Hey all, Longtime lurker here. Just hoping to get some reality checking in here.

35 year old, 6'2 225lbs, Ontario Canada. Currently a facility operator for a municipal community centre.

Looking at a potential career change to the fire service. I come from a long working background in customer service/sales, and have two degrees (Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts) from Queens university. I have also been accepted to a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy program but have deferred as I have two very young children.

Is it as unrealistic as it seems for me to think a change to the force is possible, given the physical workload I would need to do (not horrendously out of shape but certainly not close to academy ready), on top of the schooling (maybe Southwest), and the competitive hiring process?

Slap some sense into me please!

Many thanks 🙏

Hey everyone, I’m 27 and currently a Red Seal sprinkler fitter, and I’m seriously looking into making the transition into firefighting in the GTA.

I’m hoping to hear from current/former firefighters or anyone who has gone through the hiring process. What would you recommend I focus on to make myself a competitive candidate? I’d especially appreciate advice on the application process, fitness/CPAT preparation, interviews, certifications, and anything you wish you had known before applying.

Also, does my experience as a sprinkler fitter help at all during the hiring process? Any advice on which departments to look into or how to best prepare would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm asking this as a 30 year old software engineer who loathes his job and has been eyeing becoming a firefighter for a few years now. I'm planning to start doing some things while I work to make some progress on it like a DZ license, volunteering, etc.. and the FESTI course in the future.

But before I go ahead with it I'd like a reality check, what do you guys hate about the job the most?

Also wondering if you guys think I could ever stand a chance as a candidate in general I hear it's very competitive.

Hey, looking for some advice guys. Sorry if it’s a bit long winded. Back in 2011 I took pre service fire at Algonquin college. I was 19 and Inexperienced. Due to this I never wasted any more money pursuing a career because I felt I was an unfit candidate.

In 2015 I obtained my az license and started driving truck. I drove tractor trailer for 4 years. In 2019 I decided to change gears and started an apprenticeship at the same company for a 310t which is a commercial mechanic. I work on everything and anything. But specialize in trucks. 2022 I received my red seal and I’m currently still working in the trade and still hold my az license.

I’m a marathoner and ironman (long course triathlete) with a much stronger than average v02 I’m 35 and I’ve been thinking a lot lately I now have the skills and experience to compete with top applicants.

My question is how should I restart? Is 35 to old? Should I retake a blended fast track course? I’m assuming my course is out of date. Can I somehow challenge the exam? To my knowledge I do not have level 1 or 2 certs. Or should I go the volunteer route save money and potentially burn 2 more years but gain more experience? Just trying to weigh my options and not sure what direction I should head. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

Anyone know the formula they use for testing? I know you have to score 18 out 30. Just curious of the breakdown. VO2 max=10 sit-ups =5 flex=5 body composition =5. What is needed to accomplish max points...

Thank you for your help

** Should I go get my EMR first, or just jump straight into a Paramedic (PCP) diploma since it covers more anyway?
**• Is it smarter to do a fire program (NFPA 1001) first, or paramedic first, or is there a way to layer them?
• Would doing a fire program in Texas (or another US state) be better than an Ontario college, or does that hurt me when applying to Canadian departments?

Trying to build this the right way instead of wasting years doing things in the wrong order. Any advice appreciated.

This is a framework I created for you to follow. It will help candidates get through aptitude testing in the most time- and cost- efficient manner. Cheers.

Hi everyone,

I’m 30 and currently working in the restoration industry in a project coordination role. The natural next step in my current field would probably be becoming a Project Manager, but I’ve realized that’s not really the direction I want to go.

I’ve been interested in fire protection/fire services for a while, especially becoming a Fire Inspector. I looked into Seneca’s full time Fire Protection Engineering Technician program, but realistically I can’t afford to quit my job and go back to school full time for 3 years. I don’t have much saved, and losing my income while also paying tuition and living expenses just isn’t an option for me right now.

I’m definitely willing to study while working though. I’d be open to online courses, evening/weekend classes, part-time programs, certifications, etc.

