City Guides / New Brunswick
How to become a firefighter in Saint John
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.
Saint John hires pre-certified candidates as Holiday Relief Firefighters who replace permanent firefighters as needed. Applicants need Grade 12, NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II with IFSAC or Pro Board accreditation, HazMat Operations level certification, and Medical First Responder with CPR. A Class 5 licence is the minimum at application, with Class 3E required within six months of employment. Selected candidates complete physical fitness and medical evaluations at their own expense, then a seven-to-eight-week paid training program at the Saint John Fire Department Training Centre and a 12-month probationary period before qualifying for the Holiday Relief Firefighter list.
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
- Grade 12 or equivalent
A copy of the high school diploma must accompany the application.
Prepare with roadmap step 2 - NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II (IFSAC or Pro Board)
Copies of current certifications must accompany the application.
Prepare with roadmap step 5 - Hazardous Materials Operations level (IFSAC or Pro Board)
Stated as: Hazardous Materials for First Responders Operations Level.
Prepare with roadmap step 5 - Medical First Responder with CPR
Current Medical First Responder and CPR certification must accompany the application.
Prepare with roadmap step 3 - Valid driver's licence, minimum Class 5
Successful candidates must obtain a Class 3E licence within 6 months of employment.
Prepare with roadmap step 4
The hiring process
- 1
Application with supporting documents
Copies of diploma, certifications, licence, and any additional certificates referenced in the resume.
- 2
Physical fitness and medical evaluations
At the candidate's own expense; the fitness assessment is the Canadian Forces firefighter physical fitness evaluation.
- 3
Paid training program
A 7 to 8 week full-time intensive session at the Saint John Fire Department Training Centre.
- 4
Probation
A 12-month probationary period before qualifying for the Holiday Relief Firefighter list.
Worth knowing
- Entry is through the Holiday Relief Firefighter role, which backfills permanent firefighters as needed.
- Fitness and medical evaluations are at the candidate's own expense.
Official sources
Last verified 2026-07. Requirements change: the official posting always governs.
Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Saint John Fire Department or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.
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