Firefighter Eligibility Requirements

A firefighter responds to fire alarms, medical emergencies, and other calls to protect life and property; participates in fire prevention, training, and station and equipment maintenance activities; receives general supervision from higher level supervisory and management staff and exercises functional and technical supervision over assigned staff. 

Application Process

Effective January 1, 2020, applicants applying for beginning positions in the Fire Department shall have:

• A minimum of 20 college credit hours from an accredited college or university, or possess certification as a basic Firefighter, as established by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or possess certification as a Paramedic by the National Registry or Texas Department of State Health Services at the time of the application.
• Before the time of entrance examination, the applicant shall provide either (1) evidence of certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection or, (2) a Paramedic Certificate issued by The National Registry or Texas Department of State Health Services. 
• Preferably, possess certification as a basic Firefighter, or become certifiable at time of appointment, as established by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.  At or before the time of entrance exam, applicant shall provide either (1) evidence of certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or (2) evidence of current enrollment in a basic recruit fire-training academy approved by the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
• Preferably possess certification as a (1) Paramedic (more preferable) or (2) an EMT by the Texas Department of State Health Services at time of appointment.  At or before the time of entrance exam, applicant shall provide either (1) a Paramedic or EMT Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, or (2) evidence of current enrollment in a Paramedic (more preferable) or EMT course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an equivalency certificate. 
• Official transcripts or other competent evidence of completion of the aforementioned academic requirements must be submitted with application.Applicants convicted of a felony under State, Federal, or military law will not be considered for employment.  Applicants will not be considered for employment while charges are pending for any offense.
• Must pass the written Civil Service exam with a minimum score of 70 percent.