Interested in applying to become a firefighter? Find out how we recruit from your initial application through to taking up references and medical checks.
There are six stages in our recruitment process.
You will be asked to provide personal details such as name, address, contact details, qualifications, driving licence, fire service employment etc.
You will also be asked at the application stage to complete a declaration of any criminal convictions that you have that are 'unspent' (under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act). If you have any ‘unspent’ convictions we are unlikely to consider your application.
If you are unsure whether your conviction is spent or not you can email the firefighter recruitment team at firefighter.recruitment@london-fire.gov.uk for further guidance, or to seek legal advice. You may have to undergo a criminal records bureau check at some point in the future.
More information about the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 can be found in the Home Office booklet “A Guide To The Rehabilitation Of Offenders Act (1974)” issued by the HM Stationery Office.
The Fire Service is guided by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This means that anyone who considers that they have a disability can apply. You will be asked on the application form if you have any special requirements which fall under the DDA.
You will be asked to tell us about your skills and experience in relation to various PQA's. Applicants who meet the essential requirements are invited to the next stage of the selection process.
This section consists of four different tests which have been designed to assess your ability to use information. The four tests are:
This test is about your ability to learn and retain information. You will be presented with short briefings on a video and then be assessed on how much you have learned through multiple-choice questions.
This test is about your ability to understand information. You will be provided with a series of short written passages and be assessed on the extent of your understanding through multiple-choice questions.
This test is about your capacity to undertake calculations which is relevant to using breathing apparatus in a firefighter role – though no specialist knowledge is required to answer these questions.
This test is about the ability to identify key information presented on a video. After the video is played you will be assessed on your ability to identify the relevant information through a number of multiple-choice questions.
The interview will be run by brigade staff. You will be asked questions relating to your knowledge, skills and attributes to determine your suitability for the role of a Firefighter. Make sure you are well prepared for your interview, turn up on time and in a presentable manner.
More information about physical tests.
You will be asked to attend a medical where you will be examined by our medical doctor and nurse. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire covering your medical history and will then be subject to a series of tests. Your medical records may need to be obtained from your GP.
We will seek details of your previous work/study for the past three years.
