For better or for worse, there is no standardized procedure for getting hired as a firefighter, making fire fighter education and training for beginners confusing. Requirements vary from state to state--and sometimes from county to county and city to city. Therefore, your first step in becoming a firefighter is to determine what the requirements are in the area or with the agency you'd like to work for.

Even so, education and training needed to be a firefighter does have some universal requirements. For example, firefighters must usually be at least 18 years of age, be physically fit, and be able to pass psychological and written exams. In pursuing information about firefighter education requirements, don't neglect to do the following:

1. Seek realistic information on what firefighting is like and overviews of fire fighter training.

2. Learn to be a fire fighter by studying for written exams.

3. Pursue fire fighting courses and training in order to pass physical requirements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Acquire a basic education to become a fire fighter

Many people consider firefighting a romantic occupation. But do you know what it's really like to be a firefighter? Before you take one more step toward training to become a fire fighter, be sure you know what you're getting into. One way to do this is to talk to firefighters in your area. Another way is to read up.

I recommend: "Become a Firelighter" by FabJob is an e-book offering the basics of what it takes to become a firefighter in the United States. Kelly Andersson also offers a great free article with practical tips on becoming a firefighter and an overview of what firefighting is like.

Seek fire fighter training information for written exams

No matter where you apply, you'll almost certainly need to take a written exam. Exams vary somewhat, but a good source of information about exams should provide you with all you need to pass your test.

I recommend: The Don McNea Fire School offers a variety of materials to help you with written exams, including packages to help you through oral, written and psychological tests. Firefighters Bookstore also offers lots of prep materials, including "Master the Firefighter Exam, 15th Ed."

Pursue physical education and training to become a fire fighter

Physical tests are a vital part of acquiring a job as a firefighter. Physical exams are often rigorous, and even people in relatively good shape must usually customize their workout according to guidelines specific to firefighters.

I recommend: How to Become a Firefighter provides reliable information on how to prepare for a physical firefighter's test. FireFightersWorkout.com offers advice on getting the physical training you need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There's a lot of competition for entry level firefighting positions. However, there are several ways to stand out from the crowd, including obtaining the following fire fighter education: CPR certification for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross), EMT certification and experience, a paramedic license and specialized certification in such things as Fire Prevention, Auto Extraction and Fire Investigation.

Education to become a fire fighter is an individualized process these days. Choices and options for training and education can be almost overwhelming. There are online courses, certifications and degree programs. There are traditional military colleges and universities.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions: "Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?" or "Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the workforce quickly? You can find good non-accredited fire fighter training programs. You need to research the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university. There are plenty of less than sterling courses out there too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for your school:

1. Look at brick and mortar schools with accredited programs.

2. Use online firefighter education for your training.

3. Find resources, tools and information websites for forest fire training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established colleges and schools for fire fighter education and training

Go to an established school to fulfill firefighter education requirements. Get a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: Eastern Oregon University offers a B.S. Degree in Fires Services Administration. Private agencies and fire departments that need administrators and supervisors more and more prefer candidates with higher degrees. Southwest Minnesota State University has tailored a Bachelor Degree program for Fire Service Administration that works with two-year colleges. This technical institute makes many of the courses in the program available online as well.

Take a rigorous online firefighter education course

There are many fine training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: Target Safety has an online EMS and fire fighting continuing education program. Fire Academy Online has training for future firefighters as well. Eastern Kentucky University has designed an online B.S. Degree program in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology.

Find scholarship information and other vital fire fighter training information

Look at the education and training needed to be a firefighter and define your needs and goals. Find the right benefits and resources for your fire fighter education and training.

I recommend: The official Smokey the Bear website offers resources and information about wildfires, science and fire fighting. Apply for a scholarship for firefighting training at FireLink. ActiveFireMaps has almost everything a fire fighter needs to know at a moment’s notice. Find training programs with the USFS in GIS, fire fighting, remote sensing and other forest management and resource services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Training programs and schools have popped up all over the Internet. It's a great opportunity for convenient forest fire education. However, watch the fine print. Look at the testimonials. Check Better Business Bureaus. Compare prices. Make sure the school is not too expensive compared to other schools, and that it offers a good solid program.