Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm already a firefighter?
You must still successfully complete the hiring process and
complete the academy training, as would any other firefighter
recruit.
Does prior experience in firefighting help my
chances?
TFD's minimum requirement is that applicants have a GED or a high
school diploma. Prior work experience in any field will be taken
into consideration; however, prior firefighting experience will not
necessarily help or hurt your chances.
How long is the academy?
The Tulsa Fire Department cadet academy lasts
approximately 20 weeks. It is located at the TFD Training Center at
1760 Newblock Park Drive. Cadets report to training Monday through
Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., although your hours may vary due to
training requirements.
If hired, do I have to pay for the
training?
No. The training is free. In fact, TFD pays you a salary during
your time in the academy.
What is the age requirement?
You must be between 21 and 45 years of age on hire date.
On the application, how far back do we need to go for the
moving traffic violations?
On the application, you need to include any traffic
violation convictions received in the past three years. Any
charges for Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Intoxicated,
or other alcohol related charges must be listed whenever they
occurred.
What if I can't remember the dates, offenses or
disposition of the tickets or other charges?
You must include the dates, offenses and disposition of any of the
charges you listed. For accuracy, go to your state and local law
enforcement agency and request a copy of your driving and criminal
record. In Oklahoma, you can also obtain your three year
driving record from your local tag agent.
What is meant by the "disposition" of the charges or
tickets?
Disposition means "how the matter was settled." Did you pay the
fine or complete the probation, etc.?
If I have a Master's Degree or higher level education,
will I get more education incentive pay?
The highest education pay you will receive is for a Bachelor's
Degree at $100 per month.
Does it cost to take the entry-level written
exam?
No. There is no cost to take the entry-level written exam.
How many questions are on the written exam and how long
will the written exam take?
There are a total of 240 items on the written exam. Applicants
will have 2½ hours to complete the exam. In addition, other
information and instructions will be distributed. Applicants should
plan on being at the testing facility for at least four hours from
the report time.
What kind of shift do Tulsa firefighters work?
Tulsa firefighters work 24 hours on duty followed by 48
hours off duty. Every station is designed to accommodate
firefighters for 24 hours. Each station has a kitchen, exercise
equipment, sleeping room, restroom and showers. Sleeping is
permitted, as is cooking, working out, and studying; however, you
must be ready to respond to alarms and fulfill other duty
requirements at all times.
Can I get hired even if I have a Police record?
All applicants will undergo a police background check
before being hired. Any person with a felony conviction or a
conviction for a crime of moral turpitude is ineligible for
employment with the Tulsa Fire Department. Convictions for
misdemeanor crimes other than those involving moral turpitude will
not automatically eliminate you from the process. What are
considered are: the crime(s) committed; when it occurred; your age
at the time; the relationship between the crime and your position
as a firefighter. Remember that police records never go away, so be
sure and be totally straightforward on your application.
What does moral turpitude mean?
Examples of offenses which have been declared by the courts to
involve moral turpitude are theft, swindling, burglary, tax
evasion, forgery, perjury, bribery, sale of narcotics, etc.
Do I have to re-take the written exam if I'm not
hired?
If you successfully pass through the entire selection process, you
remain on the list of candidates eligible to be hired for two years
from your written exam date.
What happens if I am not successful on any step of the selection
process?
You must begin the process again. There is no waiting period
before you may do so.
How often do I have to take the PAT?
Every candidate must have successfully completed the PAT
within twelve months of the academy start date. This is a state
pension requirement.
How many people will be hired in the next
academy?
There are two main factors that determine the size of each
academy. One factor is the number of open slots in the Fire
Department. There are a certain number of pre-approved positions at
the basic firefighter position. Some slots become open due to
separations like promotions or retirements. Another factor in
determining the size of the academy is the amount of money the Fire
Department receives in the annual budget. The Fire Department tries
to fill as many of the open firefighter slots as possible.
Obviously, this is something that is different for every
academy.
Is certification as an EMT required for
employment?
EMT certification is not required at this time. If you are not a
nationally and Oklahoma state certified EMT when you are hired, the
Fire Department will train you to certification level before you go
into the field. EMT training may take place either before or after
the cadet academy (usually after).
Is there any particular type of training or education that
would be helpful in becoming a firefighter?
There are no required courses beyond the minimum
requirements. If you are nationally and Oklahoma state certified as
an EMT before you are hired, you will be able to get into the field
quicker. Additionally, incentive pay is given for EMT certification
at the Basic and Paramedic level. You may also receive incentive
pay if you have either an Associate or Bachelor degree if the
degree includes Fire Protection classes. College hours (that
include Fire Protection) are also required to promote to and beyond
the Fire Captain level. While college hours and EMT certification
are not employment requirements; you can see that they can benefit
you once you are hired.
What do I need to do to take the written
exam?
To sign up for the written exam, is to call the City of Tulsa
Employment Office at (918) 596-7427 to select a test date/time.
