Fire Recruitment Information

2026 & 2027 Oakland Fire Department

Entry Level Recruitment Process

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. When is the application period? The application period is from January 5, 2026 – January 11, 2026. You must submit your application during that time to be considered for this round of hiring. All candidates will be notified of their application status the week of January 12, 2026, via email. If your application is marked qualified, you will be sent a link to register for the written exam.

 

  1. When is the written exam? The written exam will be online and hosted by the National Testing Network (NTN). You will use the link provided in the email from The City of Oakland Human Resources Management to schedule a day and time that works for you to take the exam online or at one of their testing facilities. The exam duration is two hours, and you have until February 13, 2026, to complete the exam.

 

  1. Do I have to pay for the NTN exam? The first 700 people who submit an application and are marked qualified for the recruitment will receive a voucher code with their test link to register for the exam. The remaining candidates who are marked qualified for the exam will need to pay approximately $65 at the time they register for the exam. All exam fees are non-refundable. If you have a valid test score with NTN, you can call NTN and have them send your score to Oakland for $15.

 

  1. What are the minimum requirements to apply? You must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with Oakland community members is desirable.

 

  1. How many firefighters are you going to hire? Approximately 30-35 per academy.

 

  1. Will you hire both EMTs and Paramedics? Yes, there is no predetermined ratio of Firefighter Trainees and Firefighter-Paramedic Trainees for this hiring. Since these are separate positions and recruitments, it will require two separate applications. The department recommends applying to both positions if eligible.

 

  1. How many academies will you hire off this list? Two

 

  1. How long is the academy? 20 weeks

 

  1. Expected start date for the academies? Fall 2026 and Fall 2027

 

  1. What textbook will be used in the academy? IFSTA Essentials and Jones & Bartlett (JB) Wildland Firefighter, and OFD-specific material.

 

  1. Is the academy a state approved FF1 Academy? Yes

 

  1. Will anything change if I already have a SFT FFI certificate? No

 

  1. How do I prepare for the academy? Engage in regular physical fitness activities, review IFSTA and JB material, and establish a support system to ensure success, and schedule station visits to ask questions.

 

  1. Can you provide a broad overview of daily academy activities? Physical training often occurs prior to the instructional portions of the day, in the morning. Followed by morning roll call, housework, and skills. Most of the day is spent in lecture and/or manipulative skills instruction and practice. There will be some off-site field trips and special classes.

 

  1. What shift schedule do Oakland Firefighters work? 48/96

 

  1. How long is probation? 18 months

 

  1. What is the next phase after the written exam? Candidates who pass the written exam will be invited to a virtual structured panel interview in March 2026. Those candidates who pass the structured panel interview will be placed on the eligibility list. Select candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to a Chief’s interview (in person). Those selected will move forward to a background check. The Chief will select finalists who will receive a conditional offer moving them forward to complete a personality trait assessment and medical evaluation.

 

  1. Can I do a ride-along during the testing process? If so, what is the process for scheduling an activity? No, ride-along requests will not be granted during the testing process. 

 

  1. Will the oral and Chief’s interviews be in person or virtual? The structured panel interview will be virtual, and the Chief’s interview will be in person. 

 

  1. Who is the point of contact during the recruitment and testing process? Human Resources Management at recruitment@oaklandca.gov. 

 

  1. When do I need to submit my EMT card for eligibility for the Fall 2026 academy? At the time of application. If you do not have your EMT when you apply but receive it before March 10, 2026, upload a copy to your application on Government Jobs or email a copy to recruitment@oaklandca.gov by March 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

 

  1. When do I need to submit my EMT card for eligibility for the Fall 2027 class? As soon as you have successfully passed the National Registry exam (NREMT) you should upload a copy to your application on Government Jobs or send a copy to recruitment@oaklandca.gov. We will email those candidates who passed both the written exam and structured oral interview but have not submitted their EMT certification to check status before adding additional names to the eligibility list in March 2027 to be considered for Chief’s Interviews in May 2027 for the academy in Fall 2027. 

 

  1. Will you accept an EMT card from another state? Yes, if you have completed the National Registry exam (NREMT). 

 

  1. Who do I contact if I need testing accommodations? Visit NTN’s website for information: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm

 

  1. When do I need to submit my CPAT card? At the time of the Chief’s interview.

 

  1. How recent does my CPAT card need to be? Card must be valid within 1 year. 

 

  1. Who do I contact if I have questions regarding disqualifiers from the testing process? City of Oakland Human Resources Management at Recruitment@oaklandca.gov. 

 

  1. How will I be contacted throughout the duration of the testing process? Via Email. Please check your spam or junk folder as emails may occasionally be delivered there.

 

  1. How do I apply? https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca

 

  1. Can you use a previous NTN test? Yes, if you tested within the last year. Contact NTN at 206-428-3265 to request to have your scores sent to the City of Oakland

 

  1. Can you use FCTC? No

 

  1. Can we do station visits and have mock interviews at fire houses? Yes, please contact stations individually to request. 

 

  1. What experience is helpful? Any fire and EMS experience, training, and certifications are welcome. Also, other related work or volunteer experience including but not limited to construction trades, military, organized sports, customer service and community service. 

 

  1. What is the content of the NTN test? Click on the following link https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/ntn-test-firefighter.cfm

 

  1. What is CPAT and how do you obtain it? The Cal-JAC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the recognized standard for measuring an individual’s ability to handle the physical demands of being a firefighter. The timed test measures how candidates handle eight separate events, all designed to mirror tasks on the job. Visit www.fctconline.org/cpat/ for information and to schedule a test. You may take the test out of state.

 

  1. Is there a city resident priority for hiring? Veteran? Yes, additional credit is awarded for City of Oakland residents, Veterans and Disabled Veterans.

 

  1. Is bilingual ability beneficial? Yes. If hired there is also a premium paid to bilingual members. 

 

  1. How do you contact the OFD affinity groups and volunteer organizations? 

  1. The Town Firefighters: https://getrecruitednow.com/town-ff-home/

  1. Oakland Black Firefighters Association: http://www.oaklandblackfirefighters.org/

  1. Oakland Bomberos: https://www.instagram.com/oaklandbomberos/

  1. Oakland Fire Random Acts: http://www.ofrandomacts.org/

 

 

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