SFFD Recruitment - Eligible Candidates

Anticipated Timeline for H2/H3 Academy

*All dates subject to change.

H2 Firefighter Timeline 


Applicants who apply by the November 6, 2026, deadline will be considered for both Class 139 and Class 140. Please note that there is only one interview cycle for both classes.


November 2026

  • November 6: Application Closing Date

  • November 10: Interview Prep Session (Registration details for the virtual meeting to follow)
  • November 13: Interview Prep Session (Registration details for the virtual meeting to follow)
  • November 23: Invitations sent for Preliminary Panel Interviews
  • November 27: Deadline to respond to interview invitation (by 5:00 PM)
  • November 30: Preliminary Panel Interviews begin

December 2026

  • December 1 - 4: Preliminary Panel Interviews continue
  • December 14: Invitation to complete candidate profile questionnaire and secondary criteria on Fire Portal

January 2027

  • January 4 - 15: Command Staff Interviews 
  • January 23: Boot Camp
  • January 29: Provisional Offers

February 2027

  • February 1: Background Workshop
  • February 4: Document Submission Deadline
  • February 8 - 19: ISB Intake Interviews

March 2027

  • March 12: Conditional Offers

May 2027

  • May 7: Medical Screenings Deadline
  • May 14: Final Offers
  • May 29: Orientation

June 2027

  • June 7: Class 139 begins for selected candidates

July 2027

  • July 30: Deadline to update candidate profile on Fire Portal

August 2027

Tentative August 17-28: Command Staff Interviews


September 2027

Tentative Weekend of September 12 or 13: Boot Camp


October 2027

  • October 22: Class 139 Graduation

December 2027

Tentative December 7: Class 140 begins for selected candidates


Important Reminders About Your H2 Eligibility

  • If selected for a Chief's Command Staff interview, you must present a valid CPAT that will remain current until 3 months prior to the academy start date.
  • You must maintain both a valid EMT certification and driver's license with FCTC throughout the entire process.
  • Keep your Fire Recruitment profile and DHR SmartRecruiters profile updated with current EMT and CPAT credentials.

August 2026

August 31 – H3L2 #16 Orientation


September 2026

September 14 – H3L2 #16 Paramedic Academy starts

September 18 – Deadline to submit H3 application for H3L2 #17 Paramedic Academy

September 29 – H3L2 #17 Written Test

Note: H3 Written Test is currently open only to paramedic applicants who meet minimum qualifications. Employer letter verifying work hours is required.


October 2026

October 15 – H3L2 #17 Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Note: A passing CPAT within one year (10/16/2025–10/15/2026) is accepted in place of the PAT.

October 28 – H3L2 #17 Panel Interviews

Note: Selected candidates may advance to a Command Staff Interview and will be notified by email.


December 2026

December 7–9
H3L1 #30 Command Staff Interviews*
H3L2 #17 Command Staff Interviews

*Only H3L1 EMT candidates previously under consideration will be invited to Command Staff Interviews for H3L1 #30 EMT Academy. Notices will be sent via email.

Note: After Command Staff Interviews, candidates may be selected for background checks and medical evaluations and will be notified via email.


April 2027

End of April
H3L1 #30 EMT Academy Orientation
H3L2 #17 Paramedic Academy Orientation


May 2027

Beginning of May
H3L1 #30 EMT Academy starts
H3L2 #17 Paramedic Academy starts