How to apply
Find out how to apply to become a wholetime firefighter
We are not currently recruiting wholetime firefighters.
The information below is designed as a guide to outline the National Standards which are used to give a standardised approach to firefighter recruitment across all fire and rescue services in the UK. It will help you to understand what the recruitment process will be when we do recruit wholetime firefighters again and you wish to apply.
The recruitment and selection process consists of six stages:
STAGE ONE
Attend a recruitment open day and/or request an information pack from one of our district offices. The information pack can also be download using the link below:
Download the Wholetime Firefighter Information Pack - Microsoft Word document, 1 MB.
STAGE TWO
Complete the Pre- Application Checklist (parts 1 and 2) - these checklists are designed to make you think about the role of the firefighter and to help you decide if a career as a firefighter is right for you. This document can be downloaded here:
Download the Pre Application Checklist - Microsoft Word document, 240 KB.
STAGE THREE
When we are recruiting wholetime firefighters, details will be available of recruitment open days and how to request an application form. Applications forms will not be available until the Service is recruiting.
- Complete and return the Application Form (not currently available)
- Complete and return the Diversity Monitoring Form - Microsoft Word document, 1.7 MB
The Application Form and Diversity Monitoring Form should be returned to our Human Resources department by email (recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk) or by post to the following address:
Human Resources,
Fire Service Headquarters,
Hinchingbrooke Cottage,
Brampton Road,
Huntingdon,
PE29 2NA.
This is the formal stage of the process. Applicants are asked to complete a standardised application form which is in two sections (A and B):
- Section A contains a candidate's personal details
- Section B asks for a candidate's responses to questions based on Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQAs).
Candidates will be assessed against their responses to these PQA based questions.
During the recruitment campaign information will be made available detailing where completed application forms should be returned to, along with a closing date for the receipt of these forms.
Applications will be scored and if successful you will be invited to stage four of the recruitment process.
The following stages can be completed in any order, details will be available during the recruitment campaign.
STAGE FOUR - PQA based interview
The interview will cover the following Personal Qualities and Attributes, which are explained in detail at the end of the recruitment pack:
- Working with others
- Commitment to development
- Commitment to excellence
- Commitment to diversity and integrity
- Effective communication
STAGE FIVE - Completion of tests
There are two groups of tests to be completed - written psychometric tests and physical tests. It is likely that both groups of tests will be undertaken on the same day.
Written tests comprise two parts:
- National Firefighter Questionnaire (NFQ) test. This assesses seven PQAs and is an untimed exercise.
- National Firefighter Ability Tests (NFA) test. This consists of three test areas; working with numberst, understanding information and situational awareness and problem solving.
The written test process should take between 3 and 3.5 hours (including breaks) to complete.
There are five physical tests consisting of the following:
- Manual dexterity
- Ladder climb
- Ladder lift
- Casualty evacuation
- Equipment carry
The physical tests have been developed and specifically designed as single person tests.
The physical test process should take between 2 and 2.5 hours to complete.
STAGE SIX
If successful at stage five your details will be added to a 'holding list' until you are contacted and invited to attend a medical appointment with the Service doctor.
Following satisfactory completion of a service medical you will be advised of uniform fitting dates and given dates / details of the next available firefighters initial training course.
