How to Get Hired at Colorado Springs Fire: The Fire Trainee Process

John Nelson, Firefighter/Paramedic · Helicopter Paramedic Rescuer · former U.S. Navy SAR Medical Technician Updated September 8, 2026 · 2 min read

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) protects Colorado's second-largest city with 500-plus uniformed firefighters across about 24 stations, at the base of the wildland-urban interface on the Front Range. Entry is through the Fire Trainee classification. Here is the path and how to prepare. Confirm current requirements on the official site, coloradosprings.gov.

Basic requirements

• At least 18 by date of hire, with a high school diploma or GED
• A valid Colorado driver's license (or ability to obtain one)
• A current National Registry EMT-Basic or Colorado EMT-Basic certificate, maintained throughout
• A valid NTN FireTEAM test score
• A valid CPAT at the time of testing and again at final employment offer

The selection process

1. Test through NTN — CSFD builds its entry-level list from FireTEAM scores (a recent list targeted a July 2026 academy).
2. Maintain your CPAT — CSFD checks validity twice: at testing and at final offer, so plan a renewal if the process runs long.
3. Application and interviews — invited candidates move into the Fire Trainee posting.
4. Background, medical, and psychological evaluation against city standards.
5. CSFD academy and probation — paramedic candidates need National Registry or Colorado paramedic certification before entry-level employment on the medic track.

How to prepare

• The FireTEAM exam: prep the video-judgment and mechanical sections with practice tests and the firefighter written exam guide.
• The double CPAT check: keep a card valid across the whole timeline — the CPAT training plan and all 8 CPAT events cover training and stations.
• The EMT requirement: unlike many departments, CSFD requires EMT-B up front — if you are starting out, read Do you need to be an EMT first? and rehearse the firefighter oral board while you certify.

Frequently asked questions

Does Colorado Springs Fire require an EMT certificate to apply?

Yes — Fire Trainee candidates must have and maintain a current National Registry EMT-Basic or Colorado EMT-Basic certificate, which is stricter than departments that let you certify later in the process.

When does CSFD check the CPAT?

Twice: candidates must hold a valid CPAT at the time of testing and again at the time of final employment offer. Since CPAT cards expire after a year, many candidates retest mid-process.

How does Colorado Springs Fire test candidates?

CSFD uses the National Testing Network's FireTEAM exam to build its entry-level list, alongside the CPAT, interviews, and background, medical, and psychological evaluations. A recent list was built for an anticipated July 2026 academy.