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
September 5
Deadline to respond to Command Staff Interview
Weekdays of September 8 - 19
Chief's Command Staff Interviews
October
Sunday, October 19
Boot camp (by invite only)
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
Physical Ability Test
For more information on the PAT, please review this video.
October
October 7 - 9
Panel Interviews
November
November 4 - 7
Chief's Command Staff Interviews
March 2026
Tentative Orientation
Tentative EMT Academy begins
April 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.