How to Become a Firefighter in QLD

Become a Firefighter with Queensland Fire Department

Competition in QFD Recruitment

QFD is a competitive fire service just like every fire service in Australia. QFD 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 QFD.

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

QFD 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.

Psych Test

For further information on the QFD Psychological Assessment I have created a detailed breakdown on what to expect. is a two part psych test and a crucial part of the process.

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
• - QFD will also undertake a check on your criminal history.

Tip - Check your Online presence because they will

QFD Recruitment Dates

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

Education Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Queensland

QFD firefighter education requirements

QFD Salary Rates

Check out our updated QFD 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.

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

Mindset: Commit from Day One

Many people underestimate how mentally demanding the firefighter recruitment journey can be. They approach it casually or try to shortcut the process, then wonder why they don’t get through. If you’re serious, you need to be all in. That means mentally committing to the long game, staying consistent, and backing yourself through setbacks. 

At Fire Recruitment Australia, we help you establish the right mindset early. Through coaching and proven strategies, you’ll learn how to stay focused, confident, and in control throughout each stage of recruitment.

Developing Practical Skills

QFD assesses far more than your physical fitness. Throughout the process, you’ll be expected to:

• Follow complex instructions.
• Think clearly under pressure.
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and in person.
• Respond professionally in high-stress group settings.
  

These skills don’t come naturally to everyone, but can be developed. Our members receive structured guidance tailored to the current QFD testing suite, so you’re not wasting time on outdated or irrelevant prep.

Communication and Interpersonal Strength

Strong communication isn’t just about having a loud voice. It’s about being transparent, respectful, and a good listener. QFD looks for team players who can follow direction, take feedback, and contribute calmly in challenging situations.

At Fire Recruitment Australia, we prepare you for formal interviews and group assessments. We’ll help you refine your speaking style, structure your answers, and present yourself confidently.

Positive Attitude and Resilience

You’ll encounter knockbacks. You’ll face setbacks. The question is—how do you respond?

Top applicants stay focused on growth, not frustration. They learn from feedback, ignore distractions, and refuse to waste time on negativity. That’s what QFD is looking for—people who will lift the team, not drain it.

You’ll find like-minded applicants working towards the same goal in our membership. You’ll be part of a community that builds each other up and holds each other accountable.

QFD 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 - QFD Firefighter

Here is a picture of Danny below working for QFD. 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 QFD that year, by following the simple proven method Danny was able to easily land himself on the QFD Recruit course that very intake.

QFD 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 QFD contact details page now.

Process MAP to Become A Firefighter in Queensland - 2025

Information from QFD (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 QFD 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 QFD Salaries Like?

This is correct as of July 2024

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

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

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