SFFD Recruitment - Eligible Candidates
Anticipated Timeline for H2/H3 Academy
*All dates subject to change.
H2 Firefighter Timeline
July
- Week of July 25: Invitation to Preliminary Panel Interview
August
- August 1 (12:00 PM): Deadline to respond to Preliminary Panel Interview
- Week of August 11 - 15: Preliminary Panel Interviews
- August 25: Deadline to complete secondary criteria survey and personal statement
September
- Week of September 2: Candidates selected for Command Staff Interview
- September 5: Deadline to respond to Command Staff Interview
- Weekdays of September 8 - 19: Chief's Command Staff Interviews
October
- Sunday, October 19: Boot camp (by invite only)
January 2026
Tentative 137 Recruit Academy starts
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
October 2025
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October 7 - 9: L1#29 Panel Interviews
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October 7 - 9: L2#15 Panel Interviews
November 2025
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November 4 - 7: L1#29 Chief's Command Staff Interviews
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November 4 - 7: L2#15 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.
January 2026
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January 16: L1#30 H-3 Application Closing Date
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January 16: L2#16 H-3 Application Closing Date
February 2026
Tentative L1#30 EMT Written Test
Tentative L2#16 EMT Written Test
Requirements: Candidates must bring valid CA driver's license, CA Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card, and verification of work experience hours letter.
Tentative 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 2026
- L1#29 Orientation
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L2#15 Orientation
- L1#29 EMT Recruit Academy starts
Tentative L1#30 Physical Ability Test
Tentative L2 #16 Physical Ability Test
For more information on the PAT, please review this video.
April 2026
- L2#15 Paramedic Recruit Academy starts
Tentative L1#30 Panel interviews
Tentative L2#16 Panel interviews
May 2026
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 2026
Tentative L1#30 Orientation
Tentative L2#16 Orientation
Tentative L1#30 EMT Recruit Academy starts
October 2026
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.