FAQs

To apply, complete an application online during the filing period. While you are waiting for the filing period to open, you can submit a Job Alert and set up a profile. When this is complete, you will be sent an email reminder to apply when the filing period opens, currently scheduled for November 2026. Any information in your profile will be accessible when you complete your application.

To complete your application OR Job Alert, follow the link below:

https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Civil-Service-Commission/Apply-to-Work-with-US

Follow the link below to the Civil Service website Employment Center and fill out the Job Alert for the Firefighter position Code #3090. This will put you on the email distribution list to be notified of any information about testing. THIS IS AN EMAIL LIST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. A full application will be required during the next filing period. 

https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Departments/Civil-Service-Commission/Apply-to-Work-with-US

The Civil Service Study Guide is available through the link below by clicking the link below and describes the content of each Phase of the Civil Service test. The Civil Service Study Guide outlines the Phases of the Multiple Choice, FOAM (Firefighter Oral Assessment Mechanism) and the Firefighter Mile (Physical Fitness Test Course Pass/Fail).

https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/2/public-safety/fire/firefighter-test-guide.pdf

No, you must perform both firefighter and EMT job duties.

Review the Study Guide, video(s) and other information from the Civil Service website and become very familiar with all of its content. Also, it's never too early to start your physical fitness training, so start getting in shape now.

https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Jobs/Firefighter-Jobs/Firefighter-Exams

Due to the responsibility of the position of Firefighter, the Selection Process includes many detailed steps.  To learn more about each step, follow the link below.

https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Jobs/Firefighter-Jobs/Firefighter-Exams

No, however you must meet the minimum qualifications to apply, which are: 

• be at least 17 ½ years of age    
• be a U.S. Citizen
• possess a valid Driver's license
• possess a HS diploma or GED at time of hire.

No, preference points are only awarded to qualified Military Veterans.

No, when you pass the Civil Service test you will be placed on the CSC Eligible List. The list is valid for a minimum of two years, but may be extended. Candidates are selected from the Eligible List and processed through a background investigation. Once you successfully complete the background process you will receive a conditional offer of employment from the Public Safety Director.

All applications are accepted; however, NOT all applications are approved. One of the requirements for approval is that you must be a sworn US Citizen at the time of application.

There is no maximum age limit, but you must be at least 17 ½ years old to apply.

You are encouraged to stop by a firehouse and speak with the firefighters on duty, as well as research careers in the fire service.

No, you must apply during the application filing period through the Civil Service Commission and pass all 3 Phases of testing to be placed on the Eligible list.

All applications are accepted; however, NOT all applications are approved.  There is a list of Background Removal Standards everyone should carefully review. Click on the link below to view the Background Removal Standards:

https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/civil-service-commission/public-forms/b14-background-removal-standards-fire.pdf

After graduating from the Training Academy, you will be placed on a 24-hour platoon schedule. This means you will work a 24-hour shift every third day followed by 48 hours off duty as a Firefighter/EMT.