We recently closed the testing window for the July 2024 Academy. Please sign up for the job interest alerts to receive an email notification when new dates have been announced.
The job posting will contain dates of upcoming Information Sessions, Bellingham Fire Department- Academy Life Q&A Open House, and a CPAT Demonstration. These sessions are optional and registration links will be posted on the job announcement.
Entry-Level Firefighters
The first part of the selection process is a video-based multiple-choice test. This test will measure your aptitude for skills that firefighter use on a regular basis.
The test has four parts:
- Human relations
- Mechanical aptitude
- Math
- Reading
NTN Test cutoff scores set by Bellingham Fire Department are: Human Relations – 70%; Mechanical – 60%; Math – 70%; Reading -80%. Additionally, candidates must also achieve a combined average score of 80%. Human Resources will notify all candidates of their test results (pass/fail) after the testing window closes.
The Bellingham Fire Department partners with National Testing Network, Inc (NTN) to provide full testing services for the position of firefighter. The Bellingham Fire Department also participates in the National Testing Network’s Fee Waiver Program. Please contact NTN Candidate Support for more information. Testing accommodations are available through NTN. More information can be found in the NTN FAQs.
Please see below for more information on current testing windows:
The testing window for the January 2024 Academy is now open through August 20, 2023. For more information, please visit the job announcement.
What to expect at the National Testing Network website:
- Completion of the application process
- Review information related to the Bellingham Fire Department firefighter position, including minimum requirements, salary and benefits.
- Detailed information about the testing process for both the written exam and CPAT testing.
- Opportunity to take online practice tests at www.frontlinetest.com.
- Schedule your own convenient test time. Tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays.
- Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment.
A Step by Step Guide to using the National Testing Network Site
Lateral Firefighters
The Bellingham Fire Department is now accepting applications for Lateral Firefighter and Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic. Please apply online. Note: A valid CPAT certification is required as part of the application. A current valid CPAT certification will be accepted from NTN or another agency licensed by the IAFF/IAFC as a licensed CPAT provider.
Reasonable accommodation and/or assistance will be gladly provided for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities, upon request. The human resource department can be reached at 360-778-8228.
Entry-Level Candidates:
Candidates who meet the requirements for entry-level firefighter and achieve a passing score on the NTN exam move through a civil service process which typically consists of three interviews.
- Speed Interview:
Candidates with a passing score on the NTN test will be granted a Speed Interview which is a pass/fail interview that lasts 8 minutes long. The Speed Interviews are conducted by a panel of BFD firefighters, paramedics and captains. - Oral Board Interview:
All passing candidates from speed interviews will be invited to participate in oral board interviews. This interview gives candidates an opportunity to share more about themselves, their background and their unique experiences. The Oral Board Interviews are conducted by a panel of BFD firefighters, paramedics and captains. - Chief’s Interview:
The most qualified candidates are then invited to participate in a Chief’s Interview in-person in Bellingham. The Chief’s Interview is conducted by the BFD fire chiefs. Conditional offers of employment will be issued to the most qualified applicants and background and reference checks will begin shortly following Chief’s Interviews.
For specific details for each academy, please reference the job announcement.
Lateral Candidates:
Candidates who meet the requirements for lateral firefighter and submit a complete application move through a civil service process which typically consists of an application review and two interviews.
- Experience and Training Rating:
Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. - Oral Board Interview:
The top candidates as outlined in the job announcement will be invited to participate in Oral Board Interviews. This interview gives candidates an opportunity to share more about themselves, their background and their unique experiences. The Oral Board Interviews are conducted by a panel of BFD firefighters, paramedics and captains. - Chief’s Interview:
The most qualified candidates are then invited to participate in a Chief’s Interview in-person in Bellingham. The Chief’s Interview is conducted by the BFD fire chiefs. Conditional offers of employment will be issued to the most qualified applicants and background and reference checks will begin shortly following Chief’s Interviews.
For specific details for each academy, please reference the job announcement.
The Bellingham Fire Department uses the IAFF CPAT in the selection of firefighters to ensure that all firefighter candidates possess the physical ability to complete critical tasks effectively and safely.
During this test, you will need to demonstrate that you have the stamina, strength, and agility you need to accomplish the tasks of a firefighter. The CPAT is timed test consisting of a series of events that simulate firefighting activities.
During the entire test the candidate must wear a 50 lb. weighted vest (simulating the weight of a firefighters protective clothing and equipment). The eight events are:
- Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 lb. simulated hose pack)
- Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
- Hose Drag (stretching uncharged hoselines, advancing lines)
- Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fire ground)
- Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall)
- Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
- Rescue Drag (removing victim or partner from a fire building)
- Ceiling Pull (locating fire and checking for fire extension)
It is never too early to start training to become a firefighter. The ability to pass the CPAT is the first step towards being physically prepared for a career in firefighting. Future firefighters are encouraged to be knowledgeable about the physical demands of the job and to build the necessary strength and stamina to keep up with the physical requirements of the position if hired.
For all candidates, entry-level or lateral, please refer to the job announcement for the current CPAT requirements.
Visit iaff.org/cpat/#licensing for a full list of CPAT providers.
Candidates who receive and accept conditional offers will be required to participate in pre-employment screenings, including a medical exam and swim test in Bellingham.
- Employment contingent upon the following:
- Passing a pre-employment drug test.
- Passing a medical evaluation.
- Passing a swim test, demonstrating the ability to swim at a distance, tread water, and retrieve a submerged weight.
- Passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check, and local background check with no felony convictions within the last seven years.
- Misdemeanor convictions will also be reviewed. A misdemeanor conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant but offenses within the last seven years may, by their nature and recentness, reveal a lack of specific qualifications for the position.
- Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.
- No record of driver’s license suspension or revocation in any state within the last three years.
The swim test typically consists of:
- Swim 25 yards free stroke/25 yards breaststroke
- Swim 20 yards, dive and retrieve an object, return to starting point
- Surface dive 10 ft to retrieve an object
- Tread water for 2 minutes
We will give you more information about regarding these steps if you move forward in the process.
The Bellingham Fire Department Recruit Academy teaches the skills necessary to become a firefighter. For lateral firefighters, it is an opportunity to ensure skills and procedures are consistent with BFD’s standards and protocols.
During the Academy, recruits begin with the basics of firefighting and progress until they are performing advanced, evolution-based scenarios. Additionally, training and certification is provided in the areas of Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Medical Technician. For individuals who are already certified EMTs this is a refresher and an opportunity to learn Bellingham Fire Department and Whatcom County protocols.
The Academy is physically and mentally challenging. The BFD Training Staff is committed to providing the resources and support to make the best firefighter but recruits must dedicate time and effort to determine if this job is a good fit for them.
All recruits, entry-level and lateral go through Recruit Academy. Recruits receive the full firefighter pay starting on the first day of academy. The academy is typically 5 months long for entry-level firefighters. The lateral firefighter academy may be shorter but exact duration depends on the needs of the individual recruits. Recruit academy is 4 days a week (Mon-Thurs) and approximately 10 hours/day.
Learn more about physical preparation for the academy in the Preparing for Academy section of the What We Look For page.
Firefighters have a twelve month probationary period. Once successfully completing recruit academy, you will be assigned to a station and crew. During probation, you will work as a firefighter with the same roles and responsibilities as the rest of your crew, however, probationary firefighters are also responsible for completing additional on-the-job training. This training allows you to gain expertise in firefighting and EMT skills as well as familiarizing yourself with the city and our protocols.
