| Hiring Process |
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Hiring Process
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1. Interest Form Completed |
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An Interest Form can be downloaded and completed if a candidate wants to be placed in our database to be notified of the next Hiring Process. It is the candidates' responsibility to contact Recruitment for contact and certification updates.
Firefighter Recruitment Interest Form (PDF - 48 KB) |
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2. Position is posted |
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The Fire Recruit/Certified Firefighter positions are posted on the Fire Rescue Website. Select the link to see if there are any:
Fire Rescue Job Openings
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3. Orange County Online Application (Certified & Firefighter Recruit) |
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Candidates must complete an on-line Orange County application to be considered. The application can be found at the Orange County Fire Rescue page under Fire Rescue job openings. Please read carefully and print out the entire job posting for future reference. Click the "apply here" link at the top of the posting.
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4. Written Test / CPAT Orientation |
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Eligible candidates will sit for a written test designed to assess their skills in determining their abilities to become a Firefighter. It has been found, that the exam measures skills that have been linked to success as a firefighter, including cognitive skills, such as reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning. The test also covers more practical skills like decision-making and problem solving. Test schedule, results and information will be posted on the Fire Rescue website at the Orange County Fire Rescue page under Recruitment Information.
To be admitted into the Written Test, you must present an official picture I.D. (i.e. Driver License, Federal I.D., Military I.D., etc.) and dress business casual.
The CPAT Orientation Guide (PDF - 332 KB) was developed by the Fire Service Joint Labor and Management Wellness and Fitness Initiative Task Force, which were composed of members from the IAFF, IAFC, ten Fire Departments and Local (Unions) from across the United States and Canada. The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a standardized physical ability test adopted by the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.
The Orange County Fire Rescue Department offers a Candidate Physical Ability Test Orientation class for all eligible applicants.
The orientation class includes:
- A CPAT video that describes and demonstrates each test task
- Mentoring and scheduling
- A discussion of basic exercise concepts
- Specific CPAT physical training tips
- An opportunity to practice test tasks
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5. CPAT Mentoring |
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Applicants that have successfully completed the Written Test will be invited to participate in the CPAT Mentoring hosted by Orange County Fire Rescue.
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6. Fire Rescue Application |
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The Fire Rescue Application Package is designed to provide sufficient information to conduct applicant background checks such as criminal history, driver license checks, employment verification, tenant verification and/or reference checks. In addition, the applicant will be disqualified if he/she fails to sign and have the application notarized. The completed application package must be submitted to Fire Rescue Headquarters, Employee Services Department at: 6590 Amory Court, Winter Park, FL 32792 or Orange County Human Resources at: 450 E. South St., Orlando, FL 32801 by the deadline provided. The link to the application will be posted on the Fire Rescue Website. Only complete application packages will be processed, so make sure the required documents have been notarized and all requested information has been provided. All required documents must be submitted at the time the application is submitted. It is entirely the applicant's responsibility to ensure their application contains all the necessary information and submittals. All applicants must submit a copy of the following with their application:
- A copy of the applicant's Driver License
- A copy of the applicant's Social Security card
- A copy of the applicant's H.S. diploma or equivalent, or proof of highest level of education achieved (i.e. official college transcript)
- A copy of one of the following documents: Birth certificate, Birth registration, or current passport
- A copy of current ACLS/BLS Certification if applicable
- A copy of current EMT / Paramedic Certification if applicable
- A copy of Minimum Standards Certificate if applicable
Firefighter Recruit applicants must provide a copy of their T.A.B.E. test results along with the completed application. The test results must be at a 10th grade level or higher on all three portion of the test. Applicants who possess an Associate of Science degree or higher will be excluded from the T.A.B.E test.
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7. Behavioral Personnel Assessment (B-PAD) |
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The B-PAD is a video-assessment test in which you view scenarios that require a response as if you are at an emergency scene. The B-PAD is not a test of fire fighting procedures. Rather, it is an indication of your interpersonal competence in dealing with different situations typically encountered by fire personnel. The B-PAD evaluates your ability to effectively assess situations, develop an action plan, and bring the situation to closure. For more information about the B-PAD please visit http://www.bpad.com/.
