How to Get Hired at SFFD: The H-2 Firefighter Hiring Process

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

The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) protects one of the densest cities in America from 40-plus stations, plus the airport division at SFO — and its entry-level H-2 Firefighter exam draws candidates from across the state. Here is the current path from application to academy and how to prepare for each step. Always confirm the latest details on the official site, sf-fire.org — requirements and filing periods change between recruitments.

Basic requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• A current, valid California EMT certificate (or NREMT / California-county LEMSA certification) to be placed on the eligible list
• A passing FCTC written test score (70 percent or higher) dated within one year
• A valid CPAT card dated within one year when you reach the command staff interview stage

The selection process

1. Apply during an open filing period — SFFD hires through the City and County of San Francisco's H-2 (Firefighter, H002) recruitment on careers.sf.gov. Filing windows are finite; the most recent cycle's deadline was in early 2026.
2. FCTC written test — SFFD uses the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center written exam: 100 multiple-choice questions across four sections. A 70 percent score within one year of the eligible-list posting is required.
3. Eligible list and EMT verification — candidates must hold a valid EMT certification to be named on the eligible list.
4. CPAT — a CPAT card dated within one year is required if you are invited to a command staff interview.
5. Background, medical, and psychological evaluation — standard for California metro departments; expect a thorough field investigation.
6. Academy and probation — recruits complete the SFFD academy (the Division of Training) before assignment to a station.

How to prepare

• The FCTC written: it is a standardized exam — timed, full-length reps matter more than cramming. Work the firefighter written exam guide and free practice tests.
• The CPAT: train the events specifically — see all 8 CPAT events and the 8-week CPAT training plan. Most failures are avoidable: why people fail the CPAT.
• The oral/command staff interview: SFFD panels reward structure and sincerity. Rehearse out loud — the firefighter oral board is where candidacies are won or lost.

Frequently asked questions

Does SFFD use the FCTC written test?

Yes. SFFD requires a passing score of 70 percent or higher on the FCTC written test, dated within one year of the eligible list posting. The exam is 100 multiple-choice questions across four sections. Confirm current testing requirements on sf-fire.org.

Do I need to be an EMT to apply to SFFD?

You need a current, valid EMT certification — National Registry or one issued by California or a California county LEMSA — to be named on the H-2 eligible list. Many candidates complete EMT school before or during the application window.

How much does an SFFD firefighter make?

The posted H-2 firefighter salary range in the most recent recruitment was approximately $95,000 to $147,000 depending on step and assignment. Verify current figures on careers.sf.gov, since ranges change with each contract.