Hiring Process

step 1

Application & Documents

Documents Required: An official High School Diploma or G.E.D. Proof of graduation (either original High School Diploma, official high school transcript or original G.E.D. issued by a state Department of Education) must be presented to the New Orleans Civil Service Department within two weeks of application.

step 2

Written Multiple-Choice Examination

Written Test Weighted 100% (24% based on audio component

step 3

Physical Agility Screening

Tests your fitness and agility for the position: Learn More.

step 4

Substance Abuse Screening

Test for illegal substances—prescription meds

step 5

Nationwide Criminal Background Check

Criminal records check in all 50 states

step 6

Conditional Offer of Employment

To continue screening work history, social media, etc.

step 7

Psychological Evaluation

Psychological screening process for good mental health

step 8

Medical Examination

Medical screening process for good physical health

Once hired, applicants begin 24 weeks of paid training as a fire recruit at the Municipal Training Academy. After graduating from the Municipal Training Academy, Fire Recruits become Probationary Firefighters for a period of 12 months in the fire station.

Physical Agility Exam (5 Events)

the obstacle course
the stair/ladder climb
the hose hoist
the hose extension
the maze

Applicants must qualify through a series of examinations and physical challenges. The testing and qualifying process applicants must go through is designed to give the applicant a small example of the types of situations and incidents he/she will encounter and the physical and mental stressors and strain their bodies will be required to endure possibly for long periods of time.

The Physical Agility Exam consists of five timed events. The obstacles are designed to mimic conditions you will encounter during a working fire incident.

Applicants have two attempts to successfully complete each event. These five entry level events are only a few of the minimum physical requirements necessary to become a New Orleans professional firefighter.

Event 1

The Obstacle Course

Time limit: 48 seconds

Chain Link Fence: Scale a 6 ft. high, chain length fence.
Crossed Hose Run: From the fence, you are to run through 25 ft. of crisscrossed hose line.
Dummy Drag: Drag a 150 lb. dummy for 25 ft., you may hold any part of the dummy while dragging it. Drag the dummy 12.5 ft. around a cone and 12.5 ft. back to starting line.
Balance Beam: After dragging the dummy, go to the beam and walk across it without losing your balance. If you fall off the beam, you must start over from the beginning of the beam.
Porch: Vault onto a 4 ft. tall porch without steps. Your hands must be flat on top of the porch, then lower yourself from the porch and jog to the finish line to stop your time.

Event 2

The Stair/Ladder Climb

Time limit: 75 seconds

Wearing an air tank, climb a fire escape to the fourth floor balcony, enter into the inside stairwell and continue up to the sixth floor, climb a ladder to the second to last rung through a hole, and then, climb back down to the bottom of the ladder. Your time stops when your foot touches the floor.

Event 3

The Hose Hoist

Time limit: 25 seconds

Standing on the sixth floor, hoist (1) 50 ft. section of hose weighing approximately 60lbs up to the sixth floor balcony.

Applicants can stand, sit or brace one foot on the wall while hoisting the hose. When you see the knot on the rope, grab the hose and place it on the floor. Your time stops when the hose touches the floor.

Event 4

The Hose Extension

Time limit: 27 seconds

Drag 150 ft. of stretched hose for 150 ft. Drag three lengths of 1 inch hose until the end of the hose crosses the finish line to stop your time.

Event 5

The Maze

Time limit: 5 minutes & 27 seconds

Navigate through a maze, on your hands and knees, while wearing a facemask that is blackened out. You will need to follow the wall with your right hand until you can exit through the door. Do not take your hand off the wall or you will get lost. Your time stops when you push open the door.