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APPLICATION

1. What are the requirements to apply for the Fire Fighter Trainee Examination

• At least 18 years of age at time of appointment
• High School diploma or equivalent
• U.S. citizen or permanent alien resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship
• Maintain a current (within the last 12 months) Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification
• Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation

2. What will disqualify me from being a fire fighter?

• Felony conviction(s)
• Dishonorable military discharge
• On probation as directed by a court
• Any drunk driving (DUI) conviction within two years of filing date

3. What is a Candidate’s Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?  

• A timed test that measures physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground.
• View CPAT video www.lacofd.org/HelpWanted/BeAFirefighter.asp

4. Is there a cost to take the Candidate’s Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?

• Yes, there is a nominal cost.  Contact the following organizations for current cost or financial aid information:
  1) California Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship Committee (877) 648-CPAT (2728)
  2) Oxnard College Fire Technology CPAT Program (805) 384-8109

5. Where can I obtain information about taking the CPAT?

• California Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship Committee (877) 648-CPAT (2728)
• Oxnard College Fire Technology CPAT Program (805) 384-8109
• www.cffjac.org

6. How long is my CPAT certification valid for the Los Angeles County Fire Department?

• The CPAT certification will remain valid for 12 months from the date of certification.

7. Where can I obtain a job application, additional information, and answers to my additional questions?

• www.fire.lacounty.gov/HelpWanted/BeAFirefighter.asp
• http://hr.lacounty.gov/
• BeAFirefighter@fire.lacounty.gov
• 888.897.FIRE (3473)
• Los Angeles County Fire Department administrative sites and fire stations

8. Where do I file my application?

Online -   LA County Online Application
or

Mail               
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Examination Section
P.O. Box 911628
Los Angeles, CA 90091

9. How do I verify that my application has been received?

• For applications submitted by mail, include a self addressed and stamped envelope at the time of filing.
• If you apply online, you will receive a notification that your application was received successfully.
• Applications expire 12 months from the date of submission.

TESTING/EXAMINATION

1. What does the Fire Fighter Trainee exam consist of?

• The exam consists of a pass/fail qualifying written test and a structured interview.
• The pass/fail written test will measure reading comprehension, math, and mechanical aptitude. 
• Applicants who pass the written test, will move to the structured interview.  The score from the structured interview will be utilized to determine band placement on the register.

2. What are the steps in the application (examination) process?

3. How can I prepare for the written examination?

You can prepare for the written exam by refreshing your skills in the following areas:

• Reading Comprehension and Math Skills
  http://dhr.lacounty.info/  click on Job Information and then on Employment Test Preparation.
  Easy English, Basic Grammar and Usage.  Bonet, Diana. Menlo Park, CA: Crisp Publications, Inc. 1993
  English Made Simple.  Waldhorn, Arthur and Zeiger, Arthur.  Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc. 1981
  Write Right!  Venolia, Jan. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. 1995
  Writing that Works.  Burr Ridge, IL: Irwin Professional Publishing. 1994 (800-634-3966)
  Math for Civil Service Workers.  Sobanski, Jessika.
  Every Day Math Made Easy.  Davidson, Peter. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1994
  Practical Math Success in 20 Minutes a Day.  Robinovitz, Judith. New York: Learning Express. 1998
  The Active Learner.  Brown, Sallie and Miller, Douglas.  Roxbury Publishing. 1995
  Improving Reading Comprehension & Speed, Skimming & Scanning, Reading for Pleasure.  Coman, Marcia J. and Heavers, Kathy L.; Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company. 1997
• Mechanical Aptitude
  How to Prepare for the Firefighters Examinations.  Murtagh, J. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s.  Look for the most recent edition. Click here to get Mechanical Aptitude Guide and test preparation information.
  Norman Hall’s Firefighter Exam Preparation Book.  Hall, Norman.  Avon, MA: Adams Media. 2003
  Firefighter Exam/Learning Express.  New York, NY: 2000
  Firefighter.  Andriuolo, Robert. New York: Arco. USA. 1997
  Firefighter Written Practice Exams.  Couvillon, Arthur R. Hermosa Beach, CA: Information Guides. 1993

POST-EXAM/BAND PLACEMENT

1. What happens next if I am successful in the examination process and my name is placed on the register?

• When the needs of the Department dictate, successful candidates will be selected from reachable bands to begin the hiring process (background and medical exams.)
• If you have not been invited to begin the hiring process (background and medical exams), and 12 months have passed since you were placed on the register, your name will expire from the register.  If you are still interested in the Fire Fighter Trainee position, you must submit a new application.

2. Can I submit another application if I don’t pass the written portion of the exam?

You may submit another application 12 months after the notification of your written exam results.

3. Can I submit another application if I am not placed in a top band?

You may submit another application 12 months after the notification of your structured interview exam results.

4. Will Veteran’s Preference Credits be applied to the written exam?

No, the written exam is pass/fail.  Veteran’s Preference Credits will be applied to the structured interview portion of the exam which is scored.