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 retirement please visit http://www.charlottefireretsys.org.
Q) How do I update my personal information? (back to top)
Applicants can update their personal information at anytime by returning to the online application website.
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 pursue, 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
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 2011 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)
Applicants can update their personal information anytime by returning to the online applicantion website.
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.
Q) I was not able to make my scheduled CPAT appointment. Will you be offering a make-up date? (back to top)
A. If you were unable to make your assigned appointment, regardless of the reason, you are no longer eligible to be considered for a Firefighter position. Please apply again next year.
Q) After the CPAT, when should I expect to hear something? (back to top)
It will take us considerable time to review all applications, and we will stagger interviews throughout the coming year. It may be a few weeks or even a few months before you hear anything. Please be patient! Your application will remain in an open and active status until we inform you otherwise.
Q) I passed the CPAT. What is the next step? (back to top)
A. Everyone who passed the CPAT will be eligible to be considered for a Firefighter position. The next step is a pre-polygraph/background interview. We will contact you if you are selected to move forward.
Q) If I am selected for a background interview, what do I need to know and what should I bring with me? (back to top)
A. You should bring 2 completed sets of your personal history documents. This is a formal interview and you should dress accordingly. Also, allow plenty of time (anywhere from 2-4 hours) for administrative work and for your interview.
Q) If I complete a background interview, what is next? (back to top)
A. A panel interview is the next step. As with the background interviews, we will stagger panel interviews throughout the year. If you do not hear something right away, please be patient! There is no need to call to check on your appointment. We will contact all applicants who are selected for a polygraph. All applications will remain open until you are notified otherwise.
Q) I know someone in the hiring process who has an interview scheduled. What does that mean for me? Should I call to check my application? (back to top)
A. You can check your status at anytime by visiting the online application website. Your application will remain open and active until you hear otherwise from us. Also, you should not consider anyone else's status as an indicator of where you stand. We will be scheduling interviews throughout the year and unless you receive notification that your application has been closed, you are still eligible to be considered.
Q) My contact information has changed. How should I notify you? (back to top)
A. Accurate information (email, phone, address) is critical. it is your responsibility to make sure your information is correct. If we cannot get in tough with you, we will move on to another applicant. You can update your personal information at anytime by returning to the online application website.
Q) How do I know where I am on the list? (back to top)
A. The Charlotte Fire Department does not keep a list. We do not rank order candidates based on their written test score or CPAT times. The written test and the CPAT are simply pass/fail. Their purpose is to establish an eligibility pool of applicants. Everyone who passed both the written test and the CPAT is considered a candidate in the current applicant pool.
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Previous Process Applicant Questions
Q) I am a well-qualified candidate who meets all your selection criteria. Why was I not selected? (back to top)
A. Keep in mind that this is an extremely competitive situation where hundreds of applicants are competing for only a few positions. We cannot possibly interview everyone who passes the CPAT. We do a thorough application review to determine the most qualified candidates, then we schedule those candidates for the next steps.
Q) How can I find out why I was not selected? (back to top)
A. Unfortunately, we cannot provide that feedback. In general, there typically is not one single reason or deciding factor for why any one person was not selected. We take a thorough look at each application. Those candidates with the most positive attributes and the lease negative attributes are typically the ones that move forward. We recommend you take a close look at your application and look for area of improvement.
Q) How do I become a stronger applicant? (back to top)
Keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive, but some things you might consider:
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Establish a steady work history, with strong job performance and good attendance
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Pursue additional education or training beyond high school
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Obtain an EMT or other professional certifications
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Gain experience in fire or other emergency-related work
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Establish yourself as a leader in the community through volunteer work or other activities
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Refrain from criminal or other questionable conduct
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Keep a clean criminal and driving record
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Be honest and forthright
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Provide as much detail on your application as possible
Q) How do I reapply? (back to top)
A. Continue to check our website regularly for updates. When the next written test is scheduled, we will post information on the test date and location, as well as online registration information.
Please contact CFDRecruitment@ci.charlotte.nc.us for any additional information on the written exam or CPAT.
