2026 Firefighter

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Statewide, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This examination is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to establish an eligible list from which to fill Firefighter vacancies in Civil Service Fire Departments. This examination consists of two components which make up your total score; a written examination 50% and an entry level physical ability test (ELPAT) 50%. The written examination consists of three subtests: the Written Ability Test (WAT), the Life Experience Survey (LES), and the Work Styles Questionnaire (WSQ). The WAT is administered to measure cognitive abilities that have been identified as essential to performing the duties of a Firefighter. The WAT includes areas of verbal expression, verbal comprehension, problem sensitivity, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and information ordering. The LES consists of a series of multiple-choice questions related to candidates past history and experience of potential relevance to successful performance of entry level Firefighters. The WSQ is designed to assess certain motivational, value-related and attitudinal characteristics that are of potential relevance to successful performance of entry level Firefighters. Candidates must receive a passing score on the WAT (Ability) section of the examination in order to have the WSQ (Work Styles Questionnaire) and LES (Life Experience Survey) sections scored. The Preparation Guide for the Municipal Firefighter examination recommends spending one hour and fifteen minutes on the Ability section, before continuing to the rest of the examination. The ELPAT is designed to assess a candidate's capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a Firefighter while on the job. This is accomplished by requiring the candidate to perform a series of events that both simulate firefighting activities and depend on the physical abilities required to perform the Firefighter's job. Candidates can view the PAT preparation video here Massachusetts Physical Ability Test (PAT) Firefighter Video Municipal Firefighter candidates who pass the written examination, ELPAT, and receive a conditional offer of employment from a municipality will be instructed on how to apply for the Physical Ability Test and other screening processes. All candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must pass the medical examination. Candidates must pass the medical examination before participating in the Physical Ability Test. Candidates may also be required to pass a psychological evaluation before appointment. The PAT is a test of the candidate's aerobic capacity and physical capability to perform various tasks required on the job. A candidate may need a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license before appointment. Candidates selected for this public safety position will be subject to a background investigation conducted by the hiring department.

Requirements

As of the posting of this notice, candidates must be at least 19 years of age on or before August 31, 2026, for all civil service fire departments as defined in Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 31, Section 58.
Candidates must receive a passing score on the WAT (Ability) section of the examination in order to have the WSQ (Work Styles Questionnaire) and LES (Life Experience Survey) sections scored.
Candidates must pass the medical examination before participating in the Physical Ability Test.
Candidates may also be required to pass a psychological evaluation before appointment.
Candidates selected for this public safety position will be subject to a background investigation conducted by the hiring department.

Nice To Haves

Proof of possession of a current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, must be submitted to qualify for this selective certification.
If a municipality requires that a Firefighter be fluent in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, etc.) or are a specific gender, the municipality may request that competition for that vacancy be limited to persons who have such skills. You will need to prove your language fluency at the time of consideration.