How to Become a Firefighter in QLD

.

Become a Firefighter with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services  

Even if you have failed multiple times

To remove any confusion I'm talking about how to become a firefighter in the state of Queensland with QFES, I will not be covering general how to's that can be found on the

"How to become a firefighter in Australia" Page.

QLD Firefighter in nomex

Competition in QFES Recruitment

QFES is a competitive fire service just like every fire service in Australia. QFES is on par with Victoria in difficulty or chance of obtaining a place as a recruit. So not quite as hard as NSW but still a real challenge if you don't know how to approach the process. QLD had a cessation on recruitment for a number of years so they have been playing a bit of catch-up in more recent times meaning more opportunities for more people.

Over the last few years, I have had the pleasure of working with over half of the successful applicants during some recruitment campaigns. When half a recruit course is interacting and using a method, it gives me confidence that the method works.

Do NOT underestimate the competition. Although it may be less than NSW it's still a big task for most people. You will still be up against a couple of thousand applicants usually.

This is by no means meant to put you off the idea. It is more to make you consider the fact that simply going through the motions will more than likely land you on the outer.

Here is a good article about another success story Michael Stephenson getting a job as a firefighter with QFES.

For more information about the assessments required, including the QFES core abilities test, please visit our dedicated resource. 

qfes_recruitment_forum_2021_become_a_firefighter_QLD
Brent wearing firefighter shirt
auxiliary firefighter qld

QFES Medical Requirements

Understand what you will be subjected to before the medical. If you have something you are worried about, it will pay to speak to someone confidentially before your medical as there are things that can be done before it's too late. I like to do this at the beginning with people I'm working with, as it allows us to remove doubt and focus on more fruitful activities that will get us a job.

Employment Checks

Satisfy a Criminal History Check and complete referee reports

  • - Reference checks – referees should be a supervisor/manager within a work environment
  • - Driving history check
  • - QFES will also undertake a check on your criminal history.

Tip - Check your Online presence because they will

QFES Recruitment Dates

Firefighter recruitment dates and outlook for Fire and rescue QLD this year.

Education Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Queensland

QFES firefighter education requirements

QFES Salary Rates

Check out our updated QFES Salary rates. 

Skills, Attributes & Attitude Needed to Become a Firefighter in QLD

  • - Mindset: you need to be able to get into the right frame of mind to become a firefighter in Queensland, many people struggle with the journey and find the challenge insurmountable. If you can get this right from the start you'rehalfwayy there. Commit to the journey.
  • - Develop skills and understanding around all aspects of the testing suite for the current intake.
  • - Attention to detail.
  • - Communication skills: you will need to develop extremely good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • - Positive winning attitude: every minute spent on an unproductive negative activity or conversation is a minute wasted that could be put to use. Don't be like the masses.

These books show you exactly how to make sure you have the skills and attributes required to beat other applicants in the very next QLD fire and rescue recruitment intake.

QFES Recruitment Application:

TIP: Position Description is a gold mine in the right hands

  • - 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: 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.

Case Study: Danny S - QFES Firefighter

Here is a picture of Danny below working for QFES. Danny had tried to become a firefighter in various states around Australia when I met him. He had done reasonably well in some attempts but was having some trouble getting past the interview. The next recruitment was with QFES that year, by following the simple proven method Danny was able to easily land himself on the QFES Recruit course that very intake.

QFES Contact Details

If you would like to contact your local Queensland fire station, auxiliary station, rural fire service office or state emergency service office, please see our QFES contact details page now.

become a firefighter in QLD

Process MAP to Become A Firefighter in Queensland - 2021

how to become a firefighter qld
how to become a firefighter in brisbane
qld fire and rescue recruitment

Information from QFES (bear in mind every applicant has access to this).

Candidate information on becoming a firefighter in QLD.  There is some great information inside this publication that you need to be familiar with as a starting point. This will give you the most up to date information about becoming a firefighter in QLD as far as the service is concerned.

You can also take a QFES Firefighter Suitability quiz here. I recommend taking this quiz as it may give you a little bit more insight into what the Queensland fire brigade sees as important for the various Queensland fire and rescue jobs available. If you take the quiz and the outcome isn't what you were hoping it can give you pretty specific information on what they (QLD fire and rescue recruitment) want. This is another valid step to use that will help you become a firefighter in QLD over the next applicant.

What Are QFES Salaries Like?

QFES QLD Pay Rates - as of 1 January 2022

This is correct as of 2022 for Queensland Fire & rescue jobs - Firefighter Recruit and Firefighter.

*Important requirement to start* the QLD fire and rescue recruitment training is a QFES Blue Card

QFES is Australia's 3rd Largest Employer of Professional Firefighters

qfes firefighter employee percentage

The good thing about this is, although it's competitive, QFES is one of the larger employers meaning they have more positions available in general.

Frequently Asked Questions When Becoming A Firefighter in QLD

I have previously applied. Do I have to apply again?

Yes. In the current recruitment campaign, previous applications are not taken into account. Regardless of which step you previously advanced to, all assessments must be completed again.

 

How many times can I apply?

ONE application in each recruitment campaign. If you have been unsuccessful previously you can apply again.

 

What is the age limit?

You must have a current manual motor vehicle licence (or equivalent which can be transferred to an Australian licence) when applying. The minimum is a Provisional P2 licence - GREEN.

 

Trouble completing your application? What do I do?

Make sure you have answered all of the questions on the online application form. Some questions are designed to identify candidates who do not meet entry requirements, such as having a minimum Australian Provisional P2 driving licence and having completed a minimum educational qualification. If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be denied.

 

I have a medical issue. Can I still apply?

You must satisfy all QFES medical requirements to progress. There are medical conditions that have been identified as significant for firefighters, however all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and final determination on a candidate's medical suitability is made by the Medical Advisor to QFES. For further information refer to the QFES Medical Standards pdf.

All applicant's should ensure that information from treating doctors/specialists relating to any pre-existing medical conditions is available at the time of their medical. This will avoid delays in the processing of your applications.

 

When do applications open for QFES?

make sure you have submitted your expression of interest to keep up to date.

When dates are confirmed for future recruitment campaigns, you will be notified

Statement of Suitability Candidate Profile...Do I need this?

QFES Recruit Firefighter and Auxiliary roles do not require the applicant to complete a statement of suitability. Please leave this section blank 

 

What year 12 Equivalent does QFES recognise?

Year 12 equivalent implies Year 10 or above plus a Certificate II 

Year 10 plus a completed traineeship or Year 10 plus Auxiliary Recruit Training and Education Programme.

Year 12 equivalent also implies a Trade Certificate or Certificate III or above.

Applicants without these standard Australian qualifications may can have their qualifications assessed by Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre before submitting an application. 

 

Does being in the Queensland Auxiliary, Rural Fire Service or other services like SES help me become a firefighter in QLD?

Experience and qualifications related to community work may enhance a candidate's performance, this experience may make an applicant more competitive in the recruitment process.