Frequently Asked Questions
What are the upper and lower age limits for joining as a Firefighter?
The minimum age before you can join the fire service is 18 but applicants can apply at 17 years and 6 months. There is no upper age limit.
How tall do you need to be to become a Firefighter?
There is no minimum or maximum height within the fire and rescue service. However, you will need to undertake a series of tests, these will need to be achieved in order to move on to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Do Fire and Rescue Services accept applications from everyone?
The fire and rescue service continues its drive towards greater equality and diversity among its people to reflect the communities they serve. Therefore, applications will be accepted from anyone regardless of their sex, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, religion or creed, political beliefs, trade union activity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age or any other factor which cannot be justified.
What are the eyesight requirements to join the fire service?
Firefighters require good vision in both eyes. A good standard of vision is required. You should have uncorrected vision of 6/18 in the better eye and 6/24 in the worse eye. Correct vision of 6/9 in both eyes and 6/12 in the worse eye is acceptable. If you are unsure of your level of vision please consult an optician.
Will being colour blind prevent me from becoming a Firefighter?
Colour vision defects will be assessed on an individual basis. If you are unsure of your level of vision please consult an optician.
I have recently had laser eye treatment. Can I still apply?
Certain kinds of corrective laser surgery will be considered, provided that there have been no complications one year post-operation and subject to further eyesight tests. If you are unsure of your level of vision please consult an optician.
What qualifications do I need to become a Firefighter?
No formal qualifications are required to become a Firefighter, your skills, attributes and personality are more important However, you will need to pass a series of written and aptitude tests to proceed with any application. Any qualifications you bring into the service may help with future promotion.
What medical grounds could I fail on?
The full medical takes place at our Occupational Health Unit and you will be expected to declare any health problems. It will be a matter for a Fire Service Occupational Health Doctor to consider whether any physical or mental impairment is incompatible with the duties of a firefighter. Each individual will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that there is no discrimination against individuals with a disability, however where safe adjustments cannot reasonably be made it may be necessary to reject a candidate on medical grounds. You will be required to give your consent for the Occupational Health Unit to obtain all your health records from your GP.
What are the entry tests to join the fire service?
Fire and Rescue Services now use the National Fire Fighter Tests to recruit applicants. There is information about the tests in the recruitment process section of this site.
I have a criminal record. Can I still apply and join as a Firefighter?
As the role of Firefighter will involve contact with children and/or vulnerable adults, employment is subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Standard Disclosure. Only those convictions that are relevant to the post will preclude your application being progressed further, therefore having a criminal record will not necessarily exclude you from becoming a Firefighter. If you have a criminal record, you will have to declare this in the application stages. You will be subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 which you will need to read, as each offence will be different.
What other jobs are available in the fire service?
There are many careers within the Fire and Rescue Service. However, this website is dedicated to the role of a Firefighter. All other vacancies will be advertised in local papers as well as at www.derbys-fire.gov.uk
Will it be quicker and easier to join because I've been in the Forces?
Everyone has an equal chance of applying to the Fire and Rescue Service, and there is no quick way in, even if you're leaving the Forces. The fact you have been in the Forces will help, regarding discipline and the physical side of the job. However being in the Fire Service is different to being in the Forces.
How long does the recruitment process take?
The recruitment process can take many months, in some cases it can take a year from application to actually starting. When a recruitment campaign commences, a timetable of the recruitment process will be issued outlining all the stages.
Can I do work experience at my local fire station?
Due to health and safety restrictions, it may not be possible to carry out work experience as a Firefighter.
Can I join as an Officer because I have a degree or other qualification?
It is unlikely you could join as an operational Officer as you will have had no operational experience. However, there does seem to be an increasing desire for non operational posts to be advertised outside of the service. This site does not hold a list of current vacancies and it is suggested you visit www.derby-fire.gov.uk for further information.
How do I join as a Firefighter Retained or a part time Firefighter?
Vacancies for Firefighters who wish to work the retained duty system (RDS) are usually advertised locally and at the Fire Stations that require them. You will be required to respond to a pager within five minutes, so you need to work or live close to the Fire Station. Please see www.derbys-fire.gov.uk for our current Firefighter (Retained Duty System) vacancies.
Eligibility to Work in the UK?
In order to comply with the law under Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, we are required by law to check all candidates are entitled to work in this Country before offering a position. If you are selected for a role, you will need to provide the following evidence of eligibility to work in the UK. Further details will be issued to you with any provisional job offer.
A passport showing you are a British Citizen and have a right of abode in the UK or a national passport or national identity card from a European Economic Area Country or Switzerland.
If you do not have one of the above documents you may alternatively produce a P45, P60 or National Insurance Card showing your NI number, PLUS a full birth certificate (including names of parents) issued in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland.
I have a disability, can I still become a Firefighter?
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has now been amended and Firefighters are no longer exempt from the Act. This means that anyone who considers themselves to have a disability can apply to join the Fire Service.
You will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process and to give details of the type of adjustments you may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a Firefighter, should you be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and if reasonable adjustments can be made to enable you to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a Firefighter then your application will proceed.
How do I apply to join as an Airport Firefighter?
Airport Firefighters are recruited in a totally different way to that of Local Authority Firefighters. Anyone seeking employment within the Airport Fire Service will need to keep an eye on Airport web sites in the hope that job opportunities come up.
