DRAFT Recruitment Timeline

H2 Firefighter Timeline 


July

TentativeWeek of July 25
Invitation to Preliminary Panel Interview


August

August 1 at 12:00
Deadline to respond to Preliminary Panel Interview

Week of August 11 to 15
Preliminary Panel Interviews

Week of August 18 to 22
Complete candidate profile on the Fire Recruitment Portal and Secondary Criteria Survey

Week of August 29
Invitation to Command Staff Interview


September

Weekdays of September 1-12Tentative
Chief's Command Staff Interviews 


October

Sunday, October 5
Boot camp
 


Important Reminders About Your 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.

H3 EMS/Paramedic Timeline


August

August 4
Application Deadline

August 26 - 28Tentative
H3L1 EMT Written Test

Requirements: Candidates must bring valid CA driver's license, CA Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card, and verification of work experience hours letter.


September

September 10
H3L2 Paramedic Written Test

Requirements: Candidates must bring CA valid driver's license, CA Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (Paramedic) license, and verification of work experience hours letter.


October

October 7 - 9
Physical Agility Test

For more information on the PAT, please review this video


November/December


TentativePanel Interviews 
 


January 2026


TentativeCommand Staff Interviews 
 


April 2026


TentativeOrientation 
 


May 2026


TentativeEMT Academy begins
 


June 2026


TentativeParamedic Academy begins
 


Important Reminders About Your Eligibility

  • You must maintain all applicable certificates and licenses, e.g. CA Driver's License, CA EMT certificate or CA Paramedic license, BLS CPR, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, etc., throughout the entire process.
  • Ensure your EMS Recruitment portal profile and DHR SmartRecruiters profile are updated with current and valid information and applicable certificates and licenses.