City Guides / British Columbia
How to become a firefighter in Abbotsford
The requirements below were researched against the official sources linked at the bottom of this page and are pending final verification. Always confirm against the current official posting.
Abbotsford hires pre-certified: NFPA 1001 Level II including HazMat Operations from an approved accredited agency is required, along with a current First Responder licence with spinal and AED endorsements or greater (EMR or PCP), and a Class 1, 2, or 3 licence with air brake endorsement. Applicants must be at least 19. The eight-stage process runs a BL Associates written exam, the CPAT at $350 plus taxes, and a two-day occupational skills assessment with a run, swim, skill stations, and presentations before checks, medicals, and the Fire Chief interview.
NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II plus HazMat Operations are required before applying. Budget for fire school before you can compete.
Requirements
Required at application
- At least 19 years of age on the date of applicationPrepare with roadmap step 2
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
Citizen, permanent resident, landed immigrant, or valid work visa holder.
Prepare with roadmap step 2 - High school diploma or equivalency
GED, an undergraduate or applied degree, or 2 or more years of a recognized apprenticeship also qualify.
Prepare with roadmap step 2 - NFPA 1001 Level II from an approved accredited agencyPrepare with roadmap step 5
- HazMat Operations
Included within the required NFPA 1001 Level II certification.
Prepare with roadmap step 5 - First Responder licence with spinal and AED or greater (EMR or PCP)Prepare with roadmap step 3
- Class 1, 2, or 3 licence (or provincial equivalent) with air brake endorsement
A good driving record is required.
Prepare with roadmap step 4 - No criminal convictions or pending charges
Must obtain Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check clearance.
Prepare with roadmap step 2
Required before hire
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Eight events performed continuously wearing a 50-pound vest (plus 25 pounds for the stair climb), completed in 10 minutes and 20 seconds or less. Pass/fail; the certificate is valid for one year.
Prepare with roadmap step 13
The hiring process
- 1
Application
Through the online portal at abbotsford.njoyn.com.
- 2
Written exam
Administered by BL Associates.
- 3
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)($350 plus taxes)
Walk-through orientation sessions are available at $75 per session.
- 4
Occupational skills assessment, day 1
Run, swim, and skill stations.
- 5
Occupational skills assessment, day 2
Interview, presentations, and skill stations.
- 6
Reference checks and police information check
- 7
Pre-employment medicals
- 8
Fire Chief interview
Worth knowing
- Preferred qualifications include work experience in firefighting, first aid, paramedicine, or forestry, post-secondary or trade certification, mechanical aptitude, volunteering, additional languages, extra fire courses, EMR or PCP licensing, and a physical fitness commitment.
- Only shortlisted candidates are contacted, by email; applicants are responsible for monitoring inboxes and meeting scheduling deadlines.
Official sources
Last verified 2026-07. Requirements change: the official posting always governs.
Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.
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