H3 Recruitment FAQs

Q: What are the minimum requirements to be hired as an ambulance EMT (H003 L1) with the Fire Department?

• A high school diploma or an equivalency certificate (e.g., G.E.D., California High School Proficiency Certificate).
• Minimum 19 years of age at time of application and 20 years of age at time of appointment.
• Possession of a current and valid California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification issued by the State of California [required by the application filing deadline] and the ability to accredit with the local EMS Authority [required prior to appointment].
• Possession and maintenance of valid Class A, B, or C California Driver License with Ambulance Driver certificate / endorsement.
• Any combination of 500 hours of verifiable work experience as an EMT (on an ambulance or first responder vehicle) or hours of documented ambulance ride-along as a member of the San Francisco Fire Reserves within the last three years, at the time of hiring; OR any combination of 1,000 hours of verifiable work experience as an EMT (on an ambulance or first responder vehicle) or hours of documented ambulance ride-along as a member of the San Francisco Fire Reserves within the last five years, at the time of application filing.

Q: What are the steps in the H003 L1 – EMT ambulance entry level hiring process?

• Application
  • Complete and submit an online application with the City and County of San Francisco. https://careers.sf.gov/?q=&department=2296860
• Written Exam
  • This is a multiple-choice written exam.
• Will there be a clinical skills testing portion of the hiring process?
  • No
• Do I have to take a polygraph or Psych exam?
  • No
• Physical Ability Test (PAT)
  • Candidates must complete and pass the SFFD physical ability test [PAT] to be considered for hire. The test will consist of job task simulation components designed to measure a candidate’s ability to lift and carry 70 pounds of equipment up and down six flights of stairs, drag a 165-pound mannequin 15 feet, and unload/reload a 165-pound gurney in and out of an ambulance. Candidates on the eligible list will be placed under waiver until they have passed this PAT. The time limit is 4 minutes 30 seconds.
  • Can I submit a CPAT completion card in lieu of taking the PAT?
    • No
• First Interview
  • Once a candidate has completed and passed the written exam and PAT, they may be offered an interview. Panel members from the SFFD EMS Division will ask several questions. The topics of the questions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics: critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and clinical scenarios.
  • How many panel members are typically on the first interview?
    • Two (2) members from the SFFD EMS Division.
• Chiefs Interview
  • If a candidate is recommended to proceed in the process, the candidate will be offered an interview with EMS Chiefs.
• Provisional Offer of Employment
  • If the candidate is recommended to proceed in the process, a Conditional Offer email will be sent by the San Francisco Fire Department’s Human Resources office.
  • Applicants who are extended conditional offers of employment will be required to submit the following documents on the first day of the EMS Academy:
    • California State Emergency Medical Technician License (EMT)
    • California State Driver's License
    • Current CPR card (American Red Cross Healthcare Provider or American Health Association Health Care Provider
    • FEMA ICS 100, 200 and 700 Course Completion Certificates.
  • Background Verification to include DOJ criminal history check and DMV driving record review
    • The candidate will submit to Livescan fingerprinting and provide a recent DMV driving record printout.
  • Medical Exam/Toxicology Screening
    • Candidates are required to pass a San Francisco Fire Department medical examination, which will include:
      • Medical history questionnaire
      • Screening for drugs and alcohol
      • Physical exam
      • Blood and urine tests
      • Hearing
      • EKG
      • Vision and color vision screening
      • TB blood test
      • Confirmation of vaccination status to COVID-19, Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and documentation of a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years.
    • Medical conditions will be evaluated individually to determine the applicant’s fitness for employment. Applicants who proceed to the Medical Exam will be required to complete a Medical History Statement. Any misrepresentation by an applicant on the Medical History Statement as determined by the Chief of the SFFD will result in disqualification.
• Final offer of employment
  • If a candidate successfully completes the requirements within the Provisional Offer of employment, the candidate will receive a Final Offer.
  • Academy Orientation
    • An Academy Orientation will take place a week before the EMS Academy begins. Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

Q: What does the H003 L1 Academy consist of?

• The EMS Academy is eight (8) weeks. Recruits will be working 40-hour work weeks during the EMS Academy. The EMS Academy is a combination of physical training, lectures, and skills. Every Friday, the recruits will be tested on a variety of skills, geography knowledge, and multiple-choice written exams.
  • Written Testing
    • Recruits will be given a weekly multiple-choice exam which consists of 100 questions. A minimum 80% score is required.
  • Clinical Testing
    • Recruits will be tested of various skill sheet weekly. A minimum 80% score is required.
  • Physical Fitness
    • Recruits will perform daily physical training.
      • Daily physical training involves a combination of cardiovascular, strength and core training which consistent with daily EMS duties.
      • In preparation for the EMS Academy, recruits should be able to perform the following:
        • Recruits should be able to perform thirty (30) pushups in one (1) minute.
        • Recruits should be able to run one and a half miles in fourteen (14) minutes.
        • Recruits should be able to perform thirty (30) sit-ups in one (1) minute.
  • Field Evaluations
    • The Field Evaluation phase is three weeks, 108 hours total (36 hours per week) of training and evaluation on a 12-hour shift schedule. Recruits will work 12-hour day, swing, or night shifts depending upon the Evaluator’s current shift schedule.
• Final Testing
  • Final testing consists of a multiple-choice written exam, a geography exam, and multiple manipulative exams. Recruits MUST pass the final written exam with a minimum score of 80% to graduate from the Academy.

Q: How long is the probationary period?

• One (1) year from graduation date from the EMS Academy. Any time off or modified duty status will extend the probationary period.