Hiring Process

THE ENTRANCE EXAM IS AN ENTRY-LEVEL TEST THAT HELPS IDENTIFY THOSE POTENTIAL CANDIDATES WHO WILL PERFORM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL AND SUCCESSFULLY PERFORM THE NECESSARY JOB DUTIES.

The exam consists of four different types of questions: 

• Reading Comprehension 
• Mathematical Ability 
• Mechanical Reasoning 
• Teamwork, Public Relations, and Community Living

Reading Comprehension

This section tests the candidate’s reading readiness and written comprehension. Fire personnel must be able to readily understand building signage, written instructions, or warnings.

Mathematical Ability

This section tests the candidate’s basic understanding of math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages. Fire personnel must be able to properly calculate the amount of hose length or water tank capacity.

Mechanical Reasoning

Questions in this section will test the applicant’s understanding of equipment like levers, pulleys, and water pumps. Applicants must understand basic physics principles (resistance, force, energy, and power) and how they work in conjunction with fire equipment.

Teamwork, Public Relations and Community Living

This section measures the applicant's adaptability in the day-to-day and emergency situations. Applicants will work closely with their fire department family and the public, so good communication skills are imperative.  

Find more information regarding our written entrance exams here.

The physical agility exam is designed to determine if a candidate is capable of performing the physical tasks expected of a Firefighter in the City of Irving. The entire test is performed wearing a helmet, boots, gloves, and a weighted vest. The weight of the protective gear with the vest is approximately 50-pounds.

Part # 1 (2 minutes and 18 seconds or less)

The Aerial Ladder is placed at a 70-degree angle. The candidate must climb 70 feet and return to the base of the ladder.

Part # 2 (5-minutes and 59-seconds or less)

• Hose Drag - A charged line is moved 340 feet. 
• Carry Hose - A high-rise pack is carried to the third floor.
• Move Box - A 90-pound box is moved 12 feet across the floor. 
• Haul Hose - Pull 50 feet of hose to the third floor. 
• Force Machine - A 158-pound weight is driven 3-ft with a dead-blow hammer. 
• Move 3-Inch Hose - A 35-foot charged 3-inch hose is moved 35 feet. 
• Ladder Lower - A 24-foot extension ladder is removed from a rack and moved 8 feet. 
• Carry Fan - Carry a smoke ejector fan around the drill tower 70 feet. 
• Manikin Drag - Drag a 165-pound manikin 15 feet. 

Find more information regarding our physical agility test:

• Suppression PAT
• Prevention PAT

The polygraphy examination is administered by an independent consultant. The answers gathered during the examination will be provided to the interview panel. Any inconsistencies may jeopardize the applicant's opportunity at a position with our department. We suggest you relax and breathe throughout the polygram exam and answer truthfully. 

oral interview Process

The oral interview is a meeting between you and a panel comprised of members of the fire department. The panel will ask you several questions to determine if you are the best candidate for the department. The Fire Chief will review all background information and the panel members' notes. The Fire Chief will have the final decision on whether an applicant is hired or not. 

• Dress to impress and present a businesslike appearance.
• Arrive early and be patient, interviews may run longer
• Read all correspondence and bring all requested material

A physical is scheduled by the department with a licensed physician and minimally includes a vision test, an audiogram, and a blood pressure check. A psychological evaluation may be necessary based on the position and the Fire Chief's discretion.

Congratulations, you have officially joined the thin red line. You will begin at your designated fire academy with the rest of your class. Welcome to the family!