Required Tests & Licensing

Required Tests & Licenses

Understanding the certifications, licenses, and tests required for firefighter positions will help you prepare for a successful application.

Required Licenses

Driver’s License

Requirement: Valid driver’s license from any U.S. state

When Required: At time of application

Details:

  • Must be valid and not suspended or revoked
  • Must have acceptable driving record (no major violations)
  • Must be willing to obtain Illinois driver’s license upon hire
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred but not required at hire

Required Certifications – Full-Time

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Requirement: State-certified EMT-Basic (minimum)

When Required: At time of application

Details:

  • Must be currently certified through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
  • Out-of-state certifications must be transferable to Illinois
  • Certification must remain current throughout employment
  • EMT-Paramedic strongly preferred (may be required for some positions)

How to Obtain:

  • Complete state-approved EMT training course (typically 6 months)
  • Pass National Registry EMT examination
  • Apply for Illinois certification through IDPH
  • Recertification required every 2-4 years

Firefighter Certifications

Requirement: Firefighter I & II certification

When Required: Preferred at hire; may be obtained through department academy

Details:

  • Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certification preferred
  • Other state certifications may be accepted if equivalent
  • Pro Board or IFSAC accredited programs recognized
  • New hires without certification will attend department-approved academy

How to Obtain:

  • Attend firefighter training academy (typically 3-6 months)
  • Complete both Firefighter I and Firefighter II curriculum
  • Pass written and practical examinations
  • Apply for state certification

Required Certifications – Part-Time

Minimum Requirements at Hire

Part-time firefighters must have or obtain:

  • Firefighter I & II: Required within [X] months of hire (may be provided by department)
  • EMT-Basic: Required within [X] months of hire (assistance may be available)
  • Current CPR/AED certification

Having these certifications at time of application is strongly preferred and may improve hiring prospects.

Additional Certifications (Preferred)

The following certifications are not required but are highly valued:

Paramedic

  • Illinois licensed Paramedic
  • May qualify for additional compensation
  • Significantly strengthens application

Driver/Operator

  • Fire Apparatus Engineer/Operator certification
  • Pumper operations
  • Aerial operations
  • May require Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Hazardous Materials

  • Hazmat Awareness (basic)
  • Hazmat Operations
  • Hazmat Technician (advanced)

Technical Rescue

  • Rope rescue
  • Confined space rescue
  • Vehicle extrication
  • Trench rescue
  • Water rescue

Fire Officer

  • Fire Officer I
  • Fire Officer II
  • Fire Instructor certifications

Required Testing

Written Examination

All candidates must pass a written examination testing:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Spatial orientation
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Memory and recall

Preparation: Study guides are available at bookstores and online. Practice tests recommended.

Learn more: Written Exam

Physical Ability Test

Candidates must pass a physical ability assessment, typically the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or department equivalent.

CPAT Components:

  1. Stair climb (wearing weighted vest)
  2. Hose drag
  3. Equipment carry
  4. Ladder raise and extension
  5. Forcible entry
  6. Search (crawling obstacle course)
  7. Rescue (victim drag)
  8. Ceiling breach and pull

Preparation:

  • Start training months in advance
  • Focus on cardiovascular endurance and functional strength
  • Practice CPAT-specific exercises
  • Many fire departments offer CPAT practice sessions
  • YouTube videos demonstrate proper techniques

Medical Examination

Conditional job offer recipients must pass comprehensive medical examination including:

  • Physical examination by physician
  • Vision and hearing tests
  • Cardiovascular stress test
  • Pulmonary function test
  • Drug screening
  • Other tests as required by NFPA 1582 standards

Psychological Evaluation

Candidates must pass psychological evaluation to assess:

  • Mental fitness for firefighting duties
  • Stress management capabilities
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Emotional stability
  • Team compatibility

Certification Resources

Where to Obtain Certifications

EMT Certification:

  • Local community colleges
  • Fire departments offering EMT courses
  • Private EMS training companies
  • Hospital-based programs

Firefighter Certification:

  • Community college fire academies
  • Regional fire training centers
  • Fire department training academies (if open to public)
  • Illinois Fire Service Institute

Paramedic Certification:

  • Community colleges with paramedic programs
  • Hospital-based paramedic programs
  • Regional EMS training centers

Maintaining Certifications

All certifications must be maintained throughout your employment:

  • Complete required continuing education
  • Recertify before expiration dates
  • Attend department training programs
  • Keep certification documents current and accessible

The department typically provides or supports continuing education opportunities for required certifications.

Questions About Certifications?

If you have questions about:

  • Which certifications you need
  • Whether your certifications qualify
  • How to obtain required certifications
  • Transferring out-of-state certifications

Please contact us before applying. We’re happy to help!

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