Tucson Fire Training Video
Beginning a Career with Tucson Fire
Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter with the Tucson Fire Department must first go through the Civil Service testing process. To work for Tucson Fire in any uniformed position, a candidate must complete the testing process AND complete the department’s training Academy.
TFD does not hire into any uniform position except for Firefighter.
The following Minimum Requirements must be met in order to apply for the upcoming testing process:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certificate
- Valid Driver’s License with two years driving experience
- Ability to obtain an Arizona EMT certification upon graduation from the academy. Contact AZDHS for questions regarding certification
- Physical abilities necessary to perform essential firefighting functions
Currently, it is not necessary to have either an EMT certification or a Firefighter I or II certification in order to apply. Nor is it necessary to live within the Tucson city limits, although these may be requirements in future recruitments.
Salary
- Starting salary beginning October 5th 2026: $22.15/hr
- Upon Academy completion: $54,208 annually
- 13 days paid sick leave per year (leave accruals increase at certain milestones)
- 13 days paid vacation per year (leave accruals increase at certain milestones)
- 12 paid holidays per year
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- 25-year retirement plan
- Opportunities to participate in deferred compensation plans
- Tuition reimbursement for college courses (up to $4,000.00 per fiscal year)
- Qualified education loan repayment assistance program
- Paid military leave
- On-duty physical exercise program
Salary & Benefits
Testing Information:
Detailed information regarding the testing process.
Applicants should be aware that successful completion of all phases of the testing process does not guarantee employment. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a minimum of six months.
The City of Tucson is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Under the city's Civil Service-Human Resources Ordinance, Tucson Code Chapter 10 §10-18, it is unlawful to discriminate in City employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, marital status, and political opinions, beliefs, or affiliations.
Key Dates:
Job Posting Opens: August 1, 2026
Job Posting Closes: August 20, 2026
CPAT Orientation will commence on August 29, 2026 and September 12, 2026.
CPAT practices, by invitation only, will occur between September 24, 2026 – October 10, 2026.
CPAT final will occur between October 23, 2026 – October 25, 2026.
Intern Orientation, by invitation only, will be sent to all who passed CPAT by October 27, 2026.
Intern Orientation dates will occur on November 14, 2026 – November 15, 2026 and November 21, 2026 - November 22, 2026. This portion of the test is conducted over one weekend on two consecutive days.
Hiring interviews, by invitation only, will be sent on December 1, 2026.
Final interviews will occur between December 7, 2026 – December 11, 2026.
Contingent job offers will be sent December 15, 2026.
Final offers will be sent on January 26, 2027.
The Academy will begin on February 8, 2027.
Informational Sessions:
General informational sessions will be held at 300 South Fire Central Place, Tucson 85701 on August 12th and 19th 2026 at 6:00pm in room 121.
Parking for the informational session will be free in the B Lot at the TCC during these sessions.
Participation in both the CPAT orientations and CPAT timed practices is considered mandatory as they are designed to enhance one's chances of passing the CPAT. However, one can opt out of the orientations or one or both timed practices by signing a waiver acknowledging the opportunity to participate in these events but declining to do so. If one passes a CPAT timed practice, this will be considered an official pass eliminating the need to participate in the final CPAT, hence, it is to one's advantage to participate in the timed practices.
All CPAT and intern orientation activites will be held at Public Safety Academy, located at 10001 S. Wilmot Rd.
*Contingent Job Offers are based on passing the Psychological Evaluation, Medical Evaluation, and fingerprinting before being extended a final offer.
CPAT Prep
Disclaimer
*Individuals should only begin a new exercise regimen after being cleared by a physician. The workouts provided are general recommendations and may not account for individual health conditions or limitations. All exercises should be performed in a safe environment and within personal capabilities.
Below are three separate documents that can help guide your physical preparation for the CPAT. The first is a list of exercises specific to each test event. This can be used for those who already participate in a comprehensive workout routine and would like to add elements specific to the testing demands. This can also be used to add volume if you know there are parts that you have previously or might struggle to pass. The second is a full 16-week preparatory program, which if followed will provide a general strength and conditioning base then build toward performance on the test. The last version is a 6-week plan, designed to take someone who already has a solid level of physical readiness and wants to prepare specifically for the test.
List of Exercises - CPAT-Specific-Exercises.pdf(PDF, 94KB)
6-week physical prep guide - 6-WEEK-CPAT-PREP-WORKOUT-PROGRAM.xlsx(XLSX, 1MB)
16-week physical prep guide - 16-WEEK-CPAT-PREP-WORKOUT-PROGRAM.xlsx(XLSX, 1MB)
CPAT Prep Workouts (Videos) - CPAT-Exercise-Demo-Videos.xlsx(XLSX, 18KB)