SEMPARO

City Guides / Ontario

How to become a firefighter in Barrie

Pattern-mapped
Model B: Come pre-certified
Department-specific

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.

Barrie recruits firefighters based on need and subject to budget approval, and the City's careers page currently states it is not hiring. In its most recent documented recruitment, applications required NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II and NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness certificates from IFSAC or Pro Board accredited programs, valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level HCP certificates, and proof of education, with OFAI Candidate Testing Services certificates (Stages One, Two, Three and the swim test) submitted if valid and completed. Selection runs through a rapid assessment session and two interviews, and conditional offers require a criminal record and vulnerable sector check, an unrestricted Ontario Class D licence with Z endorsement and a clean abstract, a pre-employment medical, and a psychometric assessment.

NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II plus HazMat Operations are required before applying. Budget for fire school before you can compete.

Application window

Initiated based on need and subject to budget approval

Requirements

Required at application

Required at conditional job offer

  • Criminal record check and vulnerable sector check

    At the candidate's expense, conducted no earlier than 30 days from the employment offer.

  • Valid and unrestricted Ontario Class D licence with Z endorsement

    A driver's abstract dated no earlier than 30 days from the conditional offer is required; candidates with six or more demerit points are ineligible.

    Prepare with roadmap step 4
  • Pre-employment medical examination

    Completed by a medical practitioner designated by the City of Barrie.

  • Psychometric assessment

    Conducted by a registered professional designated by the City of Barrie.

Preferred assets

  • OFAI Candidate Testing Services certificate (Stages One, Two, Three and swim test)
    Preferred asset

    Submitted with the application if valid and completed.

    Prepare with roadmap step 8

The hiring process

  1. 1

    Application through the City of Barrie careers platform

    Cover letter, resume, certificates, proof of education, professional qualifications, and community involvement; incomplete applications can result in disqualification.

  2. 2

    Application review by the Selection Committee

  3. 3

    Rapid assessment session

    A 20-minute assessment with the Selection Committee; no alternate dates.

  4. 4

    First interview

  5. 5

    Second interview

  6. 6

    References

    At least three references including at least one current and one past supervisory reference.

  7. 7

    Conditional offer

    Criminal record and vulnerable sector check, DZ licence confirmation and abstract, pre-employment medical, and psychometric assessment.

Worth knowing

  • The City of Barrie careers page states it is not currently hiring firefighters.
  • Requirement details are drawn from the City's published FAQ for its most recent documented recruitment (2021, posting PB-21-03); confirm against the next posting.
  • OFAI Candidate Testing Services certificates were requested with the application if valid and completed rather than listed as a strict prerequisite.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-07. Requirements change: the official posting always governs.

Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Barrie Fire and Emergency Service or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.

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