Recruitment process

We run the Recruitment Process at a national level twice a year with applications typically opening in May and December. It takes 6-9 months from the time you submit your application to your placement on a Recruit Training Course.

We encourage you to attend an Information and Practice Day which is aimed at giving you a good grasp of what the job entails. You will have a chance to chat with our Career Firefighters, ask questions, and hear the ins and outs of the role from the experts themselves.

Where possible we will aim to show you some, or all, of the Pre-Entry Physical Test with an instructor demonstration. This is valuable to gauge where you are at physically against our requirements, and receive guidance that allows you to tailor your training programme.

This is the formal application stage. Make sure you’re familiar with our entry requirements.

Applications to become a Career Firefighter open nationally twice per year. Applications must be made via our careers website. Once submitted, you will receive an email to confirm that your application has been received.

We are looking for the:

• desired cognitive abilities and personality preferences needed for the role of firefighter
• the necessary skills and knowledge to understand job-related concepts for the role of firefighter.

If you are successful at the online application, you will be asked to complete the tasks below. 

General Ability Screen

This is a timed, 10-minute assessment that covers numerical ability, verbal ability, deductive reasoning (drawing logical conclusions from available information), and abstract reasoning (identifying patterns in nonverbal stimuli).

Candidates will undergo a verification test prior to the Pre-Entry Physical Test.

Occupational Personality Questionnaire

You are only required to complete this questionnaire if you are progressing to a formal interview. You will be presented with a number of statements where you will be asked to select the statement that is most like you and the one that is least like you. This is used to measure your preferred or typical way of working – there are no right or wrong answers.

The Pre-Entry Physical Test ensures that candidates who are successful through the recruitment process have the minimum level of strength and fitness for the 12-week Recruit Training Course.

The test is comprised of two parts:

1. Job-related tasks

This includes 8 exercises simulating scenarios that may be experienced by a firefighter

 2. Strength and endurance test

This includes 4 exercises that test a candidate’s general strength

You will be timed from the start of the first job-related task until completion of the last task. Your total time must be 8 minutes and 15 seconds or less.  There will be then a 7-minute rest before commencing the strength and endurance test.

To view the full physical test, download the PPT Assessment Guide [PDF, 1.2 MB]. 

Final assessments

You will also be required to complete a final two assessments for:

• Heights – you will perform simple tasks while working on a 10.5 metre ladder
• Confined Spaces – designed to test your ability to operate and follow instructions in an enclosed space and dark, unfamiliar environment

For training guidelines see our PPT Training Tips [PDF, 2.2 MB] and PPT Training Plan [PDF, 4.7 MB].

Watch the video below to see what the test entails and how to prepare:

At the Practical Assessment Centre, you will undergo a series of individual and team activities, where you will be assessed on your ability to:

• Work and communicate with people, both within a team environment as an individual
• Solve problems by identifying and implementing solutions
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Adapt and respond to changing circumstances and cope with various pressures and setbacks while carrying out tasks
• Display practical skills to achieve objectives

The PAC is held at a Training Centre in the following locations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. It will take approximately 3 hours.

You will be required to complete your PAC assessment at the centre nearest to your preferred location unless prior arrangements have been made with the Recruiting Team.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a behavioural and situational based interview.

The interview will take approximately 1 hour with questions asked around the core competencies of a firefighter. There will be up to three panel members.

Check out some tips and general guidance on how to prepare(external link) for behavioural interviews.

After your successful interview the following background checks are required:

Police Vetting

Make sure there are no surprises at this point by requesting a copy of your own police check before commencing the application process. The Ministry of Justice website has information on getting a copy of your criminal record(external link). 

Medical Check

You will be asked to do a medical assessment to assess your suitability for the role and to investigate any potential health related issues prior to employment.

The cost of your initial medical examination will be met by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. We will ask you to arrange a pre-employment medical appointment with your usual medical centre, and a hearing appointment with an audiologist.

Reference Check

We conduct two work-related reference checks which requires your referees to fill in an online questionnaire.