How to Get Hired at Kern County Fire: The Firefighter Trainee Process
The Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) protects Bakersfield's surrounding county — more than 500 uniformed firefighters across about 48 stations covering valley, mountain, and desert terrain, with a heavy wildland season. Entry is through a Firefighter Trainee recruitment and the KCFD academy. Here is the path and how to prepare. Confirm current details on the official site, kerncountyfire.org.
Basic requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license
- A passing score on KCFD's written test (recent cycles ran it online and proctored — camera, microphone, and reliable internet required)
- A valid CPAT, vetted by the department after ad closure
- EMT certification is completed during training if not already held — National Registry EMT certification is required by the end of probation
The selection process
- Apply during an open Firefighter Trainee recruitment on Kern County's job portal — KCFD announces windows on its recruitment page.
- Online written test — qualified applicants are scheduled after the posting closes.
- CPAT verification — CPAT cards are reviewed and vetted by the department's wellness staff.
- Interviews, background, medical, and psychological evaluation.
- Fire academy — recruits serve in a temporary appointment (up to six months) through the Basic Fire Training Academy, then promote to probationary Firefighter; National Registry EMT certification must be completed by the end of probation.
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How to prepare
- The written test: KCFD's exam is a standard firefighter aptitude format — prep with the firefighter written exam guide and timed practice tests.
- The CPAT: train events directly using the CPAT training plan — and read why people fail the CPAT before test day.
- The oral board: KCFD values wildland awareness alongside structure and EMS. Rehearse with the firefighter oral board and prep your “why”.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an EMT before applying to Kern County Fire?
Recent Firefighter Trainee cycles have not required EMT certification at application — recruits complete National Registry EMT requirements during the academy. Holding an EMT already still strengthens your application. Confirm on the current posting.
How does Kern County Fire run its written test?
Recent recruitments used an online, remotely proctored written exam — you need a computer with a camera, a microphone, and a reliable connection. Test dates are communicated after the posting closes.
What happens after the Kern County Fire academy?
Recruits are appointed in a temporary status for up to six months. On successful completion of the Basic Fire Training Academy they are appointed probationary Firefighters with the Fire Chief's recommendation — National Registry EMT certification must be completed by the end of probation.