Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the questions we are often asked about being a wholetime firefighter...

What does Wholetime mean?

A Wholetime Firefighter is a full-time, salaried member of the fire and rescue service who is based at a fire station and available to respond to emergencies 24/7 as part of a structured shift system.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

You will need to have:

Five GCSEs (grades A*–C / 9–4) including Maths and English Language

Equivalent Level 2 qualifications. If you’re unsure whether your qualifications meet the criteria, check with an education provider or careers service

Can I pick which station I work at?

Unfortunately, you can not pick the station you would like to work at. Firefighters are placed at stations where there are vacancies.

What does On-Call mean?

On-call firefighters have everyday lives and jobs and respond to a pager when they are needed. They are paid for being on-call and need to spend their days or nights within five minutes of an on-call station. Some of our wholetime firefighters provide on-call cover at their local station when they are on their rest days.

How old do I need to be to apply?

Be at least 18 years old when you are offered a position with CFRS. There is no upper age limit.

Can I apply from outside the UK?

We can only accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.

Do I need to live in Cambridgeshire?

You will need to live within 20 miles of Cambridgeshire’s boundary (as determined by our mapping system). If you currently serving in the armed forces and plan to relocate permanently to Cambridgeshire, you can apply.

Can I wear make-up and jewellery while I’m on duty?

Natural-looking makeup is permitted in line with our dress code. Jewellery including rings, earrings and facial piercings and semi-permanent or false eyelashes may not be worn while on duty.

What about tattoos?

Tattoos are fine as long as they could not be deemed as offensive.

I have a beard - can I apply?

For safety reasons, facial hair must not interfere with the seal of the breathing apparatus face mask.

What are practical tests?

The practical tests are one of the most exciting stages of the recruitment process — giving you a hands-on opportunity to experience what it’s really like to be a firefighter. You can find more in our Selection process section.

Why do I need to be able to swim?

All our Wholetime Firefighters are in-water trained and those on Wholetime stations are trained to level three and are expected to perform in-water rescues. You can find out more in our initial entry criteria.

How much do firefighters get paid?

A trainee firefighter is paid £30,384 per year. This increases to £38,881, after successful completion of the two-year probation period, including passing the milestone assessments.

What if I don’t have a computer or internet?

Please let our recruitment team know and they can help provide access to a computer at a CFRS site. You can call them on 01480 444 500.

I’m still learning to drive - can I apply?

Yes. You can apply, but you must have passed your test and hold a valid unrestricted licence before your start date. We’ll give you at least three months’ notice if you’re offered a place.

I wear glasses, is that a problem?

Not necessarily. To work as a firefighter, you must provide the results of a recent eye test (taken within the last six months) carried out by a qualified optician or ophthalmologist.

A form for the optician to record your results - including the minimum vision standards for each eye - is available from the Occupational Health Department. Prescription inserts and safety glasses are available.

How fit do I have to be?

You’ll complete a fitness assessment to make sure you’re ready for the physical demands of being a firefighter. The test we use is the Chester Treadmill Walking Test - a nationally recognised assessment specifically designed for fire and rescue services - which checks your aerobic fitness.

I’ve heard of the Chester treadmill Test - what is it?

The Chester Treadmill Test is a 12-minute walking assessment set at a constant speed of 6.2 km/h (3.9 mph). Every two minutes, the incline increases by three per cent. You must walk the entire time without holding onto the treadmill.

What if I am neurodiverse?

We welcome applications from people who are neurodivergent. You’ll have the opportunity to share this information during the recruitment process, and we’ll work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments you may need.

I don’t want to be a firefighter — are there other roles available?

Absolutely! Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service also offers a wide range of rewarding careers in professional support roles - check out our careers section for more information.

When will I find out if I’ve been successful at each stage?

We aim to keep you updated throughout the process. After each stage - whether it’s the online assessments, fitness test, or final interview - you’ll receive an email letting you know the outcome.

If you’re successful, we’ll also give you details about the next stage and what to expect.

What are the shift patterns?

There are two main types of shift patterns and depending what station you are based at, the shift patterns are:

At a 24/7 station - you will work on a two day shifts, two night shifts followed by four days off shift pattern.
At a day crewed station - you will generally work 8am – 6pm across five days, Monday to Friday, covering a 42 hours shift pattern. We have another day crewed station that works across seven days rather than five.

Can I choose the shifts I work?

We promote a healthy work life balance, but you will be required to work the shifts that you are assigned.

How many positions are there?

There is not a limited number of positions available. Successful candidates will be placed on a holding list and will be given at least three months notice of your joining date

I’m a firefighter in a different country, can I apply?

You will still need to successfully complete all stages the recruitment process. We do run processes for current wholetime firefighters to transfer to us, so keep an eye out for those in our Current vacancies section.

Why do you ask so many questions about diversity?

We ask to make sure our recruitment is fair and inclusive. The information helps us understand who’s applying, identify any barriers, and improve access for everyone. It’s never used to assess your application and is kept confidential.

How long is the recruitment process?

The process runs from July 14 to October 17. You’ll need to attend each stage, so keep the key dates in mind and plan ahead. Successful candidates will join our holding list.

What is the holding list?

If you have been successful at all stages of the process, you will join the holding list and will be offered a place on the next available firefighter training course.

What is the culture like?

We are proud of the culture we’ve built. In our recent engagement survey:

88 per cent of of our people said they are proud to work here
84 per cent agreed that everyone is welcome.

We don’t tolerate bullying or exclusion. We foster a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all.

Can I get promoted?

You can grow into specialist roles or leadership positions. Progression is based on performance and attitude. We offer development pathways, leadership programmes and a clear promotion structure.

How long does the recruitment process take?

We are recruiting to a holding list. This means that if you successfully pass all stages of the process, you'll be placed in a pool of candidates ready to be offered a place on the next available training course. While the timing can vary, successful applicants are typically given at least three months’ notice before their course begins.

Can I re-take any of the assessments if I don’t pass them?

Unfortunately no. Each stage must be passed in a single attempt to progress to the next.

I have a family - is there any flexibility in this role?

Yes. While firefighting is a shift-based role and operational demands must always come first, we understand the importance of work-life balance — especially for those with caring responsibilities.

I still have questions - what do I do?

Our recruitment team are here to help.

You can reach them on recruitment@cambsfire.go.uk