SEMPARO

City Guides / Ontario

How to become a firefighter in Toronto

Verified 2026-07
Model B: Come pre-certified
OFAI FACT
OFAI FPAT

Toronto recruits through the OFAI Candidate Testing Services pipeline: you complete Stage One (FACT), Stage Two (hearing, vision, and encapsulated treadmill), and Stage Three (FPAT) on your own schedule and hold the certificates when a posting closes. Stage Two and Three must be current at closing, while an expired-but-valid Stage One FACT is accepted. Candidates also need NFPA 1001 Level I and II, an EMR certificate, and an Ontario DZ licence. Postings run roughly annually with 20 or more positions.

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

Application window

Roughly annual postings, 20 or more positions

Requirements

Required at application

Preferred assets

  • OFAI swim test or Bronze Medallion/Bronze Cross
    Preferred asset
    Prepare with roadmap step 8
  • Scuba certification
    Preferred asset
  • Heavy vehicle experience
    Preferred asset
  • Military or healthcare experience
    Preferred asset
  • Multilingualism
    Preferred asset

The hiring process

  1. 1

    OFAI Stage One: FACT($75)

    Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test, pass/fail, valid 24 months; retake waits of 15 days then 30 days.

  2. 2

    OFAI Stage Two: hearing, vision, encapsulated treadmill

    Must be current at closing.

  3. 3

    OFAI Stage Three: FPAT

    Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job-Related Tests; must be current at closing.

  4. 4

    Application to Toronto Fire Services posting

    Roughly annual postings, 20 or more positions.

Worth knowing

  • OFAI CTS certificates are portable across participating Ontario municipalities.
  • An expired-but-valid Stage One FACT is accepted; Stage Two and Stage Three must be current at closing.

Official sources

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

Semparo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toronto Fire Services (TFS) or any testing vendor. This guide is independent preparation content.

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