• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Eligible to work in Canada.
• No criminal activity in the past 3 years.
• High school diploma, equivalent or journeyman certificate.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license or provincial/territorial equivalent (proof of non-GDL required). Less than 6 demerit points on driver abstract.
• If applicable, pardon or record suspension for any criminal convictions.

• Advanced First Aid (AFA) course – minimum 80-hour or equivalent.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Health Care Provider (HCP) level or a Basic Life Support (BLS) designation.
• Alberta Class 1, 2, or 3 driver's license or provincial equivalent. 
• Air Brake (Q) endorsement or provincial equivalent.
• Meet all immunization requirements.

All pre-hire qualifications must be current and valid at time of hire.

You do not need these qualifications to apply, however, they will strengthen your application.

• Education – completed post-secondary education or red seal journeyman certificate(s).
• Training – professional training certifications, both fire and non-fire related.
• Experience – work or volunteer experience in firefighting, emergency services and other related work experience.
• Skills and abilities – leadership, mentoring, community involvement and volunteering.

Applicants will be required to perform both medical and fitness assessments to meet the requirements of the Conditional Job Offer (CJO).

Our medical and fitness requirements are based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1580 Standard and have been set to ensure safety.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

Read the linked document Disqualifying Medical Conditions, which is a basic overview/summary developed by CFD physicians. This is not an exhaustive/all-inclusive list, but rather a summary of common conditions they see that require further information and may be disqualifying in some instances.

If you think you may have any of the disqualifying medical conditions, bring the disqualifying medical conditions document to your healthcare provider.

Please have your physician contact the CFD Wellness Centre at (403) 873-2352 if they require further clarification on disqualifying medical conditions.

Applicants with disqualifying medical conditions and those who do not meet the requirements may be deemed unfit to do the job.

FITNESS ASSESSMENT

You will complete two separate fitness assessments in the application process:

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

The CPAT has eight separate stations that simulate events at a fire scene. It is the first pre-employment fitness assessment that will measure if applicants meet the minimum physical fitness requirements. It also tests your ability to perform essential tasks at emergency scenes. You will need to complete the CPAT if you reach Step 7 of the Firefighter Pre-Screening Process. Failure to complete the test will result in removal from the application process.

For more information, view the IAFF CPAT manual. We recommend you focus on the CPAT Orientation and Preparation Guides (Appendix A and Appendix B).

Treadmill Assessment

The Treadmill assessment is a VO2 test that measures your oxygen use and requires maximum effort. You must reach a minimum of 12 minutes and 30 seconds on the treadmill while wearing a mask that will measure how efficiently your body uses oxygen. This assessment is performed during your medical assessment at Calgary Wellness Center. Failure to complete the test will result in your job offer being rescinded and removal from the eligibility list.

To prepare for the intense physical demands of recruit training and a firefighting career download this Exercise guide.

Please review the hair and jewelry policy for the Calgary Fire Department.

• The Process Preparation presentation will be sent and include:
  • Applicant expectations
  • PHS guidelines
  • Interview tips
  • Fitness standards
  • Career awareness

Applicants will upload their completed Personal History Statement (PHS). Be honest and provide accurate details. This will be reviewed by a Recruitment Officer then confirmed at the Polygraph.

Assigned a recruitment officer at this stage and after you review PPPR you will be asked to submit your PHS.

• Applicants will participate in an in-person Behavioural Descriptive Interview in Calgary (all interviews take place in Calgary).
• Answers will need to be presented in the STAR (Situation Task Actions Result) format.

• Applicants will need to complete a polygraph exam to verify information provided in their Personal History Statement (PHS) and throughout the recruitment process.
• Polygraph exam will be done in-person in Calgary.
• The fee for this exam is $500 +GST.

• Applicants will have the opportunity to attend two orientations and two timed trials prior to their scheduled CPAT test time, if test is performed with CFD.
• The fee for taking the test at CFD facilities is $200 + GST.
• Failure to meet CPAT standards during the recruitment process will require a valid CPAT certification to reapply.
• If you have any questions about the CPAT, contact our Wellness Centre by e-mail at CPAT.info@calgary.ca.

• Successful applicants will be selected from eligibility list to receive CJO.
• Sign the Conditional Job Offer.
• Provide a new five year Driver’s Abstract with no more than 6 provincial/territorial demerits.
• Provide a new Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Ensure all certifications are up to date and valid (those listed in the Minimum and Pre-Hire Qualifications).
• Complete a medical and fitness assessment, including the treadmill test.
• Attend uniform fittings.
• Attend a full-day recruit orientation where document originals must be provided.
• Attend a voluntary fitness presentation.
• The Calgary Fire Department does not provide moving expenses to applicants relocating from outside of Calgary.