In selecting a Fire Service occupation, you will become a member of a distinguished and honorable profession that dates back to Roman times. Firefighters have always been looked upon by their neighbors, friends and peers as true public servants. They are among an elite group of men and women who have dedicated their lives to help those in need. The Fire Services is not just about fighting fires.
Make your family proud, join ours today.
A Career with Henrico Fire:
Firefighter Hiring Process Overview
Step 1: Application
- Application Dates: May 1 – July 1, 2024
- Apply online
Interested candidates must submit a County of Henrico online application. Applications are only accepted online. To apply: https://henrico.gov/services/jobs/. Please provide an email address for notifications and status updates. Please note the email you provide on your application will be the primary means in which you are contacted and notified throughout the hiring process. Call Henrico County Human Resources 804-501-4628 if you need assistance completing your online application
Minimum requirements for candidates to apply:
- Minimum of 18 years of age by the date the application process closes. There is no maximum age limit. However, all candidates must be able to successfully pass the Candidate Physical Agility Test.
- High School graduate or equivalent
- Possession or eligible to obtain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Operator’s License. (Please note: A candidate’s DMV record can have no more than six (6) demerit points in one (1) year or nine (9) demerit points in two (2) years. Additionally, candidates with a DUI or reckless driving conviction are not eligible for hire until one (1) year from the end of their completed sentence/penalty).
Step 2: Required Documents
Must complete application and upload required documents.
Required Documents (Make sure all copies are legible)
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- Proof of College Credits/Degree (If applicable)
- Official DMV Driving History Record-Must show Driver Points
- Photocopy of Military Discharge form DD-214 or NGB-22 National Guard (If applicable)
- Proof of graduation from a career Fire Department recruit school if applicable
Documents become property of Henrico County Division of Fire and will not be returned. Incomplete applications can jeopardize moving forward in the process.
Step 3: Candidate Physical Ability Orientation and Mentoring Sessions
Henrico Division of Fire will utilize CPAT to assess a candidate’s physical agility to complete critical firefighting tasks effectively and safely.
Those candidates that score above the established written test score and are invited to CPAT will be notified of all opportunities’ to participate in the CPAT Orientation and Mentoring Session. These same candidates will also be notified of the dates the CPAT testing will take place. Each candidate invited to CPAT is eligible to take advantage of the Orientation and Mentoring sessions and will be allowed 2 practice CPAT testing opportunities and one final CPAT test opportunity. If a candidate passes the CPAT during one of the practice testing opportunities they do not have to return for the final CPAT testing opportunity. Candidates must sign a waiver form before participating in the CPAT.
Candidates will have the opportunity to attend a CPAT orientation offered on two dates: July 2024.
- July 17th: Wednesday 4:30-8:00pm
- July 20th: Saturday 8am-12:00pm
Candidates will be scheduled for CPAT mentoring sessions from July – September, 2024.
- Week 1
- July 23rd Tuesday 4:30-8:00pm
- July 25th Thursday 4:30-8:00pm
- Week 2
- July 29th Monday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 31st Wednesday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 1st Thursday Practice Test #1 10:00 – 7:00pm
- Week 3
- August 6th Tuesday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 8th Thursday 4:30- 8:00pm
- Week 4
- August 12th Monday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 14th Wednesday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 16th Friday Practice Test #2 10:00-7:00pm
- Week 5
- August 20th Tuesday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 22nd Thursday 4:30-8:00pm
- Week 6
- August 26th Monday 4:30-8:00pm
- August 28th Wednesday 4:30-8:00pm
- Thursday Practice Test #3 10:00-7:00pm
- Week 7
- September 3rd Tuesday 4:30-8:00pm
- September 5th Thursday 4:30-8:00pm
- Friday September 6th Practice Test #4 10:00-7:00pm
- Week 8
- September 9th Monday 4:30-8:00pm
- September 11th Wednesday 4:30-8:00pm
Henrico Division of Fire will also accept current valid CPAT cards/certificates from candidates who test with an IAFF licensed agency within a year from October 15, 2023. CPAT cards/certificates must be received by the Henrico Division of Fire before September 2024.
