Firefighter Trainee

Step 1: Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma, GED Certificate, or equivalency
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License

Step 2: Online Application

• On the opening date, the ‘Firefighter Trainee’ job bulletin will be made available to view at ventura.org/jobs. All submissions will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the specified qualifications and competencies, so make sure your application clearly highlights your relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Step 3: Written Exam

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the written exam. The test is a two-hour video-based and standard written exam, designed to assess your range of knowledge on topics including human relations, mechanical reasoning, reading  comprehension, and math. VCFD will provide invited applicants with a voucher code to access the exam at no cost. The test can be completed at local testing facilities or through virtual proctoring.

Step 4: Oral Exam

• Applicants who pass the written exam will advance to the oral exam, conducted in person or virtually. For virtual exams, applicants will record their responses to pre-set questions for later review. In-person exams involve answering job-related questions from a 2-person panel, typically consisting of fire personnel and/or HR representatives. In both formats, responses are evaluated using pre-established rating standards. Remember, this is an exam—not an interview.
• Applicants who pass the oral exam will be placed on an eligibility list based on their scores. A higher score results in a higher placement on the list, which determines the order for selection interviews.
• For helpful tips, check out our video on navigating the oral exam process above.

Step 5: Interview with Battalion Chiefs

• Applicants at the top of the eligibility list will be the first invited to a selection interview with the Battalion Chiefs. This interview is less structured than the oral exam and typically more interactive. The goal is to learn more about you and determine if you align with the values and needs of the department. Feedback from the interviews is given to the Fire Chief, who decides which candidates will advance to the next step in the hiring process.

Step 6: Background Investigation

• All candidates must undergo a thorough background check, including employment history, education, criminal history, driving records, and reference checks. Each candidate will complete a Personal History Statement and schedule an interview with the assigned Background Investigator. The Background Investigator will prepare a summary report of their findings to share with HR and the Fire Chief for consideration.
• Please Note: An invitation to participate in the background/medical process does not guarantee a spot in the Fire Academy. From this point forward, the hiring process may take up to 6 months to determine who will receive official job offers.

Step 7: Medical Evaluation

• Candidates are also required to participate in a pre-employment medical evaluation conducted by Ventura County’s designated providers. The evaluation includes a stress test, chest x-ray, pulmonary function test, lab work (blood draw), urine sample, vision and hearing test. Candidates who successfully pass the background and medical process will be referred to the Fire Chief for a final review, determining who will receive an official offer to join the Fire Academy.

Step 8: Ventura County Physical Ability Test (VCPAT)

• After receiving an official offer, candidates must successfully complete the VCPAT prior to the date of hire. VCFD will administer the test at no cost to the candidate.
• For more information on the VCPAT and all it entails, watch the video here in the sidebar.