City of Columbus

FIREFIGHTER EXAMINATION INFORMATION

FIREFIGHTER

Thank you for your interest in employment as a Firefighter with the City of Columbus.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent budget cuts, the open recruitment for Firefighter is postponed until 2022.  The Civil Service Commission extended the 2019 Firefighter Eligible List until the next open recruitment is complete in 2022.

If you are not on the 2019 Firefighter Eligible List, to be considered for employment as a Firefighter submit an application during the application filing period, which is planned to occur in early 2022.  You may also contact the Fire Recruitment office for additional information or opportunities. Fire Recruitment can be reached by calling 614-645-6387 or emailing Firerecruitment@columbus.gov

Application Filing Period 

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 in 2022 and information that you enter in your profile will be accessible when you complete your application.

See the Applicant Profile section below for how to create and access an Applicant profile.  

Firefighter Exam

  The 2022 Entry-Level Firefighter examination will consist of three phases:

• Phase I: Multiple Choice Examination (pass/fail)
• Phase II: Oral Examination aka Fire Oral Assessment Mechanism (FOAM) (band/fail)
• Phase III: Physical Examination aka Firefighter Mile (pass/fail)
  
  

Applicant Profiles& Information Notices

  The City of Columbus Job Alerts and/or your profile can be accessed by clicking here. Select “log in” if you have already created an account, or select “create an account” if you have not yet created a profile.

When an individual creates an account for the first time, they will be prompted to complete a basic profile.

If you have never set up an applicant profile, you may set one up before the filing period opens. You can include your work history, education, your DD214 (applicable to Military) and additional information. Then, when the filing period opens, you can use that profile to apply. When you apply, you may update or add to this profile information.

If you have set up a profile before, but forgot your username and/or password, do NOT set up another profile. Instead, use the retrieval process to access the profile you already have. Duplicate profiles may cause you to miss Information Notices that highlight key information and updates. You may update or add to your profile at any time.

Keep the contact information in your applicant profile absolutely up-to-date, so you are sure to be sent each Information Notice that the Commission sends throughout the testing process.

Setting up a profile is not the same as submitting an application. Be sure to submit a City of Columbus Firefighter application during the filing period.

Firefighter Exam Information Sessions

  Information sessions are designed to help candidates understand what is expected during the exam. An overview of the study guide will be provided, along with a question and answer session. These information sessions are optional for candidates. They are hosted by the Civil Service Commission.

A video of the final information session is available by clicking here.  Additional information sessions may be held prior to the 2022 test administration.

Firefighter Selection Process

Firefighter Background Removal Standards

Firefighter Study Guide

Firefighter Mile Candidate Orientation Guide

Firefighter Mile Orientation Video

FOAM Practice Scenario Video

FOAM Response to Practice Scenario Video

Veterans Preference Fact Sheet

Stress Test Training Program

Cardiovascular Fitness Stress Test Information

Stress Test Standards

Fire Training Academy Warm-Up Exercises