Application Process for 2012 Firefighter Exam
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 last written exam was administered on April 24, 2010. Candidates will remain active on this list until it is replaced with the results of the 2012 results.
This examination is being held to establish an eligible list from which to fill firefighter vacancies in civil service cities and towns. The eligible list may also be used to fill firefighter vacancies in non-civil service jurisdictions.
This examination consists of two components: the written examination and the Entry-Level Physical Abilities Test (ELPAT). Candidates must take and pass both components in order to be placed on the eligible list for appointment in a civil service city or town.
1. Written Examination:
| Written Examination Date | April 28, 2012 |
| Written Examination Announcement Number | 5012 |
| Application Deadline | *March 19, 2012 |
| Written Examination Fee | $100.00 |
| Location | Various Sites across MA |
*There is an additional $50 processing fee for applications received after this date. Applications for the written exam will not be accepted after April 2, 2012.
2. Entry-Level Physical Abilities Test (ELPAT)
| ELPAT Examination Dates | February - August 2012 |
| ELPAT Announcement Number | 5013 |
| Application Deadline | *June 29, 2012 |
| ELPAT Fee | $100.00 |
| Location | Hudson National Guard Armory |
*There is an additional $50 processing fee for applications received after this date. Applications for the ELPAT will not be accepted after July 31, 2012.
Please note that there is only one site available for the ELPAT. This component of the exam must be completed by August 14, 2012. Appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Failure to complete the ELPAT by the deadline will result in failure of the examination and your name will not be placed on the eligible list. HRD strongly encourages candidates to sign up for and take the ELPAT as soon as possible.
Next Steps
Apply Online for the Civil Service Exams (Visa or MasterCard)
Online Application
See a List of Open Houses and Information Sessions
Fire Department Calendar
Join the Boston Fire Department on Facebook for Updates
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City of Boston Qualifications 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) at 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.
City of Boston Qualifications 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.
City of Boston Qualifications for Completion of Probation
- Complete all assignments of the academy.
- Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certification.
- EMT certification.
Salary and Benefits
Boston firefighters begin with an annual salary of approximately $60,000. 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.
More Information
Human Resources Division, Room 301
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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.
