FAQs

1. When are we next recruiting?
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) are not currently recruiting for wholetime firefighters. For further information please email stepup@notts-fire.gov.uk.

2. What is the pay for trainee and development Firefighters?
All trainee Firefighters are paid £21,157 per annum. After successful completion of the trainees course trainee Firefighters become Firefighters in Development and are paid £22,038 per annum.

After 2 years and successful completion of the Firefighter competence portfolio Firefighters move from development to competent rate of pay which is £28,199 per annum.

3. What are the upper and lower age limits for joining as a firefighter?
The minimum age before you can join the fire service is 18 but applicants can apply at 17 yrs 6 months. If you are under this age you may still be able to get help by joining a Young firefighters Scheme. You will need to contact the service closest to you, to see if this is something they offer. There is no longer an upper age limit.

4. How tall do you need to be to become a firefighter?
There is no minimum or maximum height within the fire and rescue service. However, you will need to undertake a series of job related tests which will involve being able to remove a ladder from a fire appliance.

5. What are the Vision Standards for becoming a Firefighter?

• Distance = 6/9 in each eye corrected or uncorrected. If aided, the uncorrected vision should not fall below 6/18 and 6/24 when comparing each eye together e.g. 6/24 in each eye does not meet the standard.
• Near vision = N12 unaided (if below age 25 then N6)
• Soft contact lenses can be worn.
• Rigid (hard) lenses are not considered safe as debris can become trapped beneath these which can cause visual discomfort and disability.
• Normal visual field (120°)
• No history of night blindness or other ocular disease.
• An appropriate level of colour perception. If a colour deficiency is detected then further testing or a work based assessment may be required.
• Refractive surgery, at least one year post surgery.

Advice should be sought from your Optician on whether you meet the standards above before application to become a Firefighter.

6. What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter?
All applicants to become a firefighter are required to have a level 2 qualification in English Language and Maths. A level 2 qualification is equivalent to GCSE or O Level at Grade A-C. Applicants who do not have either of these qualifications should email info@businesshelp.co.uk for advice on gaining the appropriate qualifications to apply to become a firefighter.

7. What medical grounds could I fail on?
Each case will be considered individually. If you would like to discuss any areas of concern you are advised to contact the Occupational Health Department via email on OCHealth@notts-fire.gov.uk for a confidential discussion.

8. What are the entry tests to join the fire service?
Fire and Rescue Services now use the National firefighter Tests to recruit applicants. There are sample questions and information about the tests within the recruitment section on this site.

9. I have a criminal record. Can I still apply and join as a firefighter?
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from becoming a firefighter. If you have a criminal record which is unspent within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 then this should be declared on the application form.

10. What other jobs are available in the fire service?
There are many careers within the Fire and Rescue Service which involve both operational and support roles. More information on the exact roles that are available can be located on www.notts-fire.gov.uk by clicking on ‘careers’ then ‘support staff’.

11. How long does the recruitment process take?
The recruitment process itself takes approximately 6 months. In some cases it can take over a year from application to your first day on station. The timeframe for the recruitment process will be provided during the application process so that individuals are aware of when they will be expected to undertake the various stages of the process. Depending on the vacancy levels, applicants may be held on a holding list and continue in their normal occupation until a vacancy arises.

12. Can I do work experience at my local fire station?
Due to health and safety requirements, it may not be possible to carry out work experience as a firefighter. You will certainly not be allowed to travel in a fire appliance or attend incidents. The Service has a Work Experience scheme which is aimed at young people who are currently in Year 10 at Secondary School. Applications should be made via school work placement co-ordinators.

13. How do I join as a retained firefighter or a part time firefighter?
Vacancies for firefighters who wish to work the retained duty system (RDS) are usually advertised locally and at the stations that require them. You will be required to respond within five minutes, so you need to work or live close to the station. You should contact the Human Resources Department to see if there are any vacancies at your local station.

14. What are the Eligibility to work in the UK criteria?
In order to comply with the law under Section eight of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, proof will be required of your eligibility to work in the UK. The starting point of this confirmation is your National Insurance Number. If you are selected further evidence and details will be issued by the relevant Fire and Rescue Service.

