City Guides / British Columbia
How to become a firefighter in Burnaby
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.
Burnaby hires pre-certified firefighters: completion of NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II is required, along with a current EMA First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder certificate, CPR and AED certification, and a valid BC Class 3 licence without restrictions plus air brake endorsement. Selection is distinctive for its 8-day orientation program, which includes the physical abilities test and fire station ride-alongs, followed by medical testing and a 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
- Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant statusPrepare with roadmap step 2
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II
Completion of the NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II programs and other related courses.
Prepare with roadmap step 5 - EMA First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder certificate
A current and valid certificate. The department lists a First Responder Level III licence, which must be renewed every 3 years.
Prepare with roadmap step 3 - CPR certification and AED operation licencePrepare with roadmap step 3
- BC Class 3 licence (automatic) without restrictions, with air brake endorsement
A good driving record is required.
Prepare with roadmap step 4 - Clean criminal recordPrepare with roadmap step 2
Required before hire
- Physical abilities test
Completed during the 8-day orientation program. A medical clearance certificate must be submitted before this round.
The hiring process
- 1
Application review
Resume and qualifications screening.
- 2
Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview.
- 3
Criminal record check
- 4
Orientation program
8 days: department introduction, physical test preparation, the physical abilities test, then fire station ride-alongs.
- 5
Criminal record check and medical testing
- 6
Fire Chief interview
Final assessment stage.
Worth knowing
- Preferred qualifications include a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, extensive first aid experience, two years of training or work in fire-related fields such as construction or equipment operation, computer experience, and post-secondary education or apprenticeship.
Official sources
Last verified 2026-07. Requirements change: the official posting always governs.
Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Burnaby Fire Department or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.
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