SFFD Recruitment - Eligible Candidates

Anticipated Timeline for H2/H3 Academy

*All dates subject to change.

H2 Firefighter Timeline 


July

Week 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

August 25
Deadline to complete secondary criteria survey and personal statement


September

Week of September 2
Candidates selected for Command Staff Interview

Weekdays of September 8 - 23

Chief's Command Staff Interviews 


October

Tentative  Boot camp


January 2026

Tentative 137 Recruit Academy starts


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.

H3 EMT/Paramedic Timeline


August

August 4
Application Deadline

August 26 - 28

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.

September 16 - 18

Tentative  Physical Ability Test

For more information on the PAT, please review this video


October

October 7 - 9

Tentative  Panel Interviews 
 


November

November 4 - 7

Tentative   Chief's Command Staff Interviews
 


April 2026


Tentative  Orientation 
 


May 2026


Tentative  EMT Academy begins
 


June 2026


Tentative  Paramedic Academy begins
 


Important Reminders About Your H3 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.