New FireTEAM Test Prep Videos Released

The FireTEAM test is a video-based assessment that evaluates candidates on four key areas: human relations and teamwork, mechanical aptitude, math, and reading ability. The exam, which takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, is designed to simulate real-life scenarios that firefighters encounter. The human relations portion uses video scenarios where applicants must choose the best and worst courses of action. The math section requires mental calculations for problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and proportions. For the Seattle Fire Department (SFD), the application window for entry-level firefighters opens on October 7, 2025. To be eligible for the oral board interview, candidates must pass both the FireTEAM test and the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA1). The top 1,500 candidates from these exams will be invited to the in-person oral boards. The SFD hiring process is extensive and includes a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a suitability assessment, and a formal interview, followed by medical, psychological, and background checks for those who receive a conditional offer. While an EMT certification is not required to apply, candidates must be certified in Washington state before the start of the recruit school. The department may offer a limited number of spots in an in-house EMT course for candidates with conditional offers. The culture within the Seattle Fire Department is often described as a close-knit, family-like environment, with firefighters living and working together for 24-hour shifts. The department has a long history, having been established as a paid, professional force on October 17, 1889, following the Great Seattle Fire. Aspiring firefighters can gain relevant experience and insight by volunteering with a local fire department. Functional fitness is a critical component of a firefighter's career. The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a pass/fail exam consisting of eight continuous events that must be completed within 10 minutes and 20 seconds. Training for the CPAT should focus on job-specific tasks like stair climbing with a weighted pack, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying equipment. In the Pacific Northwest, wildfire season presents a significant challenge, often stretching the resources of local fire departments. In August 2024, Governor Inslee issued an emergency declaration in Washington due to dry conditions, and local crews have been deployed to assist with large fires across Washington and Oregon. This underscores the diverse and demanding nature of firefighting in the region. The oral board interview for the Seattle Fire Department is a critical step in the selection process. Candidates can expect questions about their personal background, qualifications, and how they would handle various on-the-job scenarios. Many departments in Western Washington utilize "STAR" format questions, which require candidates to describe a Situation, Task, Action, and Result to demonstrate their experience. Financially, a starting Firefighter Recruit with the Seattle Fire Department earns an hourly wage of $41.56. The department offers opportunities for premium pay assignments and promotions. The annual Firefighter Stairclimb at the Columbia Tower is a major fundraising event for the Blood Cancer United organization and has become a significant part of the culture for many local fire departments, including Everett Fire, which has raised over $1 million since 2000.