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Recruitment Information

Eligibility Requirements (as of test date):

   - At least 18 years of age
   - High school diploma or equivalent
   - Valid driver's license and a good driving record
   - Honorable discharge, if any, from the military
   - Must meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582

Disqualifiers include, but are not limited to, the following:

   - Admission and/or conviction of a felony offense
   - Admission and/or conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
   - Illegal drug use within 12 months of the test date
   - Sale of drugs
   - Certain drug use and/or patterns of drug use
   - Anything other than an honorable discharge from the military
   - Pattern of theft

- DUI (driving under the influence) within the last 5 years

Steps in the Hiring Process:

Firefighter candidates must successfully complete all of the following steps to be considered for employment:

Written Examination
Candidate Physical Ability Test � (CPAT)
Background Interview & Application Packet Review
Background Investigation (including references, work history, credit, criminal, and driving records)
Polygraph Examination
Panel Interview
Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Drug Screening
Civil Service Certification

Driver's License Requirements: The Charlotte Fire Department requires its Firefighters to have a valid driver's license in their current state of residence as a condition of employment. North Carolina law requires all residents to obtain a valid and up-to-date North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of moving (in the case of in-state applicants) or establishing residence (in the case of out-of-state applicants). You may refer to the DMV website for more information on driving and license requirements.

North Carolina Residents:
If you live in North Carolina, you must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License that lists your current residence in order to be considered for a Firefighter position.

South Carolina Residents:
Applicants who reside in South Carolina must have a valid South Carolina license with their current address.

Out of State Applicants:
If you move to North Carolina during the hiring process, you will have 60 days to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License. You will be required to present the North Carolina Driver's License upon request. If you cannot get a North Carolina Driver's License or otherwise refuse to provide it, you will be disqualified from the application process.

Out of town applicants - PLEASE READ!!!
Please note that you will need to be in Charlotte several times in order to complete the process. Every effort will be made to accommodate your travel arrangements, but please keep in mind that we are not afforded much flexibility due to time and scheduling constraints.

Other important information:

- Training
- Salary and benefits

EMT Certification Reciprocity**

All candidates will be required to obtain NC EMT certification prior to the completion of the recruit training program. If you have an out-of-state EMT certification, you may check with the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services for reciprocity requirements. However, the Charlotte Fire Department would prefer you to not begin the reciprocity process prior to the start of recruit school. Our training division will work with all new hires to determine the best way for each individual to obtain NC EMT certification.