Firefighter Hiring Process

Oral Interview

To be considered for the interview process, a candidate must score at least 70% or higher on all components of the written exam. Depending on the number of passing scores, some candidates that pass the exam may not receive an invitation for an interview. Top scoring candidates will be invited to schedule an in-person interview which will take place in June and/or July of 2025. We conduct behavior and situation-based interviews that are designed to evaluate several facets of a candidate. A score of at least 70% must be achieved to move on to the physical fitness test.

Physical Ability Test

LCBF utilizes the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) standards. These standards require candidates to be offered the opportunity to attend a CPAT Pre-Test Program. The Pre-Test Program includes two (2) CPAT Orientation sessions within the eight (8) week period preceding a CPAT test and two (2) timed practice runs of the CPAT within the 30 days prior to the test. The CPAT consists of eight critical tasks that simulate job duties on the fire ground which require high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. During the entire test the candidate must wear a 50 lb. weighted vest (simulating the weight of a fire fighters protective clothing and equipment). The eight events are:

1. Stair Climb (climbing stairs while carrying an additional 25 lb. simulated hose pack)
2. Ladder Raise and Extension (placing a ground ladder at the fire scene and extending the ladder to the roof or a window)
3. Hose Drag (stretching uncharged houseline’s, advancing lines)
4. Equipment Carry (removing and carrying equipment from fire apparatus to fireground)
5. Forcible Entry (penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall) and
6. Search (crawling through dark unpredictable areas to search for victims)
7. Rescue Drag (removing a 165 lb victim or partner from a fire building)
8. Ceiling Pull (locating fire and checking for fire extension)

The first orientation session is August 5, 2025 and the final CPAT is September 29, 2025. Additional dates and times for the sessions in between will be provided to candidates that are eligible to take CPAT. CPAT certificates are accepted from candidates once they reach this stage and details on what qualifies as an accepted certificate will be communicated.

The CPAT is a pass or fail test based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. Applicants must successfully pass the CPAT to be included on the eligibility list.

Resources

• CPAT Orientation Guide (PDF)
• Candidate Preparation Guide (PDF)
• Candidate Instruction Video

Eligibility List

If you have successfully completed all phases of testing, you will be placed on an eligibility list which is certified by the Civil Service Board. The list is certified for a period of two years. At any time during the two-year period, LCBF may choose to engage with candidates on the eligibility list to further assess their potential fit as a LCBF firefighter. LCBF hiring needs and City funding of positions dictates when and if we begin the selection process. An additional interview may be conducted with members of the LCBF and those that possess the strongest qualifications and good moral character will receive a conditional offer of employment. Once a candidate accepts a conditional job offer, additional steps in the selection process are taken.

Background Investigation

A thorough and comprehensive background investigation is performed to assess a candidates match with our high moral and ethical standards. The background investigation must indicate that you have the necessary honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity required for being a public servant. Investigators may speak with individuals such as employers, neighbors, family, friends, associates, and non-listed references. In addition to the background investigation, criminal, child abuse, employment, credit and driving record checks are also performed. If all components of these investigations are positive, the candidate will move along in the hiring process.

Psychological Evaluation

Candidates are administered an evaluation with a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. All candidates must pass this evaluation to continue with the hiring process.

Medical Evaluation & Drug Screening

The medical evaluation consists of a complete physical examination. Candidates will provide a medical history to the physician. Candidates must pass this step to continue with the hiring process and admission process into the HACC Fire Academy.

Fire Academy

Candidates that have successfully completed the selection process will move on to attend the HACC Fire Academy as a LCBF recruit. This position is a full-time non-bargaining position. LCBF provides recruits with the necessary tools, transportation, and uniforms to attend the Fire Academy. Recruits will either attend 20- or 14-week program depending on existing certifications. There, recruits engage in daily and weekly academic testing, physical exercise, and development.

Candidates who do not hold an active EMT or Paramedic license will attend the 6-week EMT module which will prepare recruits to take the National Register EMT test. Obtaining and holding an EMT certification is a condition of employment.

The 14-week firefighter program follows EMT. It will set recruits up to prepare for and obtain Pro Board/IFSAC Qualifications Certifications in:

• NFPA 1001 – Fire Fighter I & Firefighter II Certifications
• NFPA 1072 – Haz Mat Awareness & Haz Mat Operations Certifications
• NFPA 1002 – Pumper Driver & Aerial Driver Certifications
• NFPA 1006 – Vehicle Rescue Technician I Certification
• Flashover Recognition Training & Five Days of Live Fire Training
• American Heart Association Certificates in Professional CPR and First Aid.
• Course completions of: NIMS 700, 800, 100 & 200
• Pa State Fire Academy Firefighter Survival / Rapid Intervention Teams, Fire
• Dynamics Fundamentals and Strategies & Tactics course certificates
• PA State Fire Academy joint PA DOH Vehicle Rescue Technician course series
• PA State Fire Academy Ropes & Rigging, Rope I & II courses
• PA State Fire Academy Pump Operations I & II courses
• PA State Fire Academy Aerial Apparatus Practices & Extended courses
• PA State Fire Academy Emergency Vehicle Operators Training course

Probationary Period

Recruits who graduate from the HACC Fire Academy and obtain professional certifications will be sworn in as Firefighter/EMT’s for the City of Lancaster. Once sworn-in, personnel must complete a six-month probationary period. Following successful completion of the probation period, recruits continue on with monthly testing and assessment for a period of 18 months.