Firefighter Trainee

Firefighter Trainee

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will be accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Trainee beginning February 2, 2026. Please review this entire pre-recruitment announcement for important information. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.joinocfa.org for more information.

The OCFA utilizes the Fire Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL). Candidates must be on the FCTC SEL by the end of OCFA's application acceptance period, Sunday, March 1, 2026. The requirements to be placed on the FCTC SEL are as follows:

• Register and complete your profile on the FCTC website
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Possess a valid driver's license MUST upload to your profile AND keep current
• Have a high school diploma or GED MUST complete the education field in your profile
• Possess a valid Cal-JAC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Card (CPAT results are uploaded automatically by FCTC)
• Receive a passing score on the FCTC Written Test Written test score expires 12 months from date taken
• The OCFA only accepts FCTC scores of 80% or higher

ONLY candidates on the FCTC SEL with a score of 80% or higher will be invited to the Biddle Physical Ability Test. The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college and proctored by the college staff. Possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after September 1, 2025 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process. The OCFA does NOT accept a CPAT in lieu of participation in the Biddle Physical Ability Test (the CPAT is still a requirement for the FCTC SEL). Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are chosen for employment with the Orange County Fire Authority must successfully complete a comprehensive firefighter trainee academy.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• No experience required
• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License or out of state equivalent
• Possession of a current, valid California or National Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License
• Must be on Firefighter Candidate Testing Center's (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List with a written exam score of 80% or higher as of the close of this recruitment, March 1, 2026

A current, valid California or National Registry Paramedic License will be accepted in lieu of a current, valid California or National EMT License. Applicants will be required to attach a copy of their current, valid EMT or Paramedic License at time of application submission. Failure to submit the required documentation at time of application will result in disqualification.

Current schedule of events:

• Monday, February 2, 2026: Recruitment Opens
• Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.: Last day to apply
• March 21, 2026 April 12, 2026: Biddle Physical Agility Test
• May 4 29, 2026: Oral Interview
• TBD: Eligibility List Established
• June 15 July 17, 2026: Chief's Interview
• August 17 November 30, 2026: Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment
• December 11, 2026: Academy On-Boarding Orientation
• February 5, 2027: First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation

The above timeline is tentative and subject to change based on OCFA needs. Additional information regarding the selection process will be available on the recruitment announcement when the recruitment opens on February 2, 2026.