Henderson, NV
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Frequently Asked Questions
Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs are current as of July 13,2023. NOTE: These FAQs are periodically updated.)
1. How do I get started?
Visit JoinHendersonFire.com to learn more about the job, the department, the hiring process and to apply.
2. When can I apply for the position? Is there a limit on the number of applications that will be accepted?
You may apply for the position by clicking here.
The City of Henderson will be accepting applications for Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic until Monday, May 20, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. (PT). There is no limit on the number of applications.
3. What are the minimum requirements to become an entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic?
- Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
- Must be 18 years of age at time of the written examination.
- Possess and maintain a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483.
- Must possess a current certificate as a Paramedic by the time of final offer.
- Must possess or obtain a valid Southern Nevada Health District Paramedic certification within one (1) year from receiving provisional licensure.
- Must successfully complete the Henderson Fire Department Paramedic Internship within the time limits established by the department as a condition of continued employment.
- Must successfully complete cadet academy within time limits established by the department as a condition of continued employment, to include obtaining a State of Nevada Firefighter II Certificate.
4. What are the minimum requirements to become an entry-level Firefighter?
- Graduation from high school, or the equivalent
- Must be 18 years of age
- Possess and maintain a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483
- Must possess a current certificate as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or above, at time of final offer
- Must successfully complete cadet academy within the time limits established by the Fire Department as a condition of continued employment, to include obtaining a State of Nevada Fire Fighter II Certificate and Southern Nevada Health District licensure as an EMT or above
5. When do I need to have my EMT or Paramedic certification?
You must have your EMT or Paramedic certification by the time of final offer.
6. Where can I learn more about obtaining my EMT?
Click here for information on obtaining your EMT certification.
7. If I have applicable certifications and/or licenses, how and where do I submit them?
When you are applying for the position, your certifications and/or licenses must be saved as a Word or PDF document and you must attach your document(s) before you “Certify & Submit' your application. There is a link in the job posting that explains how to attach your certifications and/or licenses. If you need to attach additional certificates after you submit your application, you can email the saved Word/PDF document(s) to HFD.Jobs@cityofhenderson.com.
8. Do I need to live in Henderson to apply?
No, you do not need to live in Henderson to apply.
9. Do I need a valid Nevada or “border state” driver license to apply?
No, you do not need to have a valid Nevada or “border state” driver license to apply but you must have a valid driver license. You must have a valid Nevada or “border state” driver license within 30 days of the start of the academy.
10. After I apply for the position, how and when will I be notified to register for the written exam?
Candidates will be notified by email on an ongoing basis throughout the recruitment process. Candidates who are invited to the written examination will receive an email with information on how to register for the Firefighter Written Exam using the National Testing Network (NTN).
Please check any spam blocker you may have on your computer to enable your email account to receive our correspondence.
11. Where and when will the Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic Written Exam be administered?
The Written Exam will be available to applicants online and in-person utilizing NTN. To register with NTN, review testing availability and schedule your test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select ‘Find Jobs’, then select ‘Firefighter’.
12. How much does the Written Exam cost?
The cost of the initial exam is currently $55 which includes sending your score to one agency/department. For an additional fee of $12, you may send your score to additional agencies/departments that utilize NTN. (A fee of $12 will be assessed for each department/agency you send your score to). You may find more information by clicking here. The cost of the exam is set by NTN and is subject to change.
13. I cannot afford the testing fee. Is there some way I can get my test paid for?
Yes, you may apply through NTN to have your test fee waived. Click here to review the Fee Waiver Request Form.
Scan and email your waiver request to support@nationaltestingnetwork.com.This process may take several weeks. Submitting a fee waiver request does not exempt candidates from meeting testing deadlines.
14. What kind of test is the Written Exam?
You may find information about the test by clicking here.
15. Are there suggested study references for the Written Exam?
There is no study guide for the test, but for more detailed information and 30+ practice items with discussion, visit the FireTEAM Practice Test website at www.fireteamtest.com.
