FRV Recruitment Guide

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How to Become a Firefighter in VIC in 12 Months or Less  

Even if you have failed multiple times

This article is specific to becoming a firefighter in the state of Victoria Australia.

I will not be wasting time on general how to's that can already be found on the "How to become a firefighter" page.

To remove any confusion, I'm talking about how to become a firefighter with Fire & Rescue Victoria (formerly MFB & CFA).

We predicted the merger of the 2 Victorian fire services becoming 1 under the banner of FRV - Fire Rescue Victoria and the impact on recruitment way back in 2017. 

If you wish to learn more about the assessments and tests required for FRV, please find our dedicated practice resources. We also have a separate page where we go into much greater depth on each of the stages of the FRV recruitment process

Case Study: Sam W - VIC Firefighter

Here's Sam below with doing some interview preparation with us and then as an FRV firefighter. Sam had tried 2 times and been unsuccessful. When he used the methods I'm talking about, he managed to become a firefighter in Vic that very same year.

The reason I share this is to illustrate how much difference the right preparation and guidance makes.

Listen to Sam's full story - becoming a firefighter with Fire Rescue Victoria

become a firefighter vic
how to become a firefighter victoria

Competition in Fire Rescue Victoria Firefighter Recruitment

Fire and Rescue Victoria is one of the most competitive fire services in Australia. Over the last decade or so, I have been following firefighter recruitment in Victoria. The number of applicants has fluctuated around the 3000-4000 mark, give or take a thousand or so.

It is worth noting this from the beginning so you understand the potential of the competition and what may be required in order to beat these thousands of people on your journey to becoming a firefighter in Victoria.

This is by no means meant to put you off the idea, more to make you consider the fact that simply winging it will not work unless you are uncannily smart or just have an extraordinary talent for fire service recruitment.

FRV Online Application

Current FRV Recruitment - I will update this each time there is a recruitment with fire rescue Victoria. 

Ensure that you have read and understand all stages of the recruit selection process and comply with the minimum entry requirements including Criminal History and Driver History policies (see summary below). Fire Rescue Victoria has done a great job of making it as clear as possible on what you need to do.

- You have 1 opportunity to get this right so don't take any chances.

- This is generally your first interaction with the service so make it count. Make it contribute to your success, it's a real opportunity to do just that.

- Read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. Sounds simple but so many people mess it up.

- Gain an understanding of what IS important to include and what IS NOT. You don't want to paint yourself in a dull light just because you don't fully understand what's superfluous and what is crucial to have on your application. You can be a great candidate but not a great writer so don't let this be the reason you're out of the game for another year.

TIP 1: Getting a second opinion from a suitably qualified professional before submitting could make or break you at this point. In my opinion, if you can control the outcome of something it is wise to do everything in your power to do just that.

TIP 2: Position Description is a gold mine in the right hands - PD Firefighter/ Fire Rescue Victoria. You can find this inside membership OR by searching the fire department industrial agreement between FRV and the Victorian Government.

The Key - With any application, it is important to identify the underlying fundamental skills that one needs to develop in order to nail the application. You need to understand what is important to include and what needs to be left out so that your application makes an impact in your favour instead of being a hindrance. 


BECOME A FIREFIGHTER IN VICTORIA
BECOME A FIREFIGHTER IN VICTORIA Australia
FRV FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT (1)


Information from Fire Rescue Victoria  (bear in mind every applicant has access to this).

Here is some more information you might be interested in if you're seriously considering becoming a firefighter in victoria with FRV. You will want to know these things and a lot more about the job of a firefighter and particularly specific to Victoria, just a little entree below.

How much does a firefighter earn in Victoria?

Firefighter Victoria Salary

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Victorian firefighter salary correct as of 2024 - More details here how much do firefighters make

FRV Station Map - Overview

FRV Station Map
FRV Stations

Fire Rescue Victoria Rank Structure

Here is an article devoted to Rank Structure in Fire Rescue Victoria

APPLY HERE - Current FRV Application

Fire Rescue Victoria Application Page


 Fire Rescue Victoria is Australia's 2nd Largest Employer of Professional Firefighters

frv employs 22 percent of firefighters in Australia

Fire Rescue Victoria employs 22% of professional firefighters in Australia making it the 2nd largest firefighter recruiter in the country, In a sense this is great if your applying with FRV because by default there are more professional firefighters positions available, this usually correlates with more applications but I see it as a bigger opportunity to beat more  than enough people that you can bet will be unprepared.

Resources Below

Tools to save you wasting your time.. 

Firefighter Recruitment Bundle

What Every Applicant Needs To Know About Firefighter Recruitment Testing to Stand a Chance!

The bare minimum for anyone that claims to be "serious" about becoming a firefighter.

If you are currently preparing for the next firefighter recruitment intake. These guides give you simple details that help you prepare properly for every test you'll face and — the application process, the Aptitude, Personality, and Physical tests, and the Interview.

Get the Edge

Work With Me & My Team

Personalised coaching sessions based on decades of experience and tailored to your needs.

If you think you need that little bit of extra help to make it through the next recruitment intake or you're sick of missing out and not knowing why, then this may be perfect for you. Together, we'll work out a strategy that:

  • Builds on your strengths and fills you with confidence and certainty
  • Learn the reasons behind why people fail time and again so you don't
  • Improve your weaknesses to eliminate points of failure
  • Show you exactly what to expect so you can present the best version of yourself every step of the way.

Wherever you are in the process, and whatever challenges you’re facing right now, Working with us gives you step-by-step guidance, personal support, and resources not available anywhere else to help you get where you want to be in the quickest way possible. You don’t need to struggle on your own anymore!