Hiring Process

Step 1: SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION

Applicants must have a valid high school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or a GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license. Applicants must not have a conviction of a felony or conviction of a crime involving fire and/or explosion; or have been found guilty of a crime of moral turpitude or have engaged in immoral conduct, which indicates an unfitness to discharge the duties of a firefighter.

Step 2: SCHEDULE YOUR CPAT ORIENTATION

Applicants must attend a mandatory Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) orientation. Applicants must follow the instructions provided on the job announcement to self-schedule for a CPAT orientation. After the CPAT orientation, applicants will have approximately six weeks to prepare for their first of three attempts to pass the CPAT.

Applicants who fail to self-schedule, arrive late or miss the mandatory CPAT orientation will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process.

Step 3: SUBMIT YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION

During the CPAT orientation, each applicant will receive a Supplemental Application, which must be completed by the given deadline. The Supplemental Application will require additional documentation concerning accurate driving records and personal history, which may take considerable time to compile.

Applicants who fail to turn in the Supplemental Application by the deadline will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process.

Step 4: TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Following the instructions provided on the job announcement, applicants must self-schedule an appointment to take the Written Examination. Applicants must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 70 to continue in the hiring process.

Applicants who fail to self-schedule, arrive late, or miss the mandatory written examination will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process.

Step 5: TAKE YOUR PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST

Following the instructions provided on the job announcement, applicants who achieve a minimum score of 70 on their written test are eligible to take the CPAT and must self-schedule an appointment. First and second attempts are considered practice sessions but, if you pass, you will not be required to retake for this hiring process. The third attempt is the official and final CPAT test. All applicants who pass by the third attempt will be considered but not guaranteed to receive an oral interview.

Applicants who fail to self-schedule, arrive late or do not successfully complete the CPAT examination will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process.

Step 6: PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERVIEW

Applicants selected for an oral interview will be contacted by Huntsville Fire & Rescue’s administrative staff by phone to schedule an interview.

Step 7: RECEIVE A CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER

After successful completion of the interview, applicants who are selected will receive a Conditional Job Offer outlining the conditions that must be met prior to being hired. Conditions include a successful physical examination and background check. Applicants must also sign a background authorization for release of information.

Applicants who fail to pass either the physical exam or background check will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process.

Step 8: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE RECEIVED A FINAL JOB OFFER.

Once all steps are completed, your job offer will be confirmed. Congratulations! You will now be provided with a start date for employment as a Cadet.