SFFD Recruitment - Eligible Candidates

Anticipated Timeline for H2/H3 Academy

*All dates subject to change.

H2 Firefighter Timeline 


January 

January 9: Final offers for class 137  

January 30: Notifications for class 138 Command Staff Interviews to eligible candidates who participated in August 2025 Preliminary Panel Interviews


February 

February 5: All candidates who received an invitation must respond RSVP to interview

February 9 to 27: Command Staff Interviews 


Important Reminders About Your H2 Eligibility

  • If selected for a Chief's Command Staff interview, you must present a valid CPAT that will remain current until 3 months prior to the academy start date.
  • You must maintain both a valid EMT certification and driver's license with FCTC throughout the entire process.
  • Keep your Fire Recruitment profile and DHR SmartRecruiters profile updated with current EMT and CPAT credentials.

H3 EMT/Paramedic Timeline


January

  • January 16: L1#30 H-3 Application Closing Date

  • January 16: L2#16 H-3 Application Closing Date


February


Tentative February 10 to 13: L1#30 EMT Written Test

Tentative February 10 to 13: L2#16 EMT Written Test (must complete and pass EMT Written Test to be eligible for the Paramedic Written Test below.)

Requirements: Candidates must bring valid CA driver's license, CA Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card or CA Paramedic License, and verification of work experience hours letter.

Tentative February 25: L2#16 Paramedic Written Test

Requirements: Candidates must bring CA valid driver's license, CA Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (Paramedic) license, and verification of work experience hours letter.
 


March

  • L1#29 Orientation
  • L2#15 Orientation

  • L1#29 EMT Recruit Academy starts


Tentative March 10 to 13: L1#30 Physical Ability Test

Tentative March 10 to 13: L2 #16 Physical Ability Test 

For more information on the PAT, please review this video


April

  • L2#15 Paramedic Recruit Academy starts


Tentative April 14 to 17: L1#30 Panel Interviews 

Tentative April 14 to 17: L2#16 Panel Interviews 


May


Tentative L1#30 Chief's Command Staff Interviews

Tentative L2#16 Chief's Command Staff Interviews

Note: After Chief's Command Staff interviews, candidates may be selected to proceed through the hiring process to undergo a background investigation and a medical examination. 


September


Tentative L1#30 Orientation

Tentative L2#16 Orientation

Tentative L1#30 EMT Recruit Academy starts
 


October


Tentative L2#16 Paramedic Recruit Academy starts 


Important Reminders About Your H3 Eligibility

  • You must maintain all applicable certificates and licenses, e.g. CA Driver's License, CA EMT certificate or CA Paramedic license, BLS CPR, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, etc., throughout the entire process.
  • Ensure your EMS Recruitment portal profile and DHR SmartRecruiters profile are updated with current and valid information and applicable certificates and licenses.