How to become a firefighter in Ottawa

Pattern-mapped

Model B: Come pre-certified

OFAI FACT

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.

Ottawa hires pre-certified firefighters: before the application deadline you need NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 plus NFPA 1072 or 472 Operations level with an IFSAC or Pro Board seal (or an Ontario Fire Marshal Letter of Compliance), an Ontario Class D licence with Z endorsement carrying no more than three demerit points, a current Standard First Aid certificate, and CPR level C dated within 12 months of the closing date. For aptitude testing you can hold a current OFAI Stage One CTS certificate or complete an aptitude test arranged by Ottawa Fire Services. The selection process adds a panel interview, the CPAT, a Level 3 vulnerable sector police record check, and a medical evaluation against NFPA 1582.

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

Application window

Application processes are posted as needed

Requirements

Required at application

18 years of age or older
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Legally entitled to work in Canada
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Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or academic equivalent
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NFPA 1001 Level 1 and 2 (IFSAC or Pro Board seal)
Proof of IFSAC or Pro Board seal, or a Letter of Compliance from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office.
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NFPA 1072 or 472 Operations level (IFSAC or Pro Board seal)
Proof of IFSAC or Pro Board seal, or a Letter of Compliance from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office.
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OFAI Stage One CTS certificate or Ottawa Fire Services aptitude test
Either hold a current and valid Candidate Testing Services CTS certificate from the OFAI Stage One assessment, or indicate willingness to complete an aptitude test as required by Ottawa Fire Services. The cost of the Ottawa-arranged test is borne by the candidate.
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Standard First Aid certificate (current)
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CPR level C dated within 12 months of the closing date
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Ontario Class D licence with Z endorsement, maximum 3 demerit points
A valid Ontario Class D licence with a Z air brake endorsement and no more than three demerit points accumulated, or a provincial or territorial equivalent.
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Required before hire

CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Testing)
Completed during the selection process; the cost is paid by the applicant.
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Medical evaluation to NFPA 1582 standards
Conducted by a City physician during post-interview clearance.
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Police Record Check, Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Check
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The hiring process

1
Online application
Submit the application with supporting documents that verify the minimum qualifications; late or invalid documents disqualify the application.
2
Aptitude testing
Qualifying applicants without a valid OFAI Stage One certificate complete an aptitude test; the cost is borne by the candidate when registering.
3
Screening
Applications are reviewed to determine interview candidates.
4
Panel interview
5
CPAT
The cost to complete the test is paid by the applicant.
6
Post-interview clearance
Level 3 vulnerable sector criminal background check, skills assessments per NFPA standards and fire apparatus operation, background investigation, and a medical evaluation by a City physician using NFPA 1582 standards.
7
Selection committee review
8
Job offer

Worth knowing

OFAI Stage One is accepted for aptitude testing, but candidates without it can complete an aptitude test arranged by Ottawa Fire Services instead.
Some recruitment steps may occur concurrently.

Official sources

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

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

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