Minimum Qualifications 

To be considered for the Entry Level Firefighter position with SMC Fire, candidates must meet the requirements in both categories below.

1. Education or Experience (meet at least one)

• High school diploma, OR
• An associate degree from an accredited college, or sixty (60) semester units, OR
• Two (2) or more years of verifiable work experience, OR
• Two (2) years of active military service with an honorable discharge

2. Required Certifications, Licensing, and Testing (all required)

• Valid California Driver's License or equivalent upon appointment
• Valid EMT card, or if a Paramedic, proof of valid Paramedic licensure (National Registry accepted), by date of appointment
• Current standing on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) as of the closure of the relevant recruitment
• A Cal-JAC CPAT card dated within the 12 months prior to the closure date of the relevant recruitment
• A passing score on the FCTC Written Test dated within the 12 months prior to the closure date of the relevant recruitment

Resources for meeting these requirements:

• College of San Mateo EMT Program
• Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC): Written Test
• Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC): CPAT Test

Firefighter 1 Academy

Once hired, SMC Fire can sponsor candidates through the San Mateo County/College of San Mateo Fire Academy. 

Candidates may also self-sponsor and apply directly to the academy:

• Firefighter 1 Academy