Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit. However, applicants must have held a driver's licence for two years by 1 January 2027 (this does not include a learner's permit). Green probationary licences are acceptable.
What if I have applied previously and been deemed unsuccessful?
If you have previously applied and been unsuccessful and/or exhausted your three attempts, you are eligible to reapply.
I don't have any firefighting experience - can I still apply?
Yes, you can. All training is provided, and firefighting is not a prerequisite. We select candidates on the basis of their motivation, aptitude and behaviours.
Recruits come to us from all kinds of backgrounds, including people who previously worked in offices or administration. Provided you meet the suitability and eligibility requirements the only pre-requisite is a willingness to learn and work hard.
What level of education do I need?
There are no minimum educational requirements to become a firefighter, but your literacy, numeracy and mechanical reasoning ability will be tested as part of the Written Selection Test.
We expect that all firefighters will undertake a continual process of learning. Your capacity to participate in learning is evaluated in the recruitment process basic aptitude tests and your work/training history.
I am a volunteer with the Country Fire Authority; will I still have to complete the entire recruit course?
Yes. It is important that all recruits receive the same training with the same equipment.
Do I need a Heavy Rigid licence to apply?
Once applicants receive an offer of employment they will be required to obtain a Heavy Rigid licence. Further details will be provided with your offer of employment.
How will I know when Fire Rescue Victoria are recruiting?
We recommended that you follow FRV’s social media channels and continue to monitor this website for the most up-to-date information about when the next round of recruitment will open.
How long is the recruitment process?
The recruitment process can take between six months and twelve months.
What if my contact details change during the recruitment process?
It is your responsibility to keep your online details current, this can be undertaken by updating your online candidate profile.
Does FRV endorse external providers or individuals to assist candidates throughout the recruitment process?
No, FRV does not endorse any providers or individuals to assist candidates during the recruitment process and does not endorse payment of such services. FRV is not affiliated with any providers, services or individuals who claim to have associations with the recruitment department.
Please note thousands of candidates have successfully been offered a position on a recruit course without paying for external recruitment services.
I would like more information on firefighter recruitment; can an application pack be posted to me?
This website is the best point of reference for interested applicants as information on the recruitment process is updated regularly. Applications need to be submitted online via our website.
Can any of the recruitment tests be undertaken interstate?
Where possible the Written Selection Test, Group Assessment, Shuttle Run and Selection Interview will be conducted in centres in Melbourne and country Victoria. All other stages of the recruitment process will be conducted in Melbourne. Candidates must attend at the locations specified. No alternatives will be given, and no consideration will be given to combining stages to reduce the number of visits.
Do I have to pay for any of the recruitment selection testing?
The initial Written Selection Test is facilitated by ACER. They charge an administration fee of $238.00, (GST inclusive) which is incurred by the candidate.
Subsequent stages of the recruitment process are managed by Fire Rescue Victoria, and all costs associated with the facilitation of the selection process are covered. Costs relating to a candidate's initial GP Medical Clearance form (relating to the physical stages of the recruitment process) with their medical practitioner, and all travelling costs to attend assessment stages are borne by the candidate.
I hold a current Health Care Card, do I need to pay for the Written Selection Test?
Holders of current Centrelink healthcare cards are not required to pay for the WST. This will be reviewed prior to the commencement of each recruitment campaign.
How long are the Written Selection Test results valid for?
Candidates who successfully pass the ACER WST will be able to retain their score for a period of up to three (3) years. Please note for a candidates overall WST score to be considered successful they must have passed all four sub-tests.
Can I use my previous Pearson Vue Written Selection Test score?
No, all candidates will be required to undertake the ACER WST to be considered for future recruit courses.
I completed the ACER Written Selection Test in July 2026, what's next?
In September 2026, after you have successfully passed all 4 subtests of the WST stage and received your individual result, you will be ranked according to your overall score and split into groups. The first group will be invited to be in consideration for recruit courses in 2027 and the second group will be invited to be in consideration for recruit courses in 2028.
If you’re invited to be in consideration for the 2027 recruit courses, the process will commence from the group assessment stage in September or October 2026.
If you’re invited to be in consideration for the 2028 recruit courses, the process will commence from the group assessment stage in March or April 2027.I have previously passed the Group Assessment; will I skip this stage next time I apply?
No, you must complete this stage again.
Do I only have one attempt at the shuttle run?
No. Candidates who fail to reach the level of 9.6 will be given a second opportunity to undertake the shuttle run assessment. Recruitment selection timeframes may require candidates to undertake the re-test within a short period of time from their first attempt, and this may impact a candidate's ability to improve sufficiently, and candidates may need to consider reapplying at a later stage.
Do I only have one attempt at the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) should I not pass?
No. Candidates who are unsuccessful on their first attempt at the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) will be given a second opportunity to undertake the PAT. Recruitment selection timeframes may require candidates to undertake the re-test within a short period of time from their first attempt, and this may impact a candidate's ability to improve sufficiently and candidate’s may need to consider reapplying at a later stage.
If I pay for guidance from an external provider or service, will it give me an advantage?
No, it will not. Thousands of candidates have successfully been offered a position on a recruit course without paying for external recruitment services.
FRV does not endorse any providers or individuals to assist candidates during the recruitment process and does not endorse payment of such services. FRV is not affiliated with any providers, services or individuals who claim to have associations with the recruitment department.
What subjects should I study at school to become a firefighter?
There are no specific subjects that you are recommended to study. You should ensure that you have a broad education including literacy and numeracy. You should ensure that you have opportunities to practice teamwork, are committed to serving Victoria’s community by demonstrating ethics and integrity.
How long is the recruit training course?
The duration of the FRV Recruit Course is approximately 20 weeks.
Will I need to do written work during the recruit course?
Yes. The course is comprised of intensive practical and theoretical (classroom-based), and you’ll be expected to complete written assignments, homework and tests. To graduate, you will need to attain set benchmarks for all practical and theoretical assessments.
I live remotely, is accommodation provided during the 20 weeks at the FRV Training Academy in Craigieburn?
The recruit training course has a '4 days on, 4 days off' structure. Accommodation may be provided for the nights whilst at FRV Training Academy at a nearby location for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
How many vacancies are available for the role of firefighter per year?
Recruit courses comprise of up to 30 recruits, with up to 8 courses conducted per year. However, it is ultimately determined by organisational staffing needs and as a result is subject to change at any time.
Are there part-time firefighting positions available?
All firefighters are employed on a full-time basis.
Firefighters work a '10/14' shift system which comprises two day shifts (8am - 6pm) followed by two night shifts (6pm - 8am), followed by four days off over an eight day cycle.
Does being a volunteer firefighter or volunteering for emergency services such as SES help?
Previous experience and qualifications related to community work may enhance a candidate’s performance at interview but does not guarantee they will be more competitive or gain employment.
How do firefighters deal with exposure to trauma?
All firefighters deal with trauma in their own way. Firefighters are well supported by FRV to deal with trauma that they may experience as part of their role.
FRV provides access to a range of psychological services including proactive and preventative mental health programs, regular wellbeing checks, as well as counselling and coaching. While some firefighters still may find they are adversely affected by trauma at times, FRV has built a supportive culture that works hard to see firefighters functioning at their best.
What superannuation exists?
If successful in becoming a firefighter, you will be eligible to become a member of the Emergency Service Superannuation Scheme (ESSS). This is a defined benefit superannuation fund to which you contribute according to the rate you nominate on your superannuation form.
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