Interested in becoming an ACT firefighter? It's a tough recruitment process, only the best applicants are successful. This guide will give you a head start and help you understand what to expect when you apply.
NOTE - this is an ACT specific guide. For general information on becoming a firefighter read the "how to become a firefighter" page.
As an active firefighter, I know how difficult it can be to get a Fire & Rescue job. With years of experience in helping candidates get through the application, I've learned a thing or two about the ACT recruitment process.
For more on the process of how to become a firefighter with ACT, please see our overview here, complete with expert tips and advice.
Despite the organisation only having 340 full-time urban firefighters, you can expect to be up against at least 800 other candidates. ACT Fire and Rescue recruitment is fiercely competitive. It's not unusual for successful candidates to make several applications before getting in.
Let's be clear; I'm not telling you this to scare you.
It's crucial that you understand what you're up against. Learning the competitive nature of the process gives you insight into how much work needs to go into your application.
To save everyone time and avoid disappointment, check you meet the essential criteria before making your application.
To be deemed suitable, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Firefighter recruitment dates and outlook for Fire and rescue ACT this year.
Firefighters work extremely hard and are known for their high fitness levels. It's no surprise to see an emphasis on physical testing during the application process.
If you failed either of the physical tests, there is a chance you can retake them:
Not everyone who failed will have the chance to retake the test. The candidates who fell just short (scores between 7.6 and 9.5) will be eligible to retake the exam at a later date.
If you are not successful in the PAT test there is an opportunity to resit at a later date. It's worth noting that you will be required to re-sit the entire PAT test, not just the element of the test you failed.
Candidates must still be considered "suitable" during the recruitment process at the time of the resits.
You can find more information about the BEEP and the PAT test over at www.esa.act.gov.au/readywillingable
Firefighting comes with many benefits, one of which is the pay. Before you commit to applying, it's important that you know the expected salary.
According to Indeed, the average salary for a firefighter in Canberra ACT is $86,410. Data from the ACT Fire and Rescue Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024 illustrates how pay can vary across roles and will increase between 2021 and 2023:
Getting employment in one of the most sought-after Australian fire services isn't easy. By reading this far you've already gone one step further than most of the competition. Doing your research is key to understanding what each stage of the process has in store for you.
All that's left for you to do is make sure you're fully prepared and committed to passing each stage of the application.
For female applicants, you’ll be interested to learn that the need for gender equality has been highlighted within the ACT service. With females making up as little as 2% of all firefighters. ACT Fire and Rescue are keen to overcome the male-only stereotypes of firefighters, making them a great service for females to apply for.
If you need some extra support, or just want to give yourself the best possible chance of passing the ACT Fire Brigade recruitment, our mentoring programs are a great way to get help.
By joining, you can tap into years of life experience from someone with excellent knowledge of ACT firefighter recruitment. Book a call today to see how we can help support you in getting through the application process.
