DESCRIPTION

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will be accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Trainee beginning February 1, 2027. Please review this entire pre-recruitment announcement for important information.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a JOB INTEREST CARD to receive an email notification when the recruitment opens and to visit  for more information.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION:
The OCFA utilizes the Fire Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL). Candidates must be on the FCTC SEL by the end of OCFA’s application acceptance period, Sunday, February 28, 2027. The requirements to be placed on the FCTC SEL are as follows:

• Register and complete your profile on the FCTC website
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid driver’s license – MUST upload to your profile AND keep current
• Have a high school diploma or GED – MUST complete the education field in your profile
• Possess a valid Cal-JAC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card – (CPAT results are uploaded automatically by FCTC)
• Receive a passing score on the FCTC Written Test – Written test score expires 12 months from date taken
• The OCFA only accepts FCTC scores of 80% or higher

For more information on the FCTC SEL, click here. 

To view the FCTC test schedule, click here. 

For information regarding the FCTC financial hardship grant, click here. 

All of the information above can be found on FCTC’s website at 

BIDDLE PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMINATION:
ONLY candidates on the FCTC SEL with a score of 80% or higher will be invited to the Biddle Physical Ability Test.

The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college and proctored by the college staff. Possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after September 1, 2026 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process. The OCFA does NOT accept a CPAT in lieu of participation in the Biddle Physical Ability Test (the CPAT is still a requirement for the FCTC SEL).

FIRE ACADEMY:
Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are chosen for employment with the Orange County Fire Authority must successfully complete a comprehensive, firefighter trainee academy.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and Experience (position requirements at time of application):
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• No experience required

License and Certification (position requirements at time of application):

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License or out of state equivalent
• Candidates who possess an out of state equivalent license must possess a Commercial Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Possession of a current, valid California or National Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License
• Must be on Firefighter Candidate Testing Center's (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List with a written exam score of 80% or higher as of the close of this recruitment, February 28, 2027
• A current, valid California or National Registry Paramedic License will be accepted in lieu of a current, valid California or National EMT License
• Applicants will be required to attach a copy of their current, valid EMT or Paramedic License at time of application submission
• Failure to submit the required documentation at time of application will result in disqualification
• CURRENT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS : Monday, February 1, 2027: Recruitment Opens Sunday, February 28, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply on-line March 20, 2027 - April 11, 2027: Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after September 1, 2026 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process) May 3 - 28, 2027: Oral Interview TBD: Eligibility List Established June 14 - July 16, 2027: Chief's Interview August 16 - November 29, 2027: Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment December 10, 2027: Academy On-Boarding Orientation February 4, 2028: First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation The above timeline is tentative and subject to change based on OCFA needs
• Additional information regarding the selection process will be available on the recruitment announcement when the recruitment opens on February 1, 2027

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Orange County Fire Authority is Chuck Callahan.