Boise Fire Entry Level FAQs

Boise Fire Entry Level Hiring/Recruit Academy

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

See 2025-2026 Recruiting Process and Important Dates

1. When is the next application period?

Applications will open August 1, 2025, and close September 30, 2025. Links will be active during the application window. Applicants are encouraged to sign up for the recruitment newsletter to stay up to date on hiring information.

EMT/AEMT/NREMT/Paramedic Certification

2. When do I need my EMT/AEMT/NREMT/ Paramedic Certification?

Applicants will need their certification by the time the application period closes. The application period closes October 31, 2024. Certifications will need to be attached to the application via NeoGov.

3. What if I have an EMT/AEMT/NREMT/Paramedic Certification from another state?

Out of state certifications are acceptable for the application. When an out-of-state candidate is hired, there is a process to gain reciprocity at the candidate's own expense. The department will not pay to assist in gaining reciprocity.

4. Is a National EMT Certification (NREMT) valid for applying?

Yes, candidates can apply with a NREMT as long as it is in good standing.

5. Can Boise Fire recommend an EMT Certification program?

Candidates will have to do their own research on EMT Certification courses to see which one best fits their schedule and lifestyle. Boise Fire is not able to recommend one EMT Certification program.

Idaho Driver's License

6. Do I need to have a valid Idaho State license to apply?

No, any valid, state-issued license is acceptable for application.

Qualifications / Requirements

7. What are the qualifications to apply?

There are five basic requirements for Boise Fire:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Possess a current National Registry or state-issued EMS (EMT, Advanced or Paramedic) Basic Certification by close of application period
• Be able to meet physically demanding standards

8. Will Boise Fire have a lateral academy in the future?

At this time, we do not have a lateral hiring program in place, but we are hopeful to introduce one within the next couple of years. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide more specific details as the program is still under development. In the meantime, all applicants are required to go through our entry-level hiring process, followed by the Entry-Level Recruit Academy.

9. Does Boise Fire have lateral positions open/available?

No, currently we do not have lateral positions at this time. All applicants for Boise Fire must go through regular testing process and Recruit Academy. After successful completion of Recruit Academy, recruits become Probationary Firefighters and then move to a Firefighter 1 after they pass their 12-month test.

10. I have certificates from previous classes, does that help me in applying?

All applicants go through the same testing and hiring process (written exam, oral interview, physical fitness test and recruit academy). However, any additional/outside certificates can be applied toward step raise classes when you reach that level in the department.

11. Is there an age limit to applying?

No age limit in the hiring process. Minimum age is 18.

12. Is there a mile limit or restriction for how far I can live outside of the Boise area?

There is no distance restriction to where a candidate lives.

13. Does Boise Fire hire women?

Yes, absolutely.

14. Will colorblindness disqualify me?/ Is there a vision requirement/limitation?

Colorblindness will not disqualify a candidate from the application process. An eye exam will be administered by our department physician during a candidate's physical exam.

15. Will a felony conviction disqualify me from the application process?

Applicants, volunteers, or employees are not automatically disqualified from employment or volunteer service based on their criminal record. Because of the city’s role and the importance of its reputation in the community, a detailed review is performed for individuals with felony convictions, and felony or misdemeanor convictions related to sexual misconduct, violence, or crimes against children or a vulnerable adult.

16. Will hand/knuckle tattoos disqualify me?

No. However, per Boise Fire Policy 17; There shall be no tattoo above the collar of the Boise Fire Department-issued short-sleeved T-shirt. The display of ANY unprofessional or offensive tattoo(s), regardless of its location, is prohibited and must be covered. Unprofessional or offensive is defined as: nudity, sexually explicit or vulgar, profane words and phrases, symbols to incite negative reactions, initials or acronyms that represent criminal or oppressive organizations.

Salary

17. What does the annual salary look like for a Boise Firefighter?

View Firefighter Salary Schedule

18. What the pay is for a firefighter/paramedic?

After successful completion of the Recruit Academy, Firefighter/Paramedic candidates will enter a Field Training Program with a Senior Paramedic. Upon initiation of the training program, Firefighter/Paramedics receive an additional 10% of their base wage. Maintaining that 10% is dependent on successful completion of the Training Program and passing scenario-based testing with the Medical Directors.

Recruit Academy / Operations

19. What is the work schedule for Boise Fire firefighters?

48/96 shift schedule. 48 hours on/96 hours off. Recruits are assigned to A, B, or C Shifts in Recruit Academy.

20. Is this a combination department (wildland and structural)?

This is a combination fire department. There are steps in order for any of our firefighters to become deployable for wildfire season. However, firefighters are not able to be deployed within their first year of employment.

21. What is the hiring schedule/timeline?

The next hiring cycle will begin Fall 2025 for a Spring 2026 Recruit Academy. However, that is subject to change at any time based on department and city needs. We recommend signing up for our recruitment e-newsletter on the hiring web page as well as following Boise Fire on social media for any updates.

22. How many positions is Boise Fire hiring?

The number of recruits for 2026 has not yet been determined.

23. Is Recruit Academy paid?

Yes, recruit academy is paid, starting the first day of recruit academy.

24. How long is Recruit Academy? Is it full time?

Recruit Academy is 19-20 weeks long at the Boise Fire Training Center. Recruit Academy is full time, Monday through Friday.

Written Exam

25. Where is the written exam being held, and what are the dates?

The written exam will be conducted virtually. Please stay tuned for updated information.

26. How high do I need to score in order to make it to the oral interviews?/What is the cutoff score for the written exam?

Cutoff scores are not know until after the exam. It changes each year depending on the score grouping. Mid 90's usually.

27. How should I prepare for the test, or what test are you using?

The written exam will be conducted virtually. Please stay tuned for updated information.

Medical/Physical and Background Check

28. Medical/Physical Evaluation, Physical Fitness Test

The top applicants from the written exam stage will be extended the opportunity to take the physical fitness test. The physical fitness test is pass/fail. Failure to pass the physical fitness test will mean disqualification from the process. Information regarding the physical fitness test can be found here.

29. When will the Oral Interviews Take Place?

Applicants who pass the physical fitness test will have their oral interview the following day at the Fire Training Center (i.e., a physical fitness test is scheduled for January 8th and passed, the oral interview will be January 9th and so on.)

Miscellaneous Information

30. Is Boise Fire offering ride alongs?

Boise Fire no longer has a ride along program offered to the general public.

31. Who do I address my cover letter to?

"To Whom It May Concern" or "To Boise Fire Department"

32. How can I receive information for the next recruiting process?

Sign up for the Boise Fire Recruitment e-newsletter and following Boise Fire on social media.

33. How many times will I have to travel to Boise after I apply?

Twice. Two days for physical test and interview, and two to three days for Onboarding Day (as well as necessary preemployment items such as drug testing and physical). Any time spent in Boise outside those mandatory dates will be at the candidates' discretion.

34. Does the Department pay for relocation of out of state candidates?

No. Any candidates that come from out of state are required to find their own housing accommodations. The department does not sponsor or host any recruits during recruit academy.

**ADA Accommodations: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the written exam shall submit a written request for accommodation to Sarah Hatley at shatley@cityofboise.org by September 29, 2023. Requests for a reasonable accommodation must be clearly defined. Applicants must attach documentation from a medical provider or accredited counseling agency stating the disability, functional limitations and proposed accommodation. In accordance with the law, the city will review all requests and will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants that provide appropriate documentation by the deadline stated.