To be admitted into the B-PAD, you must present an official picture I.D. (i.e. Driver License, Federal I.D., Military I.D., etc.) and dress business causal.
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8. CPAT Test |
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Firefighting requires above average aerobic and anaerobic capacity, muscular endurance and strength, and flexibility. The test is designed to identify individuals who have the physical abilities to perform the duties of a Firefighter. It consists of eight separate job related tasks that are preformed in a continuous sequence. The candidate has 10 minutes and 20 seconds to complete all eight tasks. This is a pass/fail test.
The CPAT Test Preparation Guide (PDF - 0.9 MB) provides a detailed description of the course and explains the "Pass/Fail" scoring system.
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9. Fingerprings & Polygraph |
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Selected candidates will be required to submit to fingerprinting and a polygraph. Orange County Fire Rescue must verify all information to determine completeness, accuracy and truthfulness. The department must also confirm that the applicant meets all hiring standards. Orange County Fire Rescue Employee Services will coordinate this part of the process.
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10. Background and Criminal History |
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Candidates will undergo an extensive personal reference and work history background check. A criminal history, military and driver license check will also be conducted. This background investigation is conducted on applicants to establish evidence of good moral character, a well-adjusted personality, community commitment, fire service adaptability, and a pattern of conduct acceptable to the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.
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11. Interview with Fire Chief |
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Candidates will meet with the Fire Chief for a face to face interview.
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12. Conditional Offer |
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Candidates who are successful in the Fingerprints, Polygraph & Background, may be eligible to be presented a conditional offer of employment.
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13. Psychological Exam |
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Those candidates receiving a conditional offer will be scheduled for a Psychological Examination, Medical Examination and Drug Screen. The examination date, time and location will be communicated to the candidate. Orange County Fire Rescue Department must ensure, to the extent possible, the applicant's emotional ability to adapt and function in the ever-changing emergency service environment.
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14. Medical and Drug Screening |
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You must pass the medical examination and drug screen as administered by the Orange County designated physician, for the offer to be considered a bona fide offer of employment.
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15. Final Offer |
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Upon successful clearance of the medical examination and drug screening you will be notified by Orange County Human Resources who will confirm your employment and provide you with an orientation date, time, and location.
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16. Orientation / Employment |
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The first day of your employment will be an Orange County Orientation. Certified Applicant's will learn about the OCFRD orientation program during the hiring process. Firefighter Recruits will participate in a six-month, forty- (40) hour schedule of intense academic and physical training. We wish you good luck in your pursuit of employment as an Orange County Firefighter. If you have additional questions or comments regarding recruitment or the hiring process, please telephone Orange County Fire Rescue Recruitment at (407) 836-9838 or Employee Services at (407) 836-9005.
Remember the Challenge Begins with You!
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: If I've taken the CPAT do I have to take it again?
A: Yes, unless you've taken it within the last 6 months.
Q: How long do I have to wait to reapply if I get disqualified?
A: It depends on the reason you were disqualified.
Q: Can I reschedule my written or do I have to take the date scheduled?
A: No, the Written Test must be taken during the scheduled time.
Q: Can I bypass the written test if I already have the T.A.B.E test?
A: No
Q: Is the Written test and T.A.B.E test the same?
A: No, the written test is a general knowledge test. The T.A.B.E test is a college placement exam given.
Q: Do I have to take the T.A.B.E test if I have a degree?
A: No
Q: Do I have to take the written test if I have a degree?
A: Yes, everyone must take the Written Test.
Q: What if I have a college degree, but can not find my HS diploma?
A: A college degree alone is acceptable; it implies you have a HS diploma or equivalent.
Q: What if I don't have a copy of my college degree or HS diploma?
A: A certified letter and/ or transcripts from the registrar are acceptable.
Q: Do my military time/benefits count with Orange County?
A: No, but you can receive 5% added to your Written test and BPAD.
Q: If you are not taking applications then what do I do?
A: Submit a firefighter recruitment interest form to be placed in our database and contacted once we begin a new hiring process.
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Helpful Hints |
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- Before applying please read the entire Job Posting and print it out.
- Read the information slowly and entirely.
- Read all info on our web site. Most questions can be answered in the material.
- Visit the web site frequently for any updates on information.
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Orange County Fire Rescue 