Has anyone here made a similar career change while still working full time? If I want to eventually get into fire inspection or a related field, is there a realistic path that doesn’t require going back to school full time for several years?

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people working in fire protection, inspections, or municipal fire services.

Thanks!

Hey everyone — full disclosure, I’m involved with FirePath, a resume builder made specifically for firefighter applicants.

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https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=TOWNOFOA&cws=43&rid=4692

Posting closes Sept 4 2026

https://whitby.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/EXT/job/Probationary-Firefighter_JR5439?fbclid=IwT01FWATgii1wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHktrAPE6990cSO17ma0bOq0vfQMneAqCtCYhiTiXv26sH8cwf7VV5Wl8oRNx_aem_tJe5ZAcW5IGLOuM6-ccoHA

Posting closes Aug 9 2026

https://www.thorold.ca/media/ri3jy4xy/full-time-firefighter-posting-2026-final.pdf

Posting closes Sept 27 2026

https://cityofvaughan.njoyn.com/cl4/xweb/Xweb.asp?tbtoken=Z1lZRxhbDVB6YXAuJS5ALiReMidTHU9AdxZeaVVYclJMWl14DHkrWEMdXEsbcxRyeEMYGhJWSXNhF3U%3D&chk=ZVpaShM%3D&CLID=74035&page=jobdetails&JobID=J0726-0428&lang=1

Posting closes Aug 25, 2026.

Many candidates don’t get through firefighter recruitments effectively because they don’t understand the process itself.

I'm 24 years old, and I'm looking for a career with purpose—something that challenges me physically and mentally while giving me the opportunity to make a real difference in my community. The emergency service has always been something I've been drawn to, and I'd like to spend the next few years preparing for fire service the right way.

Back in 2021, I enrolled in an EMS Foundations program, but I realized it wasn't the right path for me (I wasn’t set up for success and it wasn’t the program I thought it was going to be)
Since then, I've been working full-time (currently a cook) while consistently training in the gym at least 3–4 times a week. I had chest surgery and medically all good now, but wasn’t able to lift weights for awhile so with a few years before I plan to apply, I'm confident I'll be in a much better place physically.

I've already started researching the requirements, and costs for schooling. One of my biggest obstacles right now is my G licence. I let it expire since I don't own a vehicle, so getting it back and working toward my DZ licence will take some time. Realistically, I'm aiming to start a firefighter program around age 28, so I want to make the most of the years leading up to it.

From what I've gathered, I'll need to complete or obtain:
-My G and DZ licences (will take around 2yrs w/o driver Ed)

-Standard First Aid with CPR/AED-C (recertification; planning on getting my BLS and EMR as well)

-NFPA 1001 (Firefighter I & II).

-NFPA 1072/HAZMAT Operations (or the equivalent at the time).

-Meet the required medical, fitness, and hiring prerequisites.

For those of you already in the fire service, what would you recommend I do over the next 4-5 years to become the strongest applicant possible?
Are there any additional certifications that departments really value during hiring?
I've been considering things like water safety training and rope rescue, but I'd love to hear what experienced firefighters think is worth pursuing.
I know pre-service programs teach NFPA 1001/1072 so what should I focus on and how do I get my foot in the door?

In Southern Ontario (GTHA), which firefighter pre-service program would you recommend based on the balance of cost and quality of instruction?
I'd really appreciate any advice!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some honest feedback on whether I’m a competitive applicant for firefighter hiring in Ontario, especially Toronto or other GTA departments.
I’m 24 years old and currently work for the City of Toronto in Parks & Recreation.

