How do I access updates for Entry-Level Firefighter Recruitment 2025-00897?
Click the link below.
Eligible List FAQ | Portland.gov
How do I access updates for Lateral Firefighter Recruitment 2025-00898?
Click the link below.
Eligible List FAQ | Portland.gov
How will Portland Fire & Rescue communicate with me throughout the process?
Email and website updates. Please check your emails frequently, including your junk and spam folders.
I missed the application deadline, or I wasn't able to meet all the minimum qualifications at the time of application. Do you have any advice?
Continue working towards meeting the minimum requirements for future recruitments.
- Obtain an EMT license
- Complete the FireTeam test and PSSA 1
- Complete the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (more information below)
What is the hiring cycle for Portland Fire & Rescue after the January 2026 fire academy?
Portland Fire & Rescue anticipates additional fire academies in the Spring, Summer, and Winter of 2026. Subject to change. The website will be updated when more information is available. Please check the website frequently.
How many firefighters does PF&R anticipate hiring in the next year?
Portland Fire & Rescue projects hiring 30-70 firefighters in the next year (2025-2026). Subject to change.
What are the minimum qualifications required to apply as an entry-level firefighter EMT?
- At least 18 years of age at the time of conditional offer of employment
- Excellent health, free from any mental or physical condition that would interfere with effective performance on the job
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED at the time of conditional offer of employment
- Possess a valid driver’s license and pass a driving evaluation by the City of Portland Risk Management.
- An EMT is not required to apply for an entry-level firefighter. However, a minimum of a valid Oregon Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license is required prior to offer of employment. Contact the Oregon Health Authority for more information. These Oregon organizations offer EMT courses, click the following link. Non-Oregon EMT's or paramedics should contact the Oregon Health Authority for details on how to request Oregon reciprocity.
- Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Other locations include Public Safety Testing.
- Valid FireTeam test and completion of the Public Safety Self Assessment 1 from the National Testing Network. See above question for details.
- Have no criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and the Oregon Health Authority
- United States citizen or ability to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Do I need fire experience or fire education to apply?
Fire experience or fire education is not required for entry-level firefighter recruitment. A valid Oregon EMT license is required before an offer of employment.
What can I do to prepare for an upcoming entry-level firefighter recruitment?
- An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license is not required to apply but is required at time of conditional offer of employment. Because EMT classes often fill up quickly and may take 3-6 months to complete, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue EMT certification as soon as possible. Find a list of EMS educational institutions in Oregon here.
- The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is required to apply. Become familiar with the minimum physical ability test required at the time of application. Maintaining a valid CPAT card prior to the application period is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. Scheduling the CPAT close to or during the application period can be challenging due to limited time slots. The acceptable CPAT date range for an upcoming recruitment will be posted here and on the job posting. If you anticipate applying for a future firefighter recruitment, schedule your CPAT now! Always keep a valid CPAT in hand.
- Review the National Testing Network website for information on the written test requirement. A valid FireTeam test and Public Safety Self Assessment 1 must be completed at the time of application. Visit the National Testing Network website for details on how long the FireTeam test remains valid. Potential applicants may complete the FireTeam test and PSSA1 prior to the application period. Select any fire department that is available to test for and schedule your exam. Before October 20, 2025, Portland Fire & Rescue will not be available to select before scheduling your exam. If the FireTeam exam and PSSA1 are completed before the application period, applicants must log in to their NTN account during the application period and select 'Portland Fire & Rescue.' Failure to select 'Portland Fire & Rescue' during the application period may result in disqualification. Contact an NTN associate for assistance.
- Maintain and/or establish continuous and relatable work experience that may transfer over to a career as a firefighter.
- Learn basic firefighting skills and concepts by enrolling in a fire science course at a local community college.
- Maintain and strive for a high fitness level, including cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. For fitness workouts, follow us @pfrwellness.
- Sign up to be notified by email when an application period opens.
Does Portland Fire & Rescue use the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) for the physical requirement?
Yes, for entry-level firefighter recruitments ONLY. The CPAT is a nationally standardized physical abilities test that assesses minimum fitness requirements for entry into the fire service. Washington and Oregon testing locations are available through the National Testing Network and Public Safety Testing. Applicants must use an authorized and licensed institution to complete the CPAT. If you anticipate applying for a future firefighter recruitment, schedule your CPAT now! Always keep a valid CPAT in hand.
For questions, contact the recruiting office at fire.recruiter@portlandoregon.g….
Can I complete the CPAT before the application period opens? (CPAT required for entry-level recruitment)
YES! And it's highly encouraged. A valid CPAT is required and must be completed within the timeframe indicated on the job posting. We always encourage potential applicants to prepare for the test and maintain a high level of fitness as a lifestyle. Note that scheduling a CPAT during an open application period or close to the application period may be challenging. Schedule a CPAT through the National Testing Network or Public Safety Testing.
If you anticipate applying for the upcoming entry-level firefighter recruitment in October 2025, schedule your CPAT now! It will be considered valid for the upcoming recruitment.
Can I complete the CPAT at any licensed and authorized facility?
Yes. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that the agency selected is licensed by both the IAFF and the IAFC. If you have questions, contact the recruiting office at firerecruiter@portlandoregon.gov or visit the IAFF CPAT website. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) - IAFF
What agencies in Oregon and Washington host the CPAT?
