How to Become a Firefighter in Tasmania

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

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

To remove any confusion, I'm talking about how to become a firefighter with TAS Fire Rescue.

Competition in TAS Firefighter Recruitment

The Tasmania Fire Rescue recruitment process is a competitive fire service in Australia. Over the last decade or so, I have been following firefighter recruitment in TAS, the amount of applicants has fluctuated between 3000 – 11000 applications in the many variations of recruitment that Tasmania Fire Rescue has conducted by them.

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.

This is by no means meant to put you off the idea, more to make you consider the fact that simply winging it will more than likely land you on the unfortunate heap of disappointed applicants that don’t understand how they could have possibly been overlooked.

 1.Submit Your Application

The first stage of the process is submitting your application. You must be able to submit the following in order to proceed to the next stage:

Written Application

When applications are open, you will be able to apply on the government website using this link (the link will be regularly updated).

Read the application thoroughly and answer the six questions carefully within 300 words. You'd be amazed by how many people mess this up—first impressions count.

If applications are closed, make sure to check back regularly. Social media is an easy way to keep up with opening and closing dates. You can find us on Facebook.

Resume/CV

As with the written application, your resume must stand out; it should be short but detailed.

Driver's Licence

You must have a manual driver's licence with no restrictions, as well as the eligibility to apply for a medium rigid driver's licence once you're part of the trainee program.

Referees

You must submit a list of referees with names and contact details.

2. Take the Physical Assessment Test (Beep Test)

If your application is successful, you will be required to take a cardiovascular test called the BEEP test (also known as the multi-stage fitness test). You need to run between two points marked 20 meters apart and keep time with the beeps.

To pass this stage of the test you are required to achieve a score of 9.6.

Quick Tip: Make sure that you practice the beep test frequently in the build-up to your test. Don’t just train to reach the target of 9.6 but aim to go further than it. This will take the pressure off you on the day of the real test.

Remember to bring this medical clearance form and your driver’s license to the testing site (either in the north, north west, or south of Tasmania).

3. Perform Cognitive Ability and Psychological Testing

If you are successful in your application, the next step will be your cognitive ability and psychological assessment. This assessment will allow the fire service to judge whether you have the mental ability and character traits needed to become a firefighter for the Tasmania Fire Service.

This test will be taken online from your home without supervision; it’s vital you don’t abuse this. Applicant authenticity is taken very seriously and there are strict controls in place to ensure you don’t cheat. If your test results are found to be inauthentic, you could face severe consequences.

The assessment will last approximately 90 minutes. So, you will need to use your personal computer (not your mobile phone or tablet) and make sure you have a fast internet connection for a stress-free examination.

If you pass the assessment, your result will be valid for up to two years. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to access feedback for either part of the assessment.

Make use of practice tests to prepare so you know what to expect when the big day comes. Try this free practice aptitude test now.

4. Take the Physical Aptitude Test

This stage assesses your capability when it comes to performing physical tasks that you might encounter on the job. To take part in the test, you need to complete a medical form first. Without this, you won’t be able to sit the test.

Rescue services need staff who are physically fit and capable in all settings. You never know what to expect at the site of an emergency incident. Whether you’re dealing with storms or fires, your fitness can be the difference between life and death.

For the full breakdown of the tasks you’re expected to complete, click this link.

5. Reviewing of your Written Application

A panel will assess your written application and shortlist it based on how well the information and examples that you provided address the selection criteria.  

6. Undergo Medical Assessment

Once you’re shortlisted for the interview after taking the tests, you will undergo firefighter medical tests. 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 appointment, as there are things that can be done before it's too late. I like to do this at the beginning with the people I'm working with, as it allows us to remove doubt and focus on more fruitful activities that will get us a job.

7. Attend the Panel Interview

A panel interview is the next stage in the recruitment process. This is your chance to show that you are a suitable candidate and have a passion to join the fire service.

The questions you'll be asked will help the interviewer figure out how well you'd do as a firefighter in Tasmania based on your transferable skills and life experience.

Quick tip: try to prepare a couple of questions to ask the interviewers. This shows you’ve done your homework but also demonstrates your willingness to learn more about the service.

Before the interview, you will need to submit a copy of your medical declaration and a pre-employment medical examination completed by an occupational physician.

8. Referees

The purpose of the Tasmania Fire Service seeking out references is to gather information on how you perform in a work capacity. They are also helpful for validating any claims made by the applicant during the application process.

You will be required to provide the contact details of 3 referees (it is highly suggested that all of them be your supervisor). If possible, inform your referees that they will be contacted through email to help avoid any delays.

9. Employment Checks

Following the successful interview, the last stage of this recruitment process is the employment checks, which will be undertaken by the Record of Conviction and include the following:

• Crimes involving dishonesty (e.g., fraud, theft, burglary, breaking and entering), deception, and making false declarations
• Sexual offences
• Violent crimes and crimes against a person
• Malicious damage and destruction to property, such as arson and fire setting

Quick tip: Check your online presence because they will.

Tasmania Firefighter Recruitment Dates in Tasmania

Firefighter recruitment dates and outlook for the Tasmania Fire Rescue this year.

Education Requirements for Firefighters

Tasmania Fire Rescue firefighter education requirements

Tasmania Firefighter Salary

You may want to know how much firefighters get paid in TAS.

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

• Mindset: you need to be able to get into the right frame of mind to become a firefighter in TAS, many people struggle with the journey and find the challenge insurmountable. If you can get this right from the start you’re half way 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.