Hiring process details

You can see the full list of eligibility requirements online. 

Eligibility requirements

The application process is open through Jan. 31, 2025. Complete an application at this time instead of a position of interest form. Complete the position interest form to be contacted during the next recruiting period. The position interest form is not an application.

Firefighter position interest form.

The written exam for a Recruit Firefighter measures an individual's cognitive knowledge, skills and innate problem-solving abilities. The exam is prepared and validated by LFUCG Human Resources and consists of multiple choice questions related to the job of a Recruit Firefighter. Candidates must obtain a minimum score of 70% to proceed to the next step in the hiring process: The Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT).

Study guides for the National Firefighter Selection Inventory are available for purchase from the test company. Some contain practice tests and will give you an idea of the types of questions you will see on the exam. This study guide is not required to test. You can order a study guide online.

2025 Recruit Firefighter written exam dates

• Coming soon

Sign-up for written exam test date

Locations
Fire Training Academy
1375 Old Frankfort Pike
Lexington, Ky. 40504

The Kentucky Fire Commission administers the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) and will only be given to those individuals who scored 70% or better on the written exam. A CPAT card issued within the past 12 months is considered valid and will be collected at the oral interview. A valid CPAT card is also required on the first day of the Recruit Academy.

The CPAT process consists of an orientation and the actual test on the same day. You will be shown the CPAT orientation video, then given the opportunity to walk through the CPAT course and try the CPAT stations. Immediately after the orientation session, you will then have the chance to take the CPAT test. There will be no practice. You must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to participate.

• Kentucky Fire Commission CPAT 
• CPAT YouTube video

Dates coming soon.

Kentucky Fire Commission
110 Cleveland Drive
Paris, Ky. 40361

Sign-up forms will be available after the written exam.

Only those individuals who pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) will be eligible to sit for an oral interview. Interview dates and times will be sent to applicants directly. The interview process is prepared and administered by the Lexington Fire Department and involves a six-person panel comprising members of the Lexington Fire Department and the community.

The panel will ask each applicant the same questions concerning their previous experience, training, and knowledge. These questions are based on job-related duties and responsibilities. Each panel member will independently score each applicant after their oral examination. The panel members' scores will be totaled to obtain the total oral examination score for the applicant.

The scores for the written and oral exams will be combined, and preference points will be added (i.e., military – 2%), if applicable.

On the day of the interview, applicants must bring copies of the following documents or they will be removed from the hiring process:

• Birth Certificate – Copy from the State Bureau of Vital Statistics or Health Department (no hospital birth records)
• Valid driver's license from state of residency
• High school diploma or equivalent certification
• CPAT card
• College diploma or transcripts (if applicable)
• DD214 (member 4 form) to verify military service for veteran's preference points (if applicable)
• Kentucky or National Registry EMT or Paramedic Certification (if applicable)

Based on the cumulative results of Phase 1 (written and oral exam scores along with preference points), LFUCG Human Resources establishes an eligibility list where applicants are placed in ranked order. Beginning at the top of the list, a select number of applicants (i.e., 1-150) will proceed to Phase 2.