How to become a firefighter in Laval

Required at application

Preferred assets

1. 1Virtual preselection inventoryA psychometric test plus a technical knowledge test.

   Laval calls this stage the "Inventaire de présélection virtuel" and it has two parts, a "test psychométrique" and a "test de connaissances techniques de base du métier de pompier et pompière". It runs virtually and in French, before anyone is invited to the physical test.

   The knowledge test covers the basics of the firefighter trade, so review your DEP "Intervention en sécurité incendie" and DEC "Techniques de sécurité incendie" material. The city's most recent posting required both diplomas at application, which makes that coursework your study guide here.

   For the psychometric part, answer honestly and consistently rather than guessing at a preferred profile. These tools compare related questions, and contradictory answers hurt more than an unflattering honest one.

   Treat the virtual sitting like an exam: quiet room, stable connection, and follow the invitation instructions exactly. Laval does not publish a pass mark for this stage, so confirm scoring details with the department if your invitation does not say.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 14Academy preparation guideStart a fitness program
2. 2Physical aptitude test for aspiring firefighters (TAP)Two parts, both administered by the city: an eliminatory Leger 20-metre shuttle run with a pass mark of stage 9.0 (VO2 max 46.6), then a timed 10-station task circuit (hydrant couplings, hose handling, forced entry, stair climbs with hose, ladder work, vertical hose pull, pike pole work, obstacles, and a 75 kg victim drag) completed in 9 minutes 30 seconds or less wearing 25 kg of simulated gear. Minor faults add 10 seconds, major faults 20 seconds, and an extreme fault ends the test.

   The "Test d'aptitudes physiques pour aspirants pompiers et pompières" (TAP-SSIL) has two parts, called "volets". Part 1 is the Léger 20 metre shuttle run and it is eliminatory: you must reach stage 9.0, which the protocol equates to a VO2 max of 46.6 ml/kg/min, before you may attempt part 2.

   Part 2 is a timed circuit of 10 fire-task stations: hydrant couplings, hose rolling and dragging, two forced-entry sledge stations, three trips down and up a 17-step flight with a 77 mm hose on your shoulder, portable ladder raises and fly extension, a vertical hose pull, pike pole ("gaffe") pulls and pushes, a three-obstacle traverse, and an unconscious-victim mannequin drag. You must finish in 9 minutes 30 seconds or less, walking quickly between stations.

   You wear a helmet, an SCBA pack ("APRIA") without the facepiece, work gloves and a weighted vest totalling 25 kg (55 lb), all supplied on site; you bring running shoes, pants and a shirt. Evaluators call "faute" out loud as you go: each minor fault adds 10 seconds, each major fault adds 20 seconds, and an extreme fault ends your test.

   Train the shuttle run well past stage 9 because the circuit still follows, and practise loaded stair climbs, grip work and controlled technique under fatigue, since faults are scored on control and safety, not just speed. Watch the city's TAP video linked on the recruitment page, and pay close attention on test day when the evaluators demonstrate the fault criteria before you run.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 13Start a fitness program
3. 3Selection interview

   Laval publishes the stage name, "Entrevue de sélection", but not the format, so confirm the details in your invitation and expect to interview in French. The most recent posting listed English only as an asset.

   The posting frames the job as more than suppression: prevention and public education through home visits, school visits and neighbourhood events sit alongside fire combat and rescue work. Bring concrete examples of community-facing work, teaching and public contact, not just fireground stories.

   The posted profile also asks for ease working in a team and a habit of always improving your knowledge. Prepare short, specific examples from your DEP, DEC and work history that show both, and be ready to say why Laval specifically.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 11Run a mock panel interviewInterview playbook
4. 4Pre-employment verificationDriver's licence (Class 4A and 5), pleasure craft operator card, diplomas, medical examination, references, and security clearance. The medical examination fee is covered by the city.

   The "Vérification pré-emploi" checks your driver's licence in classes 4A and 5, your "carte de conducteur d'embarcation de plaisance" (pleasure craft operator card), your diplomas and your references, and it includes a medical examination and a security clearance ("enquête d'habilitation sécuritaire").

   The current laval.ca page states the medical exam fee is covered by the city ("frais pris en charge par la Ville"), but the city's 2021 posting said the candidate paid, so confirm who pays when your competition opens.

   Strong candidates arrive here with nothing left to fix: hold the Class 4A before you apply, keep every card and licence valid through the whole process, and renew anything close to expiry early.

   Tell your references to expect a call, and be straightforward about anything in your history. An honest disclosure explained up front reads far better than something the clearance investigation finds on its own.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 10Draft your PHSBuild your experience logbook
5. 5Complete file evaluation

   Laval lists "Évaluation complète du dossier" as the final step but publishes no detail on it, so treat it as the city's overall review of your results from every earlier stage. There is normally nothing for you to attend.

   In the 2021 competition the virtual exam ran in early July, the physical test in mid September and interviews in the fall, so plan for the whole process to span several months. Keep training and keep your documents current while you wait.

   Respond quickly and completely to any request from the city at this point, since a slow or incomplete reply is one of the few ways to hurt a file you have already earned. If you hear nothing for a long stretch, a short, polite follow-up to the contact on your competition is reasonable.

   Department source for this stage

   Read roadmap step 7Review your Gap ListCertification tracker