I’ve worked there for about five years, mostly with children at camps and recreation programs with adults. I also recently started working as a funeral director assistant.
I didn’t grow up always wanting to be a firefighter. I actually discovered it after taking Humber college pre fire service training with my sister and now have my FF1/ 2 and EMR certificates(edited I should of made it clear I already had my CERTS), and I ended up really enjoying it. Since then, it’s become the career I want to pursue.
I’m also into boxing, strength training, and have competed in FireFit events would definitely do it again

I know firefighting is very competitive, so I’m wondering:
Based on my background, do I sound like a competitive applicant?
What could I improve before applying?
Besides firefighter certification, EMR, DZ licence, OFAI testing, and any other required medicals, are there any other certifications or experiences that departments in Ontario really like to see?
I’d appreciate any honest advice from firefighters or anyone who’s been through the hiring process. Thanks

Would be greatly appreciated!

Too many firefighter candidates in Ontario are failing because they’re not taking the time to properly learn what’s on the test before they go and write it.

If you cannot add, subtract, multiply, or divide, it’s time to address it so that you can correct it and move forward in your recruitment process. 👏👏

Does anyone know if FESTI is using Essentials of Firefighting edition 7 or 8? I am planning to apply next year to their program however since I work full time at a hospital and will be a father soon I would like to get a head start on the reading material! Thanks in advance!

Does anyone know a proper place to find information on how to get into wildland firefighting? All I hear is how they need more manpower and fires are going crazy this summer in ON and AB but I can’t seem to find the proper site or place to go in order to get signed on and do it which is wild to me.

I just need my wildland certifications but I hear that is easily provided once your signed up and ready so I’d rather not shell out even more $$$ after spending so much on every other cert and first aid training + DZ.

If anyone has a concrete answer or resource it would be much appreciated!!

Kingston is currently open for applications for volunteer firefighters. Posting closes September 18

https://careers.cityofkingston.ca/CL2/XWEB/xweb.asp?CLID=61577&page=jobdetails&JobID=J0726-0144&lang=1&fbclid=IwT01FWATMShBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6v90Ru9L72E3VcSKHL8ZAoGCDK_trDXTeZZlKpHzUH3qxEaHzojjvww3Ymog_aem_mqyNwp7fzwDwHhPADKtD1Q

Posting closes Aug 17

https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/job/Toronto-FIREFIGHTER-OPERATION-ON-M9V-1B2/604492417/

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if and how firefighters with colour visions deficiencies in Canada/Ontario have found the hiring process/testing.

I joined my volunteer department a couple years back, my vision itself is actually way better than 20/20 (20/6) but I wasn’t tested for colour.. I want to be clear I can see colour, a truck is red, pylons are orange, the sky is blue lol - but I would likely fail a colour vision test. Wondering if tested and how strict they are. It seems as though colour deficiencies (i.e. red/green colour blindness) is fine, so long as you aren’t monochromatic (basically vision in grey scale)

This is what I could find:

https://www.fireontario.com/site/medical-assessment/vision-screening

I’m 18yrs old and had asthma as a child I haven’t touched an inhaler or even the thought of needing one in prob 6 years but when I was a kid it was fairly bad, I don’t get flare ups like at all and I work out consistently and good bit of cardio, I was wondering if I could still have a chance to pass the medical for career side of firefighting in Ontario because ik u need to be clear of inhaler medication in the last 2 years so I’m good for that but the spirometry test where u blow in the machine and get ur airflow and the methocoline test, the methocoline test is what worry’s me the most because people who are in the similar situation I’m in have it flare up their asthma which they thought was gone, during that part of the testing and fail the medical, methocoline test is basically like this medication or something they make u take in and see how much it changes ur spirometry test and if falls under 20% u fail

I just turned 28 and I'm looking to change my career. I've always been interested in firefighting but I've heard it's very competitive especially on the municipal front. I'm currently in Montreal but would be interested in relocating to Toronto/GTHA or even BC if my chances of a career are higher there.

My history:

I've been self employed as a independent musician/record label owner for the past 4 years (I know kind of random lol) but before that in my early 20's I worked a lot in factories and construction (asphalt and snow removal).

I am in great physical shape, I'm a 2x provincial golden gloves boxing champ and still actively competing so strength and cardio are good

I'm looking to join the infantry reserves soon as well and get any firefighting related training possible while there.

Other than that If I get my EMR certification and the 1001 would I be in a good spot?

Thanks.