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 manual UK driving licence by the time they become a firefighter
• 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
• Have good colour vision
• Be at least 18 years old on appointment

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