If you’re wondering how to become a firefighter in Montana, you’re not alone.
Becoming a firefighter in Montana is a unique and rewarding journey, one that allows you to serve your community while facing a variety of challenges.
The state’s vast landscape, from rural towns to bustling urban centers like Billings and Missoula, offers a wide range of opportunities for aspiring firefighters.
Whether you’re drawn to the mountains or the plains, this guide provides a step-by-step roadmap on how to become a firefighter in Montana.
General Steps to Become a Firefighter in Montana
Becoming a firefighter in Montana takes dedication, physical and mental resilience, and a strong commitment to serving your community. Here are the steps every aspiring firefighter must follow:
General Steps to Become a Firefighter in Montana
1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Age & Education: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. Some fire departments, such as the Billings Fire Department, may have additional age requirements, typically around 21 years of age.
- Driver’s License: A valid Montana driver’s license is a requirement for all applicants.
- Residency: While some departments may not have strict residency requirements, others, such as the Great Falls Fire Department, require that applicants live within a specific geographic area to ensure quick response times.
2. Obtain Emergency Medical Certification
In Montana, many fire departments require candidates to be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) before applying. Firefighters in the state frequently respond to medical emergencies, making this certification essential for most departments. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services offers EMT certification through its programs.
- EMT Certification: The certification can be obtained from various accredited programs. While some departments, like Billings, may allow you to be hired without EMT certification, it will be a requirement before final hiring.
3. Apply to Fire Departments
Research and apply to fire departments that align with your career goals. Make sure to check specific requirements for each department, as they may vary:
- Application Process: Each department will have its own application procedure, and it’s essential to keep track of deadlines and documentation requirements.
- Required Documents: Typically, this includes proof of education, certifications, and a clean driving record.
4. Pass the Firefighter Entrance Exam
Montana fire departments use a combination of exams to assess candidates’ qualifications:
- Written Exam: This typically includes questions on reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning, math, and fire service-related knowledge. A strong understanding of fire safety protocols and emergency response procedures is vital.
- Physical Ability Test (PAT or CPAT): Fire departments in Montana, such as those in Billings and Missoula, require candidates to pass a physical test, which measures strength, endurance, and stamina. The test may involve tasks like hose drags, ladder raises, and stair climbs.
- Oral Interview: This part of the process evaluates candidates’ communication skills, character, and motivations for becoming a firefighter.
5. Undergo Background and Psychological Evaluations
Fire departments will conduct thorough background checks to ensure candidates have no criminal history or other issues that would affect their suitability for the job. Psychological evaluations are also a standard part of the hiring process in Montana, as the job requires mental resilience in high-pressure situations.
6. Complete a Medical Examination
Candidates must pass a comprehensive medical evaluation, which includes:
- Vision and Hearing Tests: Firefighters need to have excellent vision and hearing to ensure safety and efficiency on the job.
- Cardiovascular and Physical Fitness Assessments: Firefighting is a physically demanding job, and a clean bill of health is required to ensure that candidates can handle the stress of the job.
- General Health: Overall health evaluations ensure that candidates are fit to perform the essential functions of the job.
7. Attend a Fire Academy
Once hired, recruits attend a fire academy for training. Montana offers several accredited fire academies, including:
- Montana Firefighter Training School: Located in Great Falls, this school provides certification in Firefighter I & II, as well as other specialized training such as technical rescue and hazardous materials handling.
- Local Fire Academies: Some cities, like Billings and Missoula, have their own fire academies or in-house training programs to prepare recruits for their specific department needs.
8. Continue Professional Development
Firefighting is a career that requires ongoing learning and certification. In Montana, firefighters are encouraged to:
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: These could include Fire Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Technical Rescue certifications.
- Stay Current with Annual Training: Many departments require continuing education and regular participation in department drills to maintain proficiency and ensure safety.
Best All-in-one guide:
Written/Physical/Interview
Why Scoring High on the Firefighter Exam in Montana Is Important
No matter which department you’re applying to, passing the firefighter exam is critical — and scoring high is even more important.
Just as in other states, scoring well on the firefighter exam in Montana is critical to securing a position.
Departments typically use a ranking system based on the written exam, physical ability test, and interview scores to create an eligibility list.
The higher your score, the better your chances are of getting hired.
Every hiring process includes three major tests:
- Written Exam – Determines your placement on the hiring list. A higher score = better chances of getting the job.
- Physical Ability Test (PAT or CPAT) – You must prove you can handle physically demanding tasks that mimic fireground operations.
- Oral Interview – This is your chance to show leadership, communication, and character beyond a test score.
Most departments create ranked hiring lists based on total exam scores. Being at the top of that list is the key to getting hired.
Free Written Exam Practice Tests
Becoming a Firefighter in Billings
The Billings Fire Department requires candidates to:
- Age & Education: Must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- EMT Certification: Required before hire. The Billings Fire Department works with local training programs to ensure recruits are certified.
- Application Process: The department requires candidates to complete written and physical ability exams, followed by a background check and oral interview.
- Apply here: Prospective applicants can find more information on the Billings Fire Department’s official firefighter website.
Becoming a Firefighter in Missoula
The Missoula Fire Department requires candidates to:
- Age & Education: Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- EMT Certification: Must be completed before hire.
- Application Process: Involves the completion of written and physical exams, followed by a background check.
- Apply here: Prospective applicants can find more information on the Missoula Fire Department’s official firefighter website.
Becoming a Firefighter in Great Falls
The Great Falls Fire Department requires candidates to:
- Age & Education: Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- EMT Certification: Required within one year of hire.
- Application Process: Includes a written test, physical ability test, and oral interview.
- Apply here: Prospective applicants can find more information on the Great Falls Fire Department’s official firefighter website.
Additional Considerations for Firefighters in Montana
- Residency Requirements: Some departments, like Great Falls, require candidates to live within a specific distance from the fire station to ensure a quick response to emergencies.
- Physical Fitness: Maintaining physical fitness is critical for passing the physical tests and handling the physically demanding nature of firefighting.
- Continuing Education: Montana fire departments place a strong emphasis on professional development. Pursuing certifications and attending training courses is essential for career advancement.
Final Thoughts: How to Become a Firefighter in Montana
Becoming a firefighter in Montana — especially in major cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls — is competitive but achievable. If you meet the eligibility requirements, earn your EMT certification, and excel on the firefighter entrance exam, you’ll have a strong chance of joining the fire service.
Becoming a firefighter in Montana is a challenging yet fulfilling journey. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take the necessary actions to pursue a rewarding career that allows you to make a significant impact in your community.
Stay focused, stay fit, and prepare for every step. The fire service needs people like you — committed, capable, and ready to protect and serve.