16. I have additional questions about the written exam. Where can I find more information?
You may find additional information by clicking here.
17. I am a current Firefighter in a different jurisdiction. Am I able to transfer to Henderson’s Fire Department without going through an additional academy?
No, the City of Henderson requires all candidates to attend the Henderson’s Fire Academy regardless or previous work experience, or certifications.
18. I am a current Paramedic. Am I able to be hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic?
Yes, be sure to apply for the Firefighter/Paramedic position. If you apply for the Firefighter position instead of the Firefighter/Paramedic position, if selected, you will be hired as a Firefighter.
19. I am a veteran. Will I receive veteran’s preference points?
No, the City of Henderson does not give veteran’s preference points.
20. What is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?
The CPAT is a sequence of 8 events requiring you to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow fire departments to obtain pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes. The CPAT is a pass/fail event based on a total test time. To view a video of the events, click here.
21. When must I submit a pass CPAT card/notice?
All successful candidates invited to attend the City's Fire Academy must submit proof of a passing CPAT notice/card on or after April 1, 2024 by the time of the final offer. Do not take the CPAT before April 1, 2024, as anything taken before this date will be considered invalid.
Please note that although many agencies who offer CPAT exams indicate that the card/notice is valid for a year, the City has more stringent requirements. This is due to the fact that we have rigorous physical activities during the Firefighter training academy.
22. Where can I take the CPAT and what is the cost?
The CPAT testing facilities are located nationwide. For more information and/or to schedule the CPAT visit:
CSN: https://csn.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
California https://www.caljac.org/recruitment/for-apprentices/testing
National Testing Network: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm
23. Can I submit a CPAT certification from another agency?
Yes, CPAT certifications from agencies/organizations licensed by IAFF/IAFC will be accepted if passing of the CPAT occurred on or after April 1, 2024.
24. What if I cannot afford the CPAT fee?
The City of Henderson and NTN provide a fee waiver for applicants who cannot afford the CPAT fee. Candidates will need to provide proof of financial hardship. Some examples of financial hardship are:
- Food Stamp Card (name must be on the card) or Food Stamp benefit letter
- Current unemployment check stub or statement
- Cash assistance benefit letter from a state agency
- Any form from the unemployment office verifying job related hardship.
If you are acquiring your CPAT through NTN: Click here to review the Fee Waiver Request Form. Scan and email your waiver request to support@nationaltestingnetwork.com.
If you are acquiring your CPAT NOT utilizing NTN, you can send an email to HFD.Jobs@cityofhenderson.com.
Both processes may take several weeks. Submitting a fee waiver request does not exempt candidates from meeting testing deadlines nor does it exempt candidates from submitting a valid CPAT card/notice at the Chief’s Interview.
25. What if I need an accommodation in the assessment process due to a disability or pregnancy?
The City prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals with disabilities or who are pregnant in all aspects of employment. Applicants who are pregnant or have a disability and require an accommodation in the assessment process will need to submit a request prior to the closing date of the recruitment to allow time to process the request. The City may require an explanatory statement from the applicant’s physician concerning the specific accommodation requested. Please contact HFD.Jobs@cityofhenderson.com for assistance.
For candidate’s requesting an accommodation for the written exam, you must contact NTN directly. You may find more information by clicking here.
26. When are the Chief’s Structured Selection Interviews?
The Chief’s Structured Selection Interviews are scheduled for the week of June 3, 2024, more dates may be added. Candidates will be notified when to self-schedule for their interview. This interview is being offered in-person or online via video interview. Candidates opting to complete their interviews via video interview will need audio and video functionality.
27. Will this recruitment be used for multiple academies?
At this time, this recruitment will only be used for the upcoming academy in October 2024.
28. What does the background process include?
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, medical exam, psychological exam and background process which will include a review of your criminal history and driving record.
29. If I have further questions, who can I contact?
Please email all questions to HFD.Jobs@cityofhenderson.com.