Firefighter

Written Exam Requirements

The Written Exam for the position of Full-Time Firefighter is administered through National Testing Network (NTN). You must register and complete this exam by June 26, 2026 at 4:30pm to be considered for this position.

To register with NTN and schedule a test: go to  (select ‘Browse Jobs’, then select Firefighter and sign up for the City of Oberlin). When you visit the website, complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test, review detailed information about the testing process, and note that both in-person and virtual testing options are available. Financial assistance for the exam fee is available for any candidate who requests it.

Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test if desired.

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to The City of Oberlin. A score of 70% or higher on the Written Exam is considered a passing score. Those who receive a passing score on the Written Exam may take the Physical Agility Test (administered by the Oberlin Fire Department, date TBD).

This is skilled firefighting work that involves combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, as well as providing rescue services to protect life and property. Work also involves driving equipment when specifically assigned on shift and routine maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters.

Employees under this class perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion amid fire, heat, smoke, and cramped surroundings. Although firefighting and rescue work are the most demanding areas, a large portion of time is spent studying methods and techniques of fire prevention, suppression, and advanced life-saving techniques, studying and perfecting the operation of fire and rescue equipment and apparatus, and performing routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment.

Work is usually performed under the command of a superior officer and is reviewed in progress and upon completion.

• Receives and responds to routine and emergency telephone calls.
• Response to fire alarms and other emergency calls; controls and extinguishes fires; protects life and property.
• Selects hose and nozzle, depending on type of fire, deploys hose-lines and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire; positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axe, chisel crowbar, saw and other power equipment; and may deactivate utility services to prevent explosions or other fire extension.
• Responses to emergency situations; drives emergency vehicles to scene of emergency; operates apparatus on scene.
• Provides efficient and immediate emergency care to the ill or injured at the scene of an incident and during transport; operates emergency care equipment.
• Conducts patient assessments; administers appropriate basic or advanced life support care at the site of emergency; performs such activities as patient assessment, artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, treating wounds, abrasions, and shock, applying splints, patient extrication, maintaining airways, and administering oxygen.
• May perform advanced medical care, including endotracheal and nasotracheal insertion, chest tubes, and IV cannulation.
• Reports vital information regarding care and condition to medical personnel receiving patient.
• Participates in salvage operations, such as removing and covering furniture, removing water and cleaning debris.
• Performs overhaul operations to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.
• May perform duties of fire inspector as assigned; conducts building inspections for fire hazards; examines blueprints; tests and inspects sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire hydrants, etc.; serves notices for correction of fire code regulations; advises citizens on fire safety.
• Develops preplans that provide the most effective firefighting.
• Investigates causes and circumstances surrounding fires.
• Participates in a continuing program of…