Can I become a firefighter?

From finding out if the role is for you, to the checks involved in offering you a post, these are the six steps to applying to WYFRS.

THE JOB

Find out more about the role of a firefighter. You will be involved in a wide range of responsibilities, including:

  • Preventing incidents and supporting community safety
  • Responding to challenging and potentially traumatic emergencies
  • Maintaining operational equipment and personal readiness
  • Working a shift pattern, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
  • Following instructions while using initiative in dynamic situations
  • Working closely within a team and acting as a positive role model
  • Maintaining the fitness standards required for operational duties

Find out more about the expectations of the role here.

FORMAL REQUIREMENTS

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Age

18 years or over at the date of commencing training. There is no upper age limit.

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Nationality

UK eligibility to work.

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Criminal Convictions

Will not necessarily prevent you from working for us, it will depend on the type/relevance of offence.

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Health

No height or weight restrictions but higher-than-average levels of strength, endurance and aerobic fitness essential.

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Qualifications

No formal educational qualifications are required in order to apply. If you are eligible to apply you will be invited to complete an online Behavioural Styles questionnaire. You may be invited to undertake further online tests.

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Driving Licence

We accept applications from people who do not yet have a full driving licence, however it is expected that you will be willing to take lessons and possess a full driving licence before you can be classed as a fully competent firefighter.

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Tattoos

You may apply if you have a tattoo(s), however if you have visible tattoos on your hands and neck and these are deemed offensive then you will not be able to proceed with any application you make.

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West Yorkshire Postcode

You must reside permanently at a West Yorkshire postcode at the date of on-line registration.

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Eyesight

You must meet the required eyesight standards for operational firefighters. 

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Fitness Assessments

Successful applicants will be required to pass a series of job-related fitness and practical assessments as part of the recruitment process.

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Medical Assessment

All successful applicants will be required to complete a medical assessment to confirm they are fit to undertake the role safely.

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Substance Misuse

Applicants may be subject to substance misuse testing in line with Service policies.

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Values and Behaviour Standards

Applicants must be able to demonstrate behaviours and values consistent with those expected within West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

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Facial Hair

Operational firefighters are required to be clean shaven where the breathing apparatus face mask forms a seal against the skin. This is essential to ensure breathing apparatus can operate effectively and safely during incidents. 

Online tests and Application

First, you must register your interest online. You will then be invited to complete an online psychometric test to assess your skills against those required to be a successful Firefighter. If you are successful, you will be asked to complete the Numerical Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning tests (the pass mark is set at L2 grade 4 standard). If Successful, you will be sent a link to an application form and eligibility questions. Applications will be scored and successful candidates will be sent an invite to the physical testing day

Here are example tests for you to practice on.

Numerical reasoning test

Verbal reasoning test

 

PHYSICAL TESTING

Successful applicants will be required to pass a series of job-related fitness and practical assessments as part of the recruitment process.

Physical testing will comprise of:

  • Aerobic Test
  • Strength Tests

You must pass each test to move onto the next test. Testing takes 1 day.

Testing will consist of:

  • Casualty Evacuation Test
  • Chester Treadmill Test
  • Ladder Carry Test
  • Ladder Extension Test
  • Ladder Lift Test
  • Equipment Carry Test
  • Ladder Climb Test
  • BA Crawl Test
  • Practical Station

INTERVIEW & ASSESSMENT CENTRE

If you pass the physical tests, you will progress to the assessment centre and interview stage (the date and time of which will be advised later). This element will consist of a standard interview and two scenarios which simulate typical situations a Firefighter would face in their role.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

All successful applicants will be required to complete a medical assessment to confirm they are fit to undertake the role safely.

You will be asked to:

  • Complete a health questionnaire for the Occupational Health Unit
  • Provide a signed GP consent form ­(giving permission for your GP to release your medical information in confidence)
  • Participate in drug and alcohol screening
  • Attend an Occupational Health Check at our Headquarters
  • Attend a Medical Examination & review – the Authority Medical Advisor (AMA) may refer you for further tests or seek specialist consultant advice, if necessary.
  • If you think your eyesight may be an issue then please view our eyesight requirements.

If you are in any doubt about whether your eyesight will meet the standard we require, print off the eyesight standards document and see your optician

Checks and references

As a Government Agency, we must check the information you provided in your application. This includes:

  • Subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service
  • Online check of your driving licence
  • You must provide proof of living in West Yorkshire, evidence of identity, references covering a minimum of three years’ work/academic history and five years’ address history
Register your interest before midnight on 5 July 2026 to be considered for the next round of recruitment.