following events:
– Stair climb
– Hose drag
– Equipment carry
– Ladder raise and extension
– Forcible entry
– Search
– Rescue
– Ceiling breach and pull
Timelines and SFD Requirements
You will be asked to provide a CPAT verification letter at time of interview. Typically, this documentation is available for download through the test organization’s website after you’ve passed the CPAT. Please reach out to the test organizer directly for more specific information.
Your passing CPAT must be less than 12 months old at time of interview. Candidate eligible lists are good for 1 year, so we recommend waiting until after the recruitment has closed before scheduling your CPAT.
Where to Take the CPAT
We accept CPATs from any IAFF accredited agency. A list of testing sites for IAFF accredited agencies is here.
Applicants interested in local options can take the CPAT through Public Safety Testing (PST) and National Testing Network (NTN). PST offers regular CPAT testing in Tukwila, WA and will offer occasional testing in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Please visit the PST website to schedule.
National Testing Network offers regular CPAT testing in Everett, WA. Please visit the NTN website to schedule.
Fees vary depending on your location and the company you test with. We encourage you to look at all of your CPAT options and make the decision that works best for you.