How to Get Hired at Contra Costa Fire: The Firefighter Recruit Process

John Nelson — Firefighter/Paramedic · Helicopter Paramedic Rescuer · former U.S. Navy SAR Medical Technician Updated July 27, 2026 · 2 min read

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) protects most of Contra Costa County in the East Bay from roughly 35 stations — one of the largest fire districts in Northern California after absorbing East Contra Costa. Entry-level hiring is through a Firefighter Recruit classification off the FCTC list. Here is the path and how to prepare. Confirm current details on the official site, cccfpd.org.

Basic requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
A valid California driver's license
Active standing on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (70 percent or higher on the FCTC written)
A valid California EMT certificate — NREMT holders must convert to a California certificate before the academy starts

The selection process

Test with FCTC — pass the written at 70 percent or higher and complete the CPAT to reach the Statewide Eligibility List; Con Fire interviews from that list.
Apply during an open Firefighter Recruit posting on Contra Costa County's job portal.
Panel and chief's interviews.
Background, medical, and psychological evaluation.
Con Fire academy and probation — NREMT-certified hires must hold a California EMT certificate before day one of the academy.

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How to prepare

The FCTC written: prep the four sections with the firefighter written exam guide and timed practice tests.
The CPAT: train specifically — the CPAT training plan lays out eight weeks, and why people fail the CPAT covers the traps.
The oral board: Con Fire pulls big Bay Area applicant pools. Rehearse the firefighter oral board and drill the standard question bank.

Frequently asked questions

Does Contra Costa Fire require the FCTC list?

Yes. Candidates must be active on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List — including a passing FCTC written score of 70 percent or higher — to be considered for a Firefighter Recruit interview with the district.

Can I apply to Con Fire with just an NREMT certificate?

You can apply with an NREMT EMT certificate, but you must obtain a California EMT certificate before the district's fire academy begins. Start the California county certification process early — it takes time.

How big is Contra Costa County Fire?

Con Fire is one of Northern California's largest fire agencies — roughly 35 stations and several hundred sworn personnel protecting most of Contra Costa County, including major refinery and wildland-urban interface risk.

The Firefighter Hiring Roadmap

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