How to Become a Firefighter: Firefighter Training & Education
Training and Examination
How to become a firefighter: For those who want to become firefighters, there are important factors that you must know about first. The training and education for firefighters take about 600 hours. This may last for about 12 to 14 weeks with 40 to 48 hours to be allotted per week. If you can manage time to participate during the training process, then read on.
The next thing you need to know will be the requirements set for aspiring firefighters. Before even attending training classes, a person who wants to become a firefighter must be at least 18 years old or in some states 21. The person should have a high school diploma or an equivalent level of education. But in some states, a college degree may be required. There should be no criminal records, too. Most importantly, must be physically fit with a 20/20 vision if possible.
After 14 weeks of training is completed, tests will be conducted. These include written examinations, an aptitude test, and a series of physical tests. The latter will constitute a greater part of the examination which firefighter trainees need to pass. Some of the physical exams include opening and closing a fire hydrant with a compatible wrench. This may take about 17 turns in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions.
They must also climb a ladder suspended in mid-air of up to 50 feet from the ground in a 60 degrees position. Speaking of a ladder, a ladder which is 12 feet long will have to be carried through an obstacle as part of the exam, and so is operating an extension ladder of 30 feet in length. In this exam, the ladder is pulling a tension filled rope. This weight can be equivalent to carrying 50 bags of cement.
The physical exam also includes dragging a fire horse as well about 100 to 200 feet away. The fire horse normally measures 2 inches and will be filled with water of 100 psi force. An examination with lots of crawling exercises is also included, during which potential firefighters are to be fully clothed in firefighter gear including SCBA or self-contained breathing apparatus. The SCBA can withstand over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit of heat, but adds an extra 30 pounds of weight for each firefighter who wears them.
