To apply for admission into the Fire Fighter Program, each applicant must:
- Not smoke or use tobacco. Tobacco use is strictly prohibited by Florida Statue 633.34.6. If you are a tobacco user, you will not be allowed in the class and cannot become a firefighter in the State of Florida.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have not been convicted of any felony or of any misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.
- Be a high school graduate or possess its equivalent (GED).
- Have passed a physical examination by a licensed Florida physician within the past six months, meeting the requirements of the Division of State Fire Marshal Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Medical Examination Form, FST-2, including EKG and hearing test.
- Be of good moral character.
- Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Show your driver’s license history include it with your application packet. The driver’s license history must be a certified record from a court house. Applicants with excessive points or who have had their licenses suspended within the last three years will be disqualified.
- Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). If you possess an A.S. degree or higher, you may qualify for an exemption from this requirement. Just bring your original college diploma or transcripts to a counselor at the main campus in Eustis as documentation.The TABE is given in the Assessment Center at the Lake Tech main campus. Beginning August 22, the testing hours will be 8 am – 5 pm on Mondays and 8 am – 2 pm on Thursdays. No appointment is necessary to take the test. Come in anytime during the stated hours, and a staff member will register you for the test before you begin testing. There is a $20 charge for the TABE. A picture ID is required.
- Take the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI). This test is also given in the Assessment Center. Beginning August 22, the testing hours will be 8 am – 5 pm on Mondays and 8 am – 2 pm on Thursdays. No appointment is necessary to take the test. Come in anytime during the stated hours, and a staff member will register you for the test before you begin testing. There is a $25 charge for the NFSI. A picture ID is required.
Admission to the Program will be based on the following:
- Approved application including the TABE requirement and NSFI results.
- Applicant must pass Physical Ability Test (PAT) evaluation. Orientation is held at Institute of Public Safety.
- After you have passed the PAT, you must go online to the Pearson VUE website to apply and pay for a Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (BFST) background check. The fingerprint fee (currently $57.25) must be paid by credit card on that site. You will then go to a Pearson VUE site of your choice to have your prints taken. You must also bring with you to your first class session, a $30 check or money order made payable to: The Florida Department of Financial Services which covers the BFST application and state exam.
