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Employment as a Firefighter

The objective of the Boston Fire Department Recruit team is to execute an innovative recruitment strategy that increases the candidate pool to ensure the highest quality candidates and prospective applicants that reflect the diverse population of the city that we serve.

Application Process

People are hired to become Boston firefighters from a list provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Every two years Massachusetts administers a statewide general aptitude entrance test for firefighters at various locations throughout the state. This test establishes a hiring list for cities and towns including the City of Boston.

The next exam will be on April 24, 2010. Applications for the Written Examination received after March 16, 2010, will require an additional $50 payment. No applications will be accepted after April 1, 2010. For more information or if you like to be notified of upcoming events and informational sessions, please contact the recuitment team at recruit.bfd@cityofboston.gov or calling 617-343-3024.

Register online for the civil service exam, using your Mastercard or Visa.
Apply Now »

Two FF's at engine photoQualifications

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.


Kid with hoseSalary and Benefits

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.

For more information

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

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

Resources

Announcements

  • Civil Service Announces Next Firefighter Exam April 24, 2010

    Applications for the Written Examination received after March 16, 2010, will require an additional $50 payment. No applications will be accepted after April 1, 2010. To apply online please visit www.mass.gov/civilservice. Civil Service will offer a test preparation session on Arpil 6th from 6-8 at Florian Hall, 55 hallet St. Dorchester. The event is open and free for all. For more information or if you would like to be notified of upcoming events and informational sessions, please contact the recruitment team at recruit.bfd@cityofboston.gov or at 617-343-3024.

Social Media

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Video & Multimedia

  • Civil Service Physical Exam

    The Mass Human Resources Division has created a series of videos and powerpoint presentations to assist appointing authorities and candidates through some facets of the civil service process.

    Watch Video

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