Application process

Are you ready to take the first steps toward a rewarding career as a firefighter? Here’s everything you need to know about the application process, broken down into clear, easy-to-follow steps. 

Start your journey by completing our online application form. This is where you’ll share your personal details and show us how you meet the basic eligibility requirements. 

• What happens next? Once you submit your application, you’ll receive email confirmation that it has been submitted successfully. 
• Reapplying: If your application is unsuccessful on this occasion, you are welcome to reapply next time. Please ensure that you submit only one application at a time to avoid any delays in processing your application. 

If your application moves forward, you will be sent an email within 7 days of the closing date which will invite you to complete an online assessment, which is provided by Arctic Shores.  Please check your ‘junk’ folder to ensure that you don’t miss this. 

We have worked with the experts at Arctic Shores to identify what a high-performing firefighter looks like.  Your assessment results can then be compared to the behaviours which have been identified as essential for success in the role in a fair and objective way. 

The Arctic Shores assessment focuses on behaviours and values rather than literacy and numeracy skills.  It uses a series of tasks to observe your natural behaviours through a series of mini-tasks and assess them against those we have identified as key to success as a Firefighter.   

These assessments have also been proven not to have an adverse effect on those from under-represented groups and supports candidates who have neurodiverse conditions e.g. Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum, amongst others.   

Helpful Tip: Find out more by visiting the candidate resources home page on the Arctic Shores Website 

If you have not confirmed on your application that you have Maths and English GCSE’s (Grade C, or 4, and above), or equivalent qualification then you will also be required to complete online verbal and numerical assessments.  

Practice makes perfect! You can practice for these tests by visiting Practice Tests | SHL Direct

After successfully completing the online test, you will be invited to participate in a fitness assessment. Firefighting is a physically demanding profession that requires exceptional strength and stamina. 

Need Help Preparing? Check out our fitness test tips and guidance on getting ready for this stage.  You can also view videos of the practical selection tests so that you know what to expect 

If you pass the fitness test, the next step is the interview – your moment to shine! This is your opportunity to showcase your passion, dedication, and readiness to take on the challenges of being a firefighter. 

• The interview focuses on behaviours and values directly related to the firefighter role. 
• A predefined set of questions and scoring criteria will be used to ensure fairness. 

Once you have successfully completed the online and fitness tests and interview you will be placed in a talent pool, which we draw from when new firefighter training positions or posts become available. Please note that being in the pool does not guarantee an offer of employment. Before being invited to join the Service, you will also need to complete the required employment checks outlined in Step 6. 

Your health and fitness are crucial for this role. During this stage, you’ll undergo: 

• Comprehensive health checks (e.g., vision, hearing, blood pressure). 
• A VO2 max test, assessing your lung capacity during a treadmill walk. 
• Body composition checks 
• An enhanced level criminal records check (DBS). 
• Reference checks 

We’ll also discuss any medical needs or disabilities to ensure appropriate support is in place. 

Once you’ve successfully completed all steps, we’ll: 

• Issue your employment contract.
• Share your start date for initial training. 

Congratulations your journey to becoming a firefighter officially begins!