How to become a firefighter in Burlington

Pattern-mapped

Model A: We train you

CPAT

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.

Burlington hires career firefighters at entry level: NFPA standards and Canadian Heart and Stroke Emergency Medical Responder standards for BLS and First Aid are skill requisites that recruits achieve during recruit training, not before applying. To qualify you need current CPR and first aid certification, at least a Grade 12 education or equivalent, a valid Ontario DZ licence with a good driver abstract, legal entitlement to work in Canada with a current vulnerable sector and criminal record check, prescribed uncorrected vision of 20/30 in each eye with a passed colour vision test, and the capacity for intense sustained physical effort, with CPAT testing undertaken during the recruitment process. Pre-service fire education, previous firefighting experience, and trades or medical experience are preferred qualifications.

Entry-level hiring with no fire certifications required. The department trains recruits in-house. Medical certifications and driver licensing are the differentiators.

Requirements

Required at application

Current CPR and first aid certification
Prepare with roadmap step 3
Legally entitled to work in Canada
Prepare with roadmap step 2
Current vulnerable sector and criminal record check
Must be obtained and passed.
Grade 12 education or equivalent
Valid Ontario DZ driver's licence with a good driver abstract
Prepare with roadmap step 4
Vision 20/30 in each eye without corrective lenses
Includes satisfactory completion of a colour vision test.
Understand and communicate in English

Required before hire

CPAT testing during the recruitment process
Applicants must be capable of handling intense and sustained physical effort; CPAT testing will be undertaken during the recruitment process.
Prepare with roadmap step 13
Health and medical evaluation and fitness assessment
Provided by the contracted City of Burlington parties at the time of application.

Preferred assets

Pre-service firefighter education and training program
Preferred asset
Previous firefighting experience (volunteer or career)
Preferred asset
Trades or medical profession experience or certification
Preferred asset

The hiring process

1
Application to a posted competition
Career opportunities are posted on the City of Burlington careers page.
2
CPAT testing
Undertaken during the recruitment process.
3
Health and medical evaluation and fitness assessment
Provided by contracted City of Burlington parties.
4
Recruit training
NFPA and Emergency Medical Responder BLS and First Aid standards are achieved during recruit training.

Worth knowing

NFPA standards and Canadian Heart and Stroke Emergency Medical Responder standards for BLS and First Aid are skill requisites achieved during recruit training rather than before applying.
Candidates may also be given tests measuring comprehension, reading, reasoning and mathematical skills, technical and mechanical skills, and physical fitness and swimming abilities.

Official sources

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

City of Burlington: Working with the Fire Department

Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Burlington Fire Department or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.

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