National Testing Network NTN Physical and Written Exams (nationaltestingnetwork.com)
Public Safety Testing Public Safety Testing - Category
Click the following link to search for licensed facilities in various states. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) - IAFF
Does PF&R use the National Testing Network for the written exam?
Yes, for entry-level firefighter recruitments only. Click here for more information on the FireTeam test.
Which exams are required for the entry-level firefighter position?
Applicants must complete the FireTeam test and the Public Safety Assessment 1 exams. Click here for more information on the FireTeam test and the Public Safety Assessment 1 exam.
Do I need to have my Oregon EMT certification at the time of application?
No. Entry-level firefighter applicants do not need an EMT certification at the time of application. A valid Oregon EMT or paramedic is required prior to an offer of employment.
For lateral firefighter EMT/Paramedic recruitments, a valid EMT or Paramedic license, regardless of state, is required at the time of application. A valid Oregon EMT or Paramedic license is required before an offer of employment.
Oregon EMS schools can be found here, as well as frequently asked questions.
What are the minimum requirements for the lateral firefighter EMT/paramedic recruitment?
Applicants must be currently employed as a full-time/career firefighter and have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a full-time/career firefighter with no separation time or break in service longer than 120 days (between employers) at the time of conditional offer of employment. (Part-time, volunteer, sleeper/resident, paid-on-call, or seasonal does not apply to lateral firefighter paramedic recruitment.)
A valid EMT or Paramedic license, regardless of state, is required at the time of application. A valid Oregon EMT or Paramedic license is required before an offer of employment.
Lateral firefighter recruitments do not require a FireTeam test, Public Safety Self-Assessment 1, or a Candidate Physical Ability Test.
Lateral firefighter EMT/paramedics for Portland Fire & Rescue will be required to complete the entry-level fire academy and complete twelve (12) months of probation, and will be required to maintain their paramedic license for five (5) years from the date of hire.
The following certificates are required at the time of application (subject to change):
- Firefighter I & II
- Hazardous Material Awareness/Operations
- Minimum of a valid EMT or paramedic at time of application, regardless of state. A valid Oregon EMT or paramedic is required before an offer of employment.
Please refer to the job posting for specific details on minimum requirements.
What does a recruitment process consist of?
Review General Recruitment Information for an overview of the application and selection process. Subject to change.
How many candidates will be considered for the January 2026 fire academy?
Approximately 12-28 candidates will be considered for the January 2026 fire academy. Candidates (including alternates) considered for the January 2026 fire academy will be notified by email by August 15. 2025. Additional alternates may be contacted as needed at a later date. Only candidates from the following eligible hire lists will be contacted:
- 2024-00172
- 2025-00005
- 2025-00008
What is the projected hire date from Entry Level Recruitment 2024-00172?
The projected hire date for a future academy is January 2026. Subject to change.
An eligible hire list has already been established (2024-00172).
What shift schedule does PF&R have?
Portland Fire and Rescue firefighters work a 1-3-2-3 shift schedule for members assigned to Emergency Operations. Shifts begin at 0800, although it is common practice to arrive closer to 0700 to relieve the outgoing shift.
What is the salary range for a PF&R firefighter?
As of July 2025, the salary range for a firefighter starts at $83,929- $111,538. Upon completing PF&R's paramedic field training evaluation program, firefighter paramedics are compensated an additional 13% of top-step firefighter pay. Per the current collective bargaining agreement, recruits/firefighters who possess or complete an apparatus operator certification (DPSST or other State of Oregon equivalent) and hold a valid state, unrestricted driver's license shall receive an additional premium of three percent (3%) of the top step firefighter base hourly rate.
What is the benefit and retirement package for PF&R firefighters?
As a PF&R Firefighter, you will receive a comprehensive benefits and retirement package that includes healthcare coverage, leave accrual proportionate to years of service, life insurance, and optional disability insurance and retirement contributions. Click the following link for information on the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). PERS: What plan am I in?: Nonretired members: State of Oregon
How many fire recruits will be hired in the fire academy?
Fire academy sizes vary depending on operational needs.
Do lateral firefighter-paramedic recruits have a shorter fire academy?
No. Successful candidates in the upcoming lateral firefighter paramedic recruitment will enter an entry-level fire academy.
I currently possess a non-Oregon EMT and/or a National EMT license. How do I proceed?
Visit the Oregon Health Authority for information on applying for Oregon reciprocity.
When should firefighter candidates with a non-Oregon EMT file for Oregon reciprocity with the Oregon Health Authority?
If you have questions, email the recruitment team at firerecruiter@portlandoregon.gov. For more information on how to file for reciprocity, visit the Oregon Health Authority.
I have a question regarding my driving record. Who should I contact?
Review the driving policy for City of Portland employees. You can contact the recruiting office at firerecruiter@portlandoregon.gov for specific questions regarding your driving record.
How many sworn firefighters are currently employed with PF&R?
PF&R has approximately 690 sworn firefighters. You can review the demographics of sworn personnel here.
Does PF&R have an upper age limit for applying or being hired?
No.
I would like to learn more about the Community Health Assess & Treat Program. How can I access more information?
For more information on the CHAT program, click the following link. Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) | Portland.gov
Does Portland Fire & Rescue require applicants or employees to show proof of a current COVID-19 vaccination?
No.