Entry Level Firefighter

WA Fire Careers will be running a continuous recruitment process for entry level firefighter in anticipation of upcoming recruit academies. The recruitment will remain open and WA Fire Careers will be pulling scores on March 20, 2026 in anticipation of the August 2026 academy.

Candidates are required to complete the following to be considered:

• Candidates must have a valid written test on the date scores are pulled on March 20, 2026.
• CPAT Physical Exam from an accredited agency:
  • Candidates must have a valid CPAT test on the date scores are pulled on March 20, 2026.
• Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA accessed through candidate account)
• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ accessed through candidate account)

Washington Fire Careers , (WA Fire Careers), is a collaborative organization comprised of numerous fire departments throughout King County, Washington. Our organization was created with the primary goal of making the entry level firefighter exam more affordable, accessible and inclusive for those looking to start a career in firefighting. All participating WA Fire Careers agencies are partnered through the South King County Fire Training Consortium , (SKCFTC), which serves as a single training division for select fire agencies located in King County.

The consortium combines resources and training officers from member agencies in a single training office to provide regionally consistent training to area firefighters.

WA Fire Careers was created using the same business model as the training consortium. By combining resources and efforts our agencies can develop stronger outreach and recruitment resources that promote access, opportunity and inclusion towards careers in the fire service, in the communities we serve. The time and cost of testing and interviewing for entry level firefighter positions with multiple agencies can be a barrier for many.

WA Fire Careers has developed a testing model where one low-cost test, taken online, places eligible applicants on a candidate list that will be used by all participating WA Fire Careers agencies for hiring purposes. Interview schedules within all agencies will be conducted collaboratively, to reduce the candidates time needed away from their regular jobs during interview events. The WA Fire Careers website will house information year-round of testing schedules and other resources to assist people seeking a career in the fire service.

Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Valley Regional Fire Authority, Renton Regional Fire Authority, Enumclaw Fire,and King County District 20 have partnered as a consortium and have joined National Testing Network (NTN) to conduct the initial testing of candidates which consists of a written test and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

The written test and a valid CPAT must be completed when scores are pulled on March 20, 2026 in anticipation of hiring for the August 2026 academy.

For each hiring process the agencies will consider the most recent written test score completed within the eligible timeframe.

You must submit a valid CPAT as a component of the application process. A copy of your IAFF certified CPAT through NTN or another agency must be valid when scores are pulled on March 20, 2026
. Out of State CPATS will be accepted if they are certified by the IAFF.

To confirm completion of your CPAT you will need to upload a copy of your certificate to the NTN document center no later than the date scores are pulled.

Please visit  to complete your application online and select the test date and/or location most convenient for you. For consideration candidates must coordinate and schedule the written exam via the NTN administered testing process.

National Testing Network can provide additional information regarding the scoring process and the written and CPAT expiration dates for purposes of the testing process. For further information you can contact NTN toll free at

The written examination will be offered on a continual basis through National Testing Network. The written examination will determine the top group of candidates to move forward to the preliminary interviews. There will be a minimum passing score of 70% for…