Recruitment and selection process

Your journey to becoming an on-call firefighter

Our recruitment process is designed to give you the best chance to show us what you can do - and we’ll support you every step of the way. Most people can achieve a positive outcome with the right preparation and mindset.

Step 1: Apply online

Click the link below to start your application - it only takes a few minutes!

Make sure your contact details are accurate and check your emails regularly, as this is how we’ll keep you updated on your progress. If you need help our recruitment team is happy to assist.

Once submitted, we’ll review your details and invite you to one of our Firefighter Information Recruit events.

The below application form is for on-call firefighter applications only please do not use this for wholetime firefighter applications.

Alternatively, you can download and complete this application form, then email it to recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk.

Step 2: Attend a Firefighter Information and Recruitment event

If your application meets our initial entry requirements, you’ll be invited to attend a Firefighter Information and Recruitment event (FIRe). This is your opportunity to find out what being an on-call firefighter is really like - from the people who do the job.

It’s an informal and informative session where you will:

• Learn about our purpose and the reality of operational incidents
• Understand what we look for - teamwork, communication, calm problem-solving and values that are Welcoming, Respectful and Professional
• Receive clear guidance on availability requirements and how the role fits around work and home life
• Understand the recruitment process and what to expect at each stage
• Ask questions and speak to our colleagues.

You’ll need to attend a FIRe event as part of the recruitment process. Events are held regularly across the county, but spaces are limited - so we recommend booking early.

Fitness assessment

At the FIRE event, you’ll also complete a multistage fitness assessment. This is to test your general aerobic fitness through a standard assessment, known to many as the bleep test. Be sure to come prepared with suitable clothing to take part.

If you reach the required level on the day, your result will be recorded and you’ll be confirmed as meeting the fitness standard for this stage.

If you don’t quite reach the required level, don’t worry - you’ll have the opportunity to improve your fitness and retake the test at a later stage.

Step 3: Firefighter ability tests 

After attending the FIRE event and submitting your availability, you’ll complete our firefighter ability tests.

These are short, timed online assessments designed to measure some of the core skills you’ll use as a firefighter.

They’re not about previous knowledge or experience. Instead, they look at how you:

• Understand written information (Verbal Reasoning)
• Work with numbers and basic calculations (Numerical Reasoning)
• Think logically and recognise patterns (Mechanical Reasoning)

These abilities are important to be a firefighter, as you will need to interpret information quickly, make good decisions and solve problems under pressure.

You’ll need to pass all elements of the tests to progress in the recruitment process. We strongly recommend completing the practice tests beforehand so you feel confident and prepared.

If you require any adjustments, please let us know before your test date.

Step 4: Occupational ability tests and interview

This is the most exciting part of the process - and gives you insight into operational firefighting.

You’ll complete practical, hands-on tests that reflect real firefighting tasks, including:

• Ladder climb (confidence at height)
• Casualty evacuation (dragging a weighted dummy)
• Equipment carry
• Enclosed space test (working in dark, confined areas)
• Equipment assembly

You’ll also have an interview on the day which is the ideal time to ask any questions you may have about the role.

Step 5: Pre-employment checks and training course allocation

Once you’ve successfully completed all stages of the process, and the availability you can provide meets your station’s requirements, you’ll be offered the role of on-call firefighter with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Before starting, we’ll complete pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment requirements. These include:

• Employment references
• Background checks
• Enhanced DBS check

The DBS checks form an essential part of our safeguarding responsibilities and help ensure we maintain the trust placed in us by our communities. All information will be handled with the strictest confidence.

If you have any questions or concerns about the DBS process before you apply, please contact us at recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk.

Providing the checks all come back with no issues, you will be allocated a space on one of our initial training courses, which take place at our training centre in Huntingdon. Candidates will need to attend a number of full days and evening sessions over a three-month period to learn the fundamentals to firefighting. You will be given the dates in advance, so please ensure you are able to fit this around your other commitments.

Step 6: Pre-employment medical checks

While the pre-employment checks are being completed, you’ll need to successfully complete a medical assessment to confirm your overall health, hearing, vision and fitness for the role.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please ensure your eyesight meets the required firefighter standards. Contact us if you’d like further information before applying.

Final stage - start your training!

Once you’ve successfully completed all pre-employment checks and your medical assessment, you’ll be ready to begin your initial training.

Please note that all pre-employment checks will need to be completed before you can start the course.

This is where your career as an on-call firefighter begins. You’ll take part in a structured training programme, designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to carry out the role safely and professionally.

You’ll be supported throughout your training by experienced instructors that will help you develop at every stage. Training is designed to prepare you for real incidents and ensure you’re ready to protect your community, prevent harm and respond when needed.

If you’d like to talk to our recruitment team before completing an application, please email recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk.