Skills for the job

Every year we receive thousands of enquiries about becoming a London firefighter, find out whether you have the right skills to become a firefighter in this section. 

Basic standards

All our trainees must:

• Hold a full UK manual driving licence
• Be a UK/EU citizen, without work restrictions or be a permanent resident of the UK
• Pass certain rigorous physical and job related tests (see physical tests)
• Pass medical and eye examinations
• Be at least 17.5 years old as of the closing date of the advert

Is it really for you?

Although you don’t need any formal qualifications to apply, there are certain qualities that make an effective firefighter.

Take a minute to answer the following questions honestly:

• Are you genuinely interested in people and able to get on with people from different backgrounds and cultures?
• Are you committed to promoting the safety of your community?
• Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
• Could you work under pressure to support your colleagues? 
• Can you think on your feet to solve problems, react flexibly and use your initiative?
• Would you be able to deal sensitively with members of the public in difficult and emotional situations?
• Would you be able to take the responsibility for representing a professional service? 
• Are you committed to always maintaining and developing your skills?
• Do you enjoy working in a job where there is lots of change and improvements?
• Are you prepared to follow instructions from others?
• Are you prepared to work unsocial work patterns, which will include night shifts, weekend work, and public holidays?
• Are you dependable and can be relied on to do something? 
• Are you prepared to commit around 85 days of your life to your initial training, with no time off for holidays?
• Are you prepared, at emergency incidents, to work for several hours in difficult conditions without a break? 

Still interested? Find out more about the physical tests