Qualifications for the City of Boston at the time of the test:

• You must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of the application deadline and be younger than thirty-two (32) as date of the exam.
• You must be a resident of the City of Boston at least one (1) year prior to the examination date to qualify for residency preference. Applicants who have resided in the City of Boston for an entire twelve month period immediately preceding the date of examination are entitled to be placed on the eligible list for Boston ahead of any non-residents.

Qualifications for the City of Boston for appointment:

• Pass a written test for Fire Fighter administrated by the State.
• Pass a Physical Abilities test administrated by the State.
• Pass a character background investigation.
• Meet medical fitness requirements.
• Have a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Pass a drug test.
• Pass a psychological exam.
• Be a non-smoker.

The written ability test consists of approximately 48 multiple-choice questions that are designed to test a series of abilities, such as, problem sensitivity, reasoning, and comprehension determined to be important to the effective performance of a firefighter's job. The Work Styles Questionnaire is designed to assess a candidate's motivational, value-related and attitudinal characteristics. Candidates will be presented with a series of short statements and asked to indicate whether or not they agree with each statement. The Life Experience Survey consists of a series of multiple-choice questions related to the candidate's past history and experience. It is recommended that you review the practice exam for practice and to allow yourself to be comfortable with the format.
Review the Practice Exam

The Physical Ability Test (PAT) is designed to assess a candidate's capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a firefighter while on the job. This is accomplished by requiring the candidate to perform a series of events that both simulate firefighting activities and depend on the physical abilities required to perform the firefighter's job. These abilities include cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. The exercise training program presented in this guide provides candidates with the information they need to improve their level of physical fitness by conditioning the individual muscles and muscle groups involved in the tasks performed by a firefighter, and required to perform the PAT events. You can access the preparation guide and watch a video of the actual test here:
PAT Preparation Guide
Video of Physical Exam

According to the General Laws of Massachusetts, the selection process of those passing the Civil Service Exam and the Massachusetts Physical Abilities Test (PAT) must be based off of individual scores and a specific system of merit preference. Those obtaining the highest scores on the Civil Service Exam, PAT, and are eligible to receive specific preferences will have increased chances of being selected for employment.

Veteran status is a common merit that can be used to reward military service with several benefits throughout the selection for employment process. In order to be eligible for veterans' benefits, one must be a "veteran" or a dependent of a "veteran" as defined by Chapter 4, Sec. 7, Clause 43 of the General Laws of Massachusetts' terms of eligibility. All those qualifying to receive veterans' benefits may claim residency preference within the first 30 days following an honorable discharge. Those who have served on active duty in the military may add up to four (4) years served to the maximum age limit of thirty-two (32) in the application process, allowing eligible individuals to apply up to the age of thirty-six (36). Returning Veterans must establish residency within 30 days of discharge to qualify for the city of Boston residency preference.

Veterans should refer to the state web site concerning special information regarding the definition of a veteran, taking a makeup test, the Military Pay Act, eligibility extensions, and the documentation needed for veteran's preference.

All relevant information can be found on the State Website:
Veteran & Active Duty Military Applicant Information

Boston firefighters begin with an annual salary of approximately $52,000. Other benefits include options for health insurance offered by BC/BS, Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts; 13 paid holidays, 15 sick days per year with sick leave buyback at retirement; Boston retirement System with the ability to retire as early as 55, paid vacation and opportunity to join the Boston Firefighter Credit Union.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Human Resources Division
Room 301
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 878-9895
www.mass.gov/civilservice

The Boston Fire Department is a proud member of the Firefighters Diversity recruiting Council