How to become a firefighter in Moncton

Verified GuideModel B: Come pre-certifiedCPAT

Opens by posting

The fire department careers page states: "Applications are accepted only when vacancies exist, and the hiring process is extremely competitive." Its FAQ adds: "No, applications can only be submitted when openings exist, and the recruitment process is underway."

Checked October 15, 2026 against the department's own page. Intake dates change without notice, so confirm there before you plan around this.

Working language

Both official languages. Moncton requires Province of New Brunswick oral language evaluation certificates in English and French, obtained within the last three years, as part of the application package. New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and Moncton is one of its most bilingual cities, so this is a real gate rather than a preference.

Published by the department.

Where are you starting from?

What you need

The credentials and documents Moncton requires before you can apply.

How hiring works here

Every stage Moncton publishes, and how to do each one well.

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At a glance

Entry model: Model B: Come pre-certified
Fire certification before applying: NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 and 2 (IFSAC or Pro Board); HazMat Awareness and Operations, NFPA 472/1072 (IFSAC or Pro Board)
Medical requirement: Medical First Responder (MFR) or higher
Driver requirement: New Brunswick Class 3E licence with air brake endorsement
Written test: None published
Physical test: CPAT
Last verified: July 2026 · sources monitored daily for changes

A summary of this record. The full detail is below, and the official posting governs.

Moncton is one of the most fully specified departments in Atlantic Canada: candidates come pre-certified with NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 (IFSAC or Pro Board), HazMat Awareness and Operations under NFPA 472/1072, and at minimum a Medical First Responder certification, with EMR or a New Brunswick paramedic licence also accepted. A New Brunswick Class 3E licence with air brake endorsement is required, along with vision and hearing exams to NFPA 1582 within the last six months. Fitness proof is the CPAT plus a VO2 max of at least 45 ml/kg/min under the York protocol, or the York University Firefighter Assessment. Moncton also requires provincial oral language evaluation certificates in both English and French. Hiring runs on an as-needed basis and the selection process takes roughly six months.

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

NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 and 2 (IFSAC or Pro Board)
Current proof of certification from an IFSAC or Pro Board approved accredited agency.
Prepare with roadmap step 5: Get fire-certified where required What NFPA 1001 certification covers
HazMat Awareness and Operations, NFPA 472/1072 (IFSAC or Pro Board)
Prepare with roadmap step 5: Get fire-certified where required
Medical First Responder (MFR) or higher
MFR is the stated minimum; an Emergency Medical Responder or a Paramedic licensed in New Brunswick, or equivalency, is also accepted.
Prepare with roadmap step 3: Build the medical-response foundation What this medical certification involves
New Brunswick Class 3E licence with air brake endorsement
Or equivalency from another province.
Prepare with roadmap step 4: Upgrade the driver's licence
CPAT plus VO2 max (York protocol, minimum 45 ml/kg/min)
The CPAT plus a VO2 max under the York University Fitness Firefighter Assessment Protocol, minimum 45 ml/kg/min, or the York University Firefighter Assessment.
Prepare with roadmap step 13: Physical testing Physical test training programs
Vision and hearing exams to NFPA 1582 within 6 months
Both exams, as defined in the current NFPA Standard 1582, completed successfully within the last six months.
Prepare with roadmap step 7: Application package
New Brunswick oral language evaluation certificates in English and French
Province of New Brunswick Language Certificates (oral language evaluation only) obtained within the last three years; certificates for both English and French must be provided.
Prepare with roadmap step 7: Application package

The hiring process

Moncton accepts applications only when a vacancy exists, so there is nothing to submit between competitions. Postings appear on the city careers page at moncton.ca/careers, and all applications go through the city's online recruitment system. Watch the page regularly, since hiring runs on an as-needed basis and the process is described as extremely competitive.
This is a pre-certified application with a long document list. You will upload your resume, post-secondary diplomas, proof of NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 from an IFSAC or Pro Board accredited agency, and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification to NFPA 472/1072. Medical First Responder is the minimum medical certification, with an Emergency Medical Responder or a paramedic licensed in New Brunswick also accepted, and you need a New Brunswick Class 3E licence with air brake endorsement or an equivalent from another province.
Fitness and medical proof is due at application: the CPAT plus a VO2 max of at least 45 ml/kg/min under the York University protocol, or the York University Firefighter Assessment, along with vision and hearing exams to NFPA 1582 completed within the last six months. The city says information on the fitness tests is made available in the recruitment package when postings open, so read that package before booking anything.
The distinctive gate is language. Moncton requires Province of New Brunswick oral language evaluation certificates in both English and French, obtained within the last three years, and you arrange this testing yourself through the province's linguistic services at your own cost. Book these before a posting opens, because a short application window is a bad time to be waiting for a test date.
Department source for this stage
Read roadmap step 7 Review your Gap List Certification tracker
The city describes its hiring as conducted in phases and commits to notifying candidates whether or not they advance to the next stage. It does not publish the phase names, so treat any specific claims about Moncton's tests or interviews with caution, and confirm details with Human Resources at 506-877-7707 or info.hr@moncton.ca when you are invited to a stage.
Plan for a long process. Moncton says it typically takes about six months from the close of applications until a consideration for hire pool is established. Keep your documents valid the whole way through, especially the vision and hearing exams, which must be within six months, since a certificate that expires mid-process creates avoidable problems.
Being pooled is not a job offer. The number of available positions varies with operational needs, so stay ready: keep training, keep every certification current, and respond quickly to any contact from the city. Probationary firefighter positions are unionized under the Moncton Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 999, so pay and working conditions follow the collective agreement.
Department source for this stage
Read roadmap step 14 Academy preparation guide Start a fitness program

Worth knowing

Hiring occurs on an as-needed basis through posted competitions.
Moncton is a bilingual city: oral proficiency certificates in both English and French are part of the required documents.

Official sources

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

City of Moncton, Work for the Moncton Fire Department

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

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