15. I have a disability, can I still become a firefighter?
Anyone who considers themselves to have a disability can apply to join the fire service, although obviously the physical nature of the role may mean that some disabled people will not be successful when applying.

You will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process and to give details of the type of ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a firefighter, should you be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and if reasonable adjustments can be made to enable you to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a firefighter then your application will proceed.

16. How do I apply to join as an Airport firefighter? Airport firefighters are recruited in a totally different way to that of firefighters employed by NFRS. Anyone seeking employment within the Airport Fire Service will need to keep an eye on Airport web sites for details of vacancies.

17. How long is the trainee’s course?
The trainee’s course is a 13 week course which takes place at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Development Centre in Ollerton. The course runs over 5 days (Monday to Friday) and trainees are expected to make their own way to the training centre each day. After completion of the 13 week course there is an additional community safety course which takes places over 1 week in a variety of different locations within Nottinghamshire.

After successful completion of the trainees course individuals are then posted out to a fire station to begin their role as an operational Firefighter.

18. What is the age of retirement under the new pension scheme?
Under the pension scheme the age of retirement is now 60 years of age.

19. What fitness standard do I need to be able to reach?
Potential recruits are required to attain a VO2 level of 42 ml/kg/min in order to pass their medical. This equates to level 8 shuttle 7 on the bleep test which is the test used at the medical stage.

Applicants need to have a good level of fitness which will need to be maintained at all times. Applicants will need stamina, endurance, manual dexterity and upper and lower body strength as a role as a Firefighter is a physically demanding job.

20. What are the stages of the Firefighter recruitment process?
There are 7 stages that applicants need to successfully pass in order to be offered a role as a Firefighter. These stages include the following:

• Application Form
• Written test
• Job related test
• Interview
• Medical stage
• Criminal Records Bureau Check
• References

21. What is the written test?
This stage includes a series of tests designed to assess an individual’s basic maths and English, comprehension and an individual’s ability to interpret information and think logically. A new element has been added to the written test section which is designed to assess your ability to work under pressure, to understand and recall relevant information, and to ensure you can communicate information in writing.

22. What is the job related test?
This stage assessing individuals’ stamina, endurance, upper and lower body strength, claustrophobia, ability to work at heights and manual dexterity. One of the tests involved in this process is the ladder lift where individuals are expected to lift a ladder to a height of 190 cm using safe manual handling techniques.

23. What type of questions will I be faced within the application form and interview?
The application form and interview will have questions based on the personal qualities and attributes (PQAs) of a Firefighter which are expected of an operational firefighter.

These are as follows:

• Commitment to Diversity and Integrity – understands and respects diversity and adopts a fair and ethical approach to others.
• Commitment to Excellence – adopts a conscientious and proactive approach to work to achieve and maintain excellent standards.
• Openness to Change – is open to change and actively seek to support it.
• Confidence and Resilience – maintains a confident and resilient attitude in highly challenging situations.
• Working with others – work effectively with others both within the Fire and Rescue Service and in the community.
• Effective Communication skills – communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Commitment to Development – be committed and able to develop self and others.
• Problem solving – understands, recalls, applies and adapts relevant information in an organised, safe and systematic way.
• Situational Awareness – has a good level of awareness to be able to respond to a rapidly changing environment. Safety is always of paramount importance.

24. Are there any restrictions on me having a beard or long hair?
Hair must not impair the gas tightness of the facemask of breathing apparatus, nor must it impair vision or hearing. Any long hair is to be tied up or pinned up so as to be clear of the ears and collar.

25. Are recruits allowed to have tattoos? Recruits are allowed to have tattoos however tattoos must be covered in a public setting and must not openly display messages or images which are likely to offend others.

26. Am I allowed to wear make-up during my shift as a firefighter?
The use of make-up or hair preparations is not allowed whilst you are on duty.

27. Can I wear jewellery during my shift as a firefighter?
You must not wear rings, watches, bracelets or earrings while you are on operational duty.