General Questions
Q) Does the CFD have a residency restriction? (back to top)
No. We do not have a county or state residency restriction.
Q) When is the next step in the process? (back to top)
Each applicant will be notified of their next step after the completion of the current step. The notification can be via email, letter or phone call. Please be patient during the hiring process. Often it will be a few months prior to any notification simply due to the fact we are usually looking at approximately 1,000 - 2,000 applicants.
Q) Why do I have to have a valid drivers license? (back to top)
All applicants must have a valid driver's license to apply for the CFD. This is part of our job description due to the fact one may be called upon to drive if the situation warrants.
Q) Is my EMT certification valid in North Carolina? (back to top)
Please visit this website http://facility-services.state.nc.us/EMS/resopros.htm for reciprocity.
Q) What are the retirement benefits? (back to top)
For information regarding retirment please visit www.charlottefireretsyst.org.
Q) How do I update my personal information? (back to top)
Please submit all personal information updates via email to CFDrecruitment@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Q) What can I do to prepare myself as an applicant? (back to top)
We recommend you gain as much education about the fire service as possible. If you are in a volunteer district you may want to try volunteer firefighting. Regarding higher education, our local community college and university offer courses in Fire Engineering. You may want to see what is offered in your area. This may be an avenue you would want to persue, but I need to mention it is not required. Our firefighters are first responders as well, so you may be interested in some EMT classes for familiarization. Please do not think we hire on education and experience alone, we are looking at the whole package!
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Qualification Questions
Q) Do I have to have experience? (back to top)
No experience is necessary to apply for the Charlotte Fire Department. All new employees receive training for approximately 16-18 weeks prior to placement in a fire station.
Q) I graduate from High School in June, can I still apply? (back to top)
Although you may be 18 years of age at the time of the written exam, you must also have your High School diploma or GED to apply.
Q) Do I have to have a license to apply? (back to top)
Yes, all applicants must have a valid driver's license.
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Written Exam Questions
The written exam was held on February 16, 2008. Please click here to register for the 2009 Firefighter Applicant Interest List. (back to top)
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Q) How do I find out when the next written exam is held? (back to top)
If you have missed the current year's written exam, you may register on our 'interest list' to receive a postcard notifying you when registration opens. Do not rely solely on the USPS, please continue to check this website frequently for any updates. Note: the interest list is a mailing list only and will not pre-register you for the 2009 hiring process. You only need to register once.
Q) Can I study for the written exam? (back to top)
The exam is a general knowledge test. There are no study guides.
Q) I entered my email address for the written exam, but have not received any emails? (back to top)
The registration link email is sent instantly. If you have not received it, please check your junk/bulk mail folder. If you cannot locate this folder please contact your internet provider.
Q) I forgot to enter something when I registered, how do I update my information? (back to top)
Please email all personal information updates to CFDrecruitment@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Q) How long will the exam last? (back to top)
Please plan for a minimum of 4 hours.
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Current Process Questions
Q) What is the latest information for the current process? (back to top)
Please visit the Current Process webpage.
Please contact CFDRecruitment@ci.charlotte.nc.us for any additional information on the written exam or CPAT for 2008.
