Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm already a firefighter?
You must still successfully complete the hiring process and
complete the academy training, as would any other firefighter
recruit.
Does prior experience in firefighting help my
chances?
TFD's minimum requirement is that applicants have a GED or a high
school diploma. Prior work experience in any field will be
taken into consideration; however, prior firefighting experience
will not necessarily help or hurt your chances.
How long is the academy?
The Tulsa Fire Department cadet academy lasts
approximately 20 weeks. It is located at the TFD Training
Center at 1760 Newblock Park Drive (click here for map
to , Training
Center). Cadets report to training Monday
through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., although your hours may
vary due to training requirements.
If hired, do I have to pay for the training?
No. The training is free. In fact, TFD pays you a salary during
your time in the academy.
What is the age requirement?
See Application
Information.
On the application, how far back do we need to go for the
moving traffic violations?
On the application, you need to include any traffic
violation convictions received in the past three years.
Any charges for Driving Under the Influence, Driving While
Intoxicated, or other alcohol related charges must be listed
whenever they occurred.
What if I can't remember the dates, offenses or
disposition of the tickets or other charges?
You must include the dates, offenses and disposition of any of the
charges you listed. For accuracy, go to your state and local
law enforcement agency and request a copy of your driving and
criminal record. In Oklahoma, you can also obtain your
three year driving record from your local tag agent.
What is meant by the "disposition" of the charges or
tickets?
Disposition means "how the matter was settled." Did you pay
the fine or complete the probation, etc.?
If I have a Master's Degree or higher level education,
will I get more education incentive pay?
The highest education pay you will receive is for a Bachelor's
Degree at $100 per month (See Salary Information).
Does it cost to take the entry-level written
exam?
No. There is no cost to take the entry-level written exam.
How many questions are on the written exam and how long
will the written exam take?
There are a total of 240 items on the written exam. Applicants
will have 2½ hours to complete the exam. In addition, other
information and instructions will be distributed. Applicants should
plan on being at the testing facility for at least four hours from
the report time.
What kind of shift do Tulsa firefighters work?
Tulsa firefighters work 24 hours on duty followed by 48
hours off duty. Every station is designed to accommodate
firefighters for 24 hours. Each station has a kitchen,
exercise equipment, sleeping room, restroom and showers.
Sleeping is permitted, as is cooking, working out, and studying;
however, you must be ready to respond to alarms and fulfill other
duty requirements at all times.
Can I get hired even if I have a Police record?
All applicants will undergo a police background check
before being hired. Any person with a felony conviction or a
conviction for a crime of moral turpitude is ineligible for
employment with the Tulsa Fire Department. Convictions for
misdemeanor crimes other than those involving moral turpitude will
not automatically eliminate you from the process. What are
considered are: the crime(s) committed; when it occurred; your age
at the time; the relationship between the crime and your position
as a firefighter. Remember that police records never go away, so be
sure and be totally straightforward on your application.
What does moral turpitude mean?
Examples of offenses which have been declared by the courts to
involve moral turpitude are theft, swindling, burglary, tax
evasion, forgery, perjury, bribery, sale of narcotics, etc.
If I fail the written exam, how soon may I re-take
it?
Any person who fails the written exam may re-take it six
months after the date of their failed exam.
Can I re-take the exam in order to get a higher
score?
The soonest a person is allowed to re-take the written
exam, even if they passed it the first time, is six months
following the most prior date they took the test.
Do I have to re-take the written exam if I'm not hired?
If you successfully pass through the entire selection process, you
remain on the list of candidates eligible to be hired for two years
from your written exam date.
What happens if I am not successful on any step of the selection
process?
You must begin the process again. There is no waiting period before
you may do so.
How often do I have to take the PAT?
Every candidate must have successfully completed the PAT
within twelve months of the academy start date. This is a state
pension requirement.
How many people will be hired in the next
academy?
There are two main factors that determine the size of each
academy. One factor is the number of open slots in the Fire
Department. There are a certain number of pre-approved positions at
the basic firefighter position. Some slots become open due to
separations like promotions or retirements. Another factor in
determining the size of the academy is the amount of money the Fire
Department receives in the annual budget. The Fire Department tries
to fill as many of the open firefighter slots as possible.
Obviously, this is something that is different for every
academy.
Is certification as an EMT required for
employment?
EMT certification is not required at this time. If you are not a
nationally and Oklahoma state certified EMT when you are hired, the
Fire Department will train you to certification level before you go
into the field. EMT training may take place either before or after
the cadet academy (usually after).
Is there any particular type of training or education that
would be helpful in becoming a firefighter?
There are no required courses beyond the minimum
requirements (see Application
Information). If you are nationally and Oklahoma state
certified as an EMT before you are hired, you will be able to get
into the field quicker. Additionally, incentive pay is given for
EMT certification at the Basic and Paramedic level. You may also
receive incentive pay if you have either an Associate or Bachelor
degree if the degree includes Fire Protection classes (see Salary Information). College
hours (that include Fire Protection) are also required to promote
to and beyond the Fire Captain level. While college hours and EMT
certification are not employment requirements; you can see that
they can benefit you once you are hired.
Is it necessary to complete the online
application?
The online application is provided for your convenience.
If you wish, you can contact the Fire Department recruiter for a
paper application form. Please note that in addition to passing the
written exam, you are required to have a signed application on file
with the Testing Coordinator in order to qualify for the structured
interview. If you complete the application online, the Testing
Coordinator will bring a printed copy of your completed form to the
written exam testing facility where you can sign it. Applications
completed within 24 hours may not be available.
What do I need to do to take the written exam?
To sign up for the written exam, is to call the City of
Tulsa Jobline at 596-7444. You will listen to a pre-recorded
message at the end of which you will be given the opportunity to
sign up for the exam. Please listen to all information given. You
may be instructed to call back at a later time. If you call before
sign up is allowed or after a test list has been closed, you will
not be guaranteed a seat at that exam. You are only allowed to sign
up for the particular exam referred to on the recording. You should
go the Selection Process page for further
information.
