Firefighter Academy

Overview

The application period will close after 500 eligible applications have been received (or Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Arizona time, whichever comes first).

Eligibility criteria

• Applicant is 18 years old or older and has a High School Diploma or GED by February 2, 2026;
• Applicant currently has, or will have, a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date;
• Applicant has a valid CPAT, detailed in full on the supplemental questions, including Agency, CPAT number, and a completion date between August 2, 2025 and the date the application is submitted.

CPAT testing through NTN can take 1-3 days to process and provide a number. Do not delay. The number must be on your application as indicated above. If you obtained your CPAT with a Community College, list the issuing agency again.

Firefighter-Recruit entry is the entry class;
Mesa Fire and Medical Department does not accept lateral transfers of Firefighters from other Departments. While enrolled, employees are assigned to 8-hour or 10-hour shifts and 40-hour work weeks. Upon successful completion of the academy, Firefighter-Recruits are promoted to the Firefighter classification and begin serving the regular probation period as a City of Mesa Firefighter. Incumbents are then required to work 12-hour or 24-hour shift schedules, though they may be assigned to 8-hour or 10-hour shifts and 40-hour workweeks while assisting on special projects.

Pay

Firefighter Pre-Recruit Pay: $34,958 Annually

Firefighter - Recruit Pay: $57,593 Annually

Mesa Firefighter Pay (After Promotion from Firefighter Recruit Academy): $60,562 Annually

All applicants will be notified of their status via email by Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by 6:00 p.m. Arizona time. If you have not received an email with your status after that time, please contact City of Mesa Human Resources at  for assistance (Mon-Thu, 7:00 a.m.

- 6:00 p.m.; closed Friday - Sunday).

Firefighter Recruit is a trainee class to prepare incumbents for public safety work in MFMD. Preparation involves training in fire suppression, EMS, and incident response. A Firefighter Recruit must demonstrate MFMD standards and may perform related duties prior to academy graduation. This class is an at-will position.

Important information when completing your application

• Ensure the name on your application matches your government-issued photo .
• Ensure contact information is accurate, including your email. All communication regarding the testing process will be sent via email.

Applicants are encouraged to view the Firefighter Recruitment page, Firefighter Recruit FAQ, and How to Submit a Successful Application video for guidance. The video is viewable on desktop only.

Applicants wishing to use Preference Points will do so at the Written Exam step. Information will be emailed by February 18, 2026 by 6:00 p.m. Arizona time.

The Written Exam will be offered through NTN between February 19, 2026 and March 9, 2026. Applicants may test at NTN testing centers or via a virtual option. NTN test scores are valid for up to one year. MFMD will cover testing costs for invited applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed, download and submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request form as soon as possible to NTN for consideration by February 23, 2026, 8:00 a.m. Arizona time.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old by February 2, 2026.
• Graduation from high school or GED by February 2, 2026.
• Possession of a valid CPAT with licensed agency is required to apply. For the August 2026 Academy, a valid CPAT must be dated between August 2, 2025 and the date your application is submitted. Include the Agency, CPAT number, and date in your supplemental questions. Applications that do not include these details will be deemed ineligible.
• State of Arizona EMT or Paramedic certification is not required to apply or test but will be required before start of the Academy and must be kept current thereafter. If EMT certification is not obtained by the start date, candidates may be offered a Fire Pre-Recruit position with MFMD-sponsored EMT training. Proof of a 3.0+ GPA or higher in high school or an associate’s degree or higher may be required by the EMT course provider.
  
  See the Arizona Department of Health Services for certification information.

Special requirements

Must possess a valid Arizona Class D Driver's License by hire date and have an acceptable driving record. Must pass a pre-employment physical. Must meet NFPA and MFMD physical standards. Must pass a CFR  medical evaluation and must maintain certification. Some positions require a psychological examination. Must not be on the OIG LEIE list.

Substance abuse testing

Pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing may be required as per City policy.

Desirable qualifications

Fire Science coursework from a regionally accredited college or university and prior…