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We are currently updating our recruitment process for the 2027 intake. More changes are expected and will be posted on this webpage shortly. Please note the following confirmed change:
Firefighting is a challenging, demanding, exciting and fulfilling career that goes beyond physical ability. It also encompasses:
The recruitment process for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is highly competitive and comprehensive, and consists of multiple stages. Candidates who successfully navigate through each stage of the process are placed on an eligibility list for potential selection as a firefighter. Advancement and placement on this list are determined by the applicant's performance in each stage of the process.
Have questions? Learn more: Recruitment Process Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the extensive application process of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, among other factors, we will begin accepting applications for the next year's recruitment cycle before completing the hiring process for the current year. This is a common practice which aligns with previous years' hiring procedures.
Interested individuals can submit their applications through the City of Edmonton careers site between January 1 and 31, each year, for potential recruitment classes which will be employed in the following year.
If you have further questions about Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, the firefighter recruitment process, or firefighting in general, simply reach out to firefighterrecruitment@edmonton.ca
You must upload the following documentation by the end of our application intake period. Documents from previous or other applications will not be considered. Please review this checklist of required documents prior to applying. Proof of enrolment will not be accepted.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to address all application requirements, meet deadlines and be available to attend scheduled assessments.
During the recruitment process, applicants are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide. If it is confirmed that information was withheld, falsified or misrepresented by any source, applicants will not be considered for employment. A confirmed misrepresentation could lead to an offer of employment being rescinded and/or dismissal at any point during employment.
To succeed in the demanding fire-rescue environment, firefighters must have specific skills. The aptitude test accounts for 40% of a candidate's overall score and assesses these skills, which include:
Applicants, by invitation only, will be advised of the day and time of the virtual aptitude test. The test is typically scheduled for March or April. There will be no rewrites.
A non-refundable $65 payment to the City of Edmonton will be required prior to writing the aptitude test. Note: This fee is subject to change without notice.
Test Preparation Resources (Optional): Prepare for your test with official CPS HR study materials. These resources are available for purchase from the vendor and will come at a cost to the applicant. For technical assistance, contact crcsupport@cpshr.us.
As part of the application screening process, a comprehensive resume review will be conducted. During the initial application phase, pre-screen questions will assess the specific assets that are being reviewed and considered for scoring purposes. Tangible assets will necessitate the submission of supporting evidence and references, which will be clearly outlined in the application instructions.
The resume review will contribute to 10% of the overall score for each candidate. The verification and confirmation of skills and other credentials will take place during the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), if and when candidates are invited to participate.
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs):
In the spring, Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) will be conducted exclusively for the applicants who receive an invitation. For the selected candidates, valuable tips and guidance on how to prepare for the MMIs will be provided. It's important to note that the MMIs carry significant weight, accounting for 50% of each candidate's overall score.
During the MMIs, candidates will undergo a structured process consisting of seven different interview stations. At each station, candidates will be posed a single question, and they will be given two minutes to gather their thoughts before delivering their response within a five-minute timeframe.
This interview format ensures a fair and consistent evaluation while allowing candidates the opportunity to showcase their abilities and perspectives across a range of key dimensions.
All candidates are required to participate in a ride-along with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. This is a job shadowing experience to give the candidate a fuller understanding of a day in the life of a firefighter. Candidates will spend a shift in the passenger seat of a fire vehicle and observe the actions of the fire crew.
More information about the ride-along portion of the recruitment process will be available at a later date.
The Physical Fitness Test is administered to ensure applicants possess the physical capabilities necessary for firefighting. This test is conducted by the University of Alberta's Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation. For information about the test, including demonstrations and training suggestions, visit UAB.CA/FireTest. This test is a pass-fail test where the candidate will go through a treadmill test followed by 6 stations that simulate tasks that firefighters are required to perform on the job.
A non-refundable $388.50 payment to the University of Alberta will be required prior to participating in the Physical Fitness Test. Note: this fee is subject to change without notice.
All candidates may be required to undergo a psychological assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to identify major personality traits and characteristics of a successful firefighter.
More information about the psychological assessment will be available at a later date.
The determination of the number of applicants to be included on the eligibility list at Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is based on the comprehensive outcomes of the recruitment process. A candidate's overall score is calculated by considering their performance in the resume review, aptitude test, and MMI interview along with the passing of the physical assessment.
Only applicants who attain the highest overall scores will be placed on the eligibility list. It's important to note that this eligibility list will remain valid until December 31 the following year. This date may be extended at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
Before forming a firefighter recruit class, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services requires potential candidates to complete a Threshold Knowledge Test.
This assessment within the recruitment process requires candidates to complete and pass:
Successful candidates will be notified when Edmonton Fire Rescue Services determines the need for a new recruit class.
The following steps will then be implemented:
| Rank | Bi-Weekly Hours | Annual Pay | Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probationary / 1st Year Firefighter | 84 | $76,828 | $35.04 |
| 2nd Year Firefighter | 84 | $89,022 | $40.60 |
| 3rd Year Firefighter | 84 | $101,218 | $46.16 |
| 4th Year Firefighter | 84 | $113,412 | $51.73 |
| 5th Year Firefighter | 84 | $121,950 | $55.62 |
| 8th Year Firefighter | 84 | $124,388 | $56.73 |
| 11th Year Firefighter | 84 | $130,485 | $59.51 |
| 18th Year Firefighter | 84 | $131,704 | $60.07 |
| Senior Firefighter Qualified | 84 | $140,241 | $63.96 |
| Fire Captain | 84 | $153,656 | $70.08 |
| Station Captain | 84 | $156,094 | $71.19 |
| District Fire Chief | 84 | $169,509 | $77.31 |
Note: The wage rates shown reflect the adjustments from the EFFU collective agreement finalized September 2025.
City of Edmonton employees (working for Fire Rescue Services), have diverse roles, distinct backgrounds and unique responsibilities. All City work aligns to its Corporate Promise.
The City of Edmonton is guided by 5 Cultural Commitments: Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent. It is critical that firefighters learn and understand these commitments ahead of their career with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.
To learn more, please visit Our Culture.
The City of Edmonton and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is committed to attracting and recruiting a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We intentionally seek and value diversity, as outlined inThe Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity & Inclusion Framework.
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion operates in clear alignment with the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Commitments to be Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent. By including and valuing diverse perspectives, we can better serve the needs of all Edmontonians and continue to build our great city.