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How old do you have to be in order to take the firefighter exam, and is there an age limit?: You must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of the application deadline and the City of Boston requires applicants to be younger than thirty-two (32) as of the date of the exam. Veterans are eligible to add up to four (4) years of military service time to the maximum age limit, increasing their eligibility to apply up to age thirty-six (36) as of the date of the exam.

I don’t live in Boston, can I still take the test?: Yes, this is a state wide exam and anyone can take the test. 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 nonresidents.

What is the exam title and what are the announcement numbers?

The current title for the upcoming exam is the 2012 Firefighter Municipal Service Examination. This is a two part examination consisting of the written examination and the Entry-Level Physical Abilities Test (ELPAT). The announcement numbers for the two parts of the test are:

Written Examination: 5012

Entry-Level Physical Abilities Test (ELPAT): 5013

When can I take the Written Examination and ELPAT? When should I turn in my applications for the tests?

Applicants are encouraged to APPLY ON-LINE WITH A VISA OR MASTERCARD unless you are eligible for a waiver. If you are eligible for a waiver you must provide the required documentation and file with a paper application both for the written and the physical exam. Paper applications are available at Civil Service, 617-878-9895 or Boston Fire Headquarters, 617-343-3024.

The next Written Examination is scheduled to take place on April 28, 2012 at various locations throughout the State of Massachusetts. The application deadline for the written portion of the test is March 19, 2012. Applications received after this date will require an additional $50 processing fee. Applications will not be accepted after April 2, 2012.

The Entry-Level Physical Abilities Test (ELPAT) will be administered from February 2012 through August 2012 at the National Guard Armory in Hudson, MA. Appointments to take the ELPAT are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply to take the physical portion of the test as soon as possible. Failure to complete the ELPAT will result in an automatic failure of the firefighter examination.

How much does it cost?: The application fee for the Written Examination is $100, and the Entry-Level Physical Abilities Test (ELPAT) also costs $100. Applications for the Written Examination received after March 19, 2012 will require and additional $50 payment. Applications will not be accepted after April 2, 2012.

How do I get the fees waived?: An applicant can have both $100 fees for the written and physical portions of the test waived if they receive certain state or federal assistance, or unemployment insurance. Fee waiver forms are located online at the Massachusetts Civil Service website. All forms must be filed accompanied by a paper application with the Massachusetts Human Resources Division, Test Administration, One Ashburton Place, MA 02108.

How do I prepare for the test? Should I buy firefighter exam prep books?: All the information needed to study for the written examination and prepare for the physical portion of the test (ELPAT) is available free online. Civil Service does not endorse any other courses or study materials.

I am deployed overseas, can I still take the exam?: Yes. Military applicants who are unable to participate during the examination on April 28, 2012 due to active service have the option of requesting a military make-up exam. For more information regarding military make-up examinations please visit the State's Veteran and Active Duty Military Information online or e-mail Stephen.P.White@state.ma.us

What if I took the 2010 exam, do I need to take the test again?: Anybody that took the 2010 exam will remain active on that list as an eligible candidate until November of 2012. At that point the results from the April 28th, 2012 will become effective. Candidates that scored well on the 2010 exam should wait until early March to register. If they have not been called by the deadline of this exam they should consider taking the 2012 exam to extend their eligibility through 2014.

I would like to know what the next steps are in the hiring process.

After completing applications for both the written and physical portions of the exam, applicants should take time to prepare for each portion of the test in order to ensure their success.

Prepare for the Written Exam
Prepare for the Physical Abilities Test

What happens if I file applications for both components (the written and ELPAT) and subsequently take and fail the ELPAT before the written exam date (April 28, 2012)?: Since you did not take the written exam yet but have no chance to be on the eligible list due to failing the ELPAT component, you will receive a refund of the written exam fee component.

What happens if I file applications for both components (the written and ELPAT), take and pass the ELPAT before the written exam date (April 28, 2012) and then fail the written exam?: You will not receive a refund for either component since you have taken both components.

I filed an application for the ELPAT and my ELPAT was scheduled for a week later, why so soon?: Resources, time and space is limited to conduct the ELPAT which will be running from February 2012 through August 2012. When you apply for the ELPAT you will be AUTO-SCHEDULED for the FIRST available slot in the ELPAT schedule which begins in February. All ELPAT’S will be held at the Hudson Amory.

Fire

City Departments

Boston Fire Departments is Seeking Full Time Diesel Mechanics and Diesel Mechanic Supervisors

Immediate openings available for experienced diesel mechanics. A full description is available through the link below or you can e-mail michelle.mccourt.bfd@cityofboston.gov or call 617-343-3024 for additional information.

Employment Information

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

Civil Service Exam Guides

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