Promotional Opportunities for Firefighters

There are numerous promotional opportunities for firefighters.  Promotions will come with higher pay, possibly more benefits, and more responsibility.  Many departments have higher positions such as Engineer or driver/operator.  Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief.
Typically each of these positions has requirements of time on the job, or time in another position.  Some examples:.

• Driver Operator - minimum of 5 years of service, must maintain a valid driver's licence, and an EMT-basic certificate
• Firefighter/Paramedic - Minimum of 5 years of service, must maintain a valid Paramedic certificate
• Lieutenant - minimum 10 years of service with at least 5 years as a driver/operator or FF/paramedic
• Captain - minimum of 12 years of service with at least 3 as a Lieutenant

Each department will have its own unique set of requirements for each position.  Most promotions are done using the same system as the entrance exam.  The firefighters will apply and then be given a list of books from which the test will be created.  This list usually consists of 5-6 books.  Tests are usually 100 to 200 questions and are created from any part of the books on the list.  These tests are typically very challenging and a great deal of study time is required.