Step 4: Written Test (to be given onsite and electronically)
- Dates To Be Determined the week of July 2024 TBD.
After submission of the online application and attaching the required documents with the application, those candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position of entry firefighter will be invited to sit for a written test. Those candidates that score above the established cut-off are eligible to advance to the next step in the process.
Photo ID required for test entry (Driver’s License, Military ID)
Step 5: CPAT Test
- CPAT Testing: TBD
Those candidates who pass the CPAT will proceed to the next step of the hiring process.
Successful completion of the testing (written and physical) does not guarantee an interview or offer of employment.
Step 6: Document Review
The Henrico County Division of Fire Personnel Section and the County of Henrico Department of Human Resources will further review and verify information provided by each candidate on their application.
Step 7: Panel Interviews
- September 2024 TBD
Top Candidates will be contacted by the Division of Fire Personnel Section regarding scheduling a panel interview.
Step 8: Conditional Offer
- To be extended in November 2024
The candidates that are offered conditional employment must still pass (3) more evaluation steps.
- NFPA 1582 Medical Examination
- Drug Test
- National and State criminal history records check and FBI finger print check
Candidates that pass theses steps will be offered a final offer of employment.
Step 10: Hired
- Academy Anticipated Start Date: January 2025; Date TBD
Candidates that accept the final offer of employment will then be notified of when to report the County of Henrico Division of Fire Basic Firefighter Recruit Academy. All candidates are required to successfully complete the thirty (30) week Division of Fire Basic Firefighter Recruit Academy regardless of previous firefighting qualifications or experience level.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
The County of Henrico Division of Fire uses the nationally recognized Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) for each hiring process. Once candidates have completed the written exam, they will be notified by mail of their test scores and whether or not they have been referred to this next step in the hiring process.
The job of a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in North America. Firefighting requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The CPAT consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. This test is physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be successful.
CPAT Overview
The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a standardized test that consists of a sequence of eight critical events completed in a predetermined path from one event to another in a continuous manner. This is a pass/fail test based on a maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
The events are placed in a sequence that simulates fire scene events. The events consist of:
- Stair Climb
- Hose Drag
- Equipment Carry
- Ladder Raise and Extension
- Forcible Entry
- Search
- Rescue
- Ceiling Breach and Pull
During the events, candidates will wear a 50-lb vest to simulate the weight of self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighter protective clothing. An additional 25 pounds is added to the candidate’s shoulders during the stair climb event to simulate carrying a high-rise pack.
Throughout all events, candidates must wear long pants, a hard hat with chinstrap, work gloves and appropriate footwear with no open heel or toe. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted. Candidates will not be allowed to participate in the testing process without the appropriate attire. The Division of Fire will provide the hard hat and work gloves for use during the test.
CPAT Orientation
All candidates will be shown the CPAT Orientation Video. Candidates who are referred to participate in the CPAT phase of the hiring process will receive the CPAT Orientation Guide and Candidate Preparation Guide, and also be given time to practice test tasks and perform two timed practice tests during the practice sessions given for 8 weeks prior to the test date.
While the CPAT orientation and practice sessions are not required, they are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all candidates who receive an invitation to and plan on taking the CPAT test. Candidates who choose not to attend the orientation program should review the CPAT Orientation Guide (PDF) and Candidate Preparation Guide (PDF) prior to taking the test. **These are large PDF files that may take a few minutes to load.**
Special Note
The Firefighter CPAT is very strenuous. If you have had a recent illness, injury, surgery, or are on medication, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you should participate in the CPAT.
Candidates must present valid identification prior to taking the CPAT and participating in the practice sessions. You will also be required to complete and/or sign the following forms:
- CPAT Sign In Sheet
- CPAT Waiver of Claim for Injury
- CPAT Evaluation Form
- CPAT Rehabilitation Form
If You choose not to participate in the CPAT mentoring / training sessions, you must print out, sign and bring the CPAT Session Waiver form to your CPAT test.
Successful completion of the testing process does not guarantee an interview or an offer of employment.