FDNY Hiring 2026

The Fire Department of the City of New York is the largest municipal fire department in the United States, staffing over 11,000 uniformed firefighters across 218 firehouses in all five boroughs. FDNY hiring follows a civil service exam process that opens only every few years, making preparation and timing critical for prospective candidates.

Current Hiring Status

FDNY firefighter hiring is driven by the civil service exam list. The department periodically opens a new filing period for the written Firefighter exam, typically every three to four years. When a new list is established, candidates are called in rank order based on their exam score (with veterans' preference and residency credits applied).

Check JoinFDNY.com for the current filing status and upcoming exam announcements. If no exam is currently open, you can submit an Expression of Interest to be notified when the next filing period begins.

FDNY EMS (EMT and Paramedic) positions are hired on a more continuous basis and do not follow the same civil service exam cycle as firefighter positions.

Eligibility Requirements

Age: You must be at least 17 years and 6 months old to file for the exam. You cannot have reached your 29th birthday by the last date of the filing period. Note: Military service time can extend the maximum age.

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.

Residency: Must reside in one of New York City's five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island). Residency credit on the exam is given to NYC residents.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Driver's license: Valid New York State driver's license by the date of appointment.

Background: No felony convictions. Thorough background investigation including criminal history, financial review, driving record, and personal references.

The Hiring Process Step by Step

Step 1: File for the Written Exam

When the filing period opens, submit your application through the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). There is a filing fee, though fee waivers are available.

Step 2: Take the Written Exam

The exam tests reading comprehension, listening, problem-solving, and basic math. FDNY offers free preparation sessions. This is a competitive exam: your score determines your rank on the hiring list. Every point matters.

Step 3: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

After passing the written exam, you will be scheduled for the CPAT. This is a pass/fail test with eight events completed in 10 minutes 20 seconds while wearing a 50-pound weighted vest. Events include stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, forcible entry, search, rescue drag, and ceiling breach.

Step 4: Medical and Psychological Evaluation

Comprehensive medical exam including cardiac stress test, pulmonary function, vision (correctable to 20/20), hearing, and drug screening. Psychological fitness is evaluated through written tests and interviews.

Step 5: Background Investigation

Investigators review your criminal history, employment history, education verification, financial responsibility, social media presence, and personal references. This process can take several months.

Step 6: Appointment and Academy

Candidates are called from the list in rank order. Upon appointment, you enter the FDNY Fire Academy on Randalls Island for approximately 18 weeks of probationary firefighter training.

Salary and Benefits

FDNY compensation is structured by rank and years of service:

Base salary progression:

• Probationary Firefighter (starting): $54,122 per year
• After 5 years: approximately $85,000 base
• With overtime and holiday pay after 5 years: over $105,146

Additional compensation:

• Night differential pay
• Holiday pay (time-and-a-half for holidays worked)
• Overtime (common, especially in busy companies)
• Specialty pay for Rescue, Squad, Hazmat, and Marine assignments

Benefits:

• NYC Fire Pension Fund (defined benefit pension after 20 years of service)
• Comprehensive health insurance, dental, and vision
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Tuition reimbursement
• Line-of-duty disability benefits

Senior firefighters, particularly those in specialty units who work significant overtime, can earn well above $120,000 annually. Officers (Lieutenant and above) earn considerably more.

How to Prepare

Physical preparation: Start training for the CPAT at least 12 weeks before your test date. The stair climb event, which requires 3 minutes at 60 steps per minute while carrying 75 pounds total (50-pound vest plus 25-pound shoulder load), is the most physically demanding. Train on stair climbers with weighted vests.

Written exam preparation: The FDNY written exam is not a knowledge test about firefighting. It measures cognitive aptitude: reading carefully, following directions, interpreting diagrams, and performing basic calculations under time pressure. Attend the free FDNY prep sessions and practice with civil service exam prep materials.

Build your resume now: While waiting for the exam cycle, get your EMT-Basic certification, volunteer with a fire company, take fire science or related college courses, and maintain a clean background. These steps will not directly affect your exam score, but they prepare you for the academy and the career.

Veterans: If you have military service, your time may extend the maximum filing age, and you may receive veterans' preference points on the exam. Bring your DD-214 and any relevant documentation.

EMS Hiring (EMT and Paramedic)

FDNY EMS positions are hired separately and more frequently than firefighter positions. Requirements include:

• New York State EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
• Valid New York State driver's license
• 18 years of age minimum

EMT starting salary is approximately $39,000, with Paramedics starting higher. Many FDNY firefighters began their careers as FDNY EMTs, using it as a pathway into the fire suppression side.

Start Your path Today

Preparing for FDNY is a long game. Between exam cycles, physical training, certifications, and the multi-step hiring process, candidates who start preparing early have a significant advantage. Ready to Serve helps aspiring firefighters track their fitness benchmarks, manage certification timelines, and stay organized through every phase of the process.

Sources

• JoinFDNY Official Careers
• JoinFDNY EMS Careers
• FDNY Firefighter Exam Information (NYC DCAS)
• Civil Service Success: Join FDNY

Related Pages

• How to Become a Firefighter in New York
• How to Pass the CPAT
• NREMT Exam Prep Guide
• How to Become an EMT in Texas