How to Get Hired at South Metro Fire Rescue: The Hiring Process
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) covers the southern Denver metro — Centennial, Lone Tree, Parker, and the Denver Tech Center — with more than 600 line firefighters answering 50,000-plus calls a year. It is one of Colorado's most sought-after fire employers. Here is the path and how to prepare. Confirm the latest on the official site, southmetro.org.
Basic requirements
- 21 or older with a high school diploma or GED
- A Colorado driver's license (or ability to obtain one)
- A valid NTN FireTEAM score (valid up to one year)
- A valid CPAT certificate
- For the Paramedic/Firefighter track: current Colorado or National Registry paramedic certification, ACLS, and CPR — with three years of paid medic experience required for experienced-paramedic pay
The selection process
- Test through NTN — take the FireTEAM exam; scores are valid for up to one year.
- Apply during an open recruitment — SMFR hires both entry firefighter and Paramedic/Firefighter classifications.
- CPAT — obtain a valid certificate if you do not already hold one.
- Interviews, background, medical, and psychological evaluation.
- 16-week academy — every hire attends regardless of experience, and everyone earns the same academy wage.
Knowing the process is step one. Being ready for each gate is the rest. Tailboard covers the written, the physical, and the oral board for one hiring season.
How to prepare
- The FireTEAM exam: video-based human-relations judgment plus mechanical and math sections — prep with practice tests and the firefighter written exam guide.
- The CPAT: the CPAT training plan builds it in eight weeks; review all 8 CPAT events and why people fail the CPAT.
- The interview: SMFR's reputation means deep applicant pools. Rehearse the firefighter oral board and prep for the chief's interview.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be for South Metro Fire Rescue?
SMFR requires candidates to be 21 or older, unlike many departments that hire at 18. You also need a high school diploma or GED, a FireTEAM score, and a valid CPAT certificate.
Does South Metro Fire Rescue hire paramedics differently?
Yes — SMFR runs a dedicated Paramedic/Firefighter track requiring current Colorado or National Registry paramedic certification, ACLS, and CPR. Experienced-paramedic pay requires at least three years of recent paid medic experience.
Does everyone attend the South Metro academy?
Yes. All candidates complete the 16-week academy regardless of prior experience, and everyone is paid the same wage during the academy — laterals included.