Hiring Information

Our department's hiring practice is fairly straightforward. A Civil Service exam is given approx. every 2 years. From the test results, the top 40 or so are contacted for a physical fitness test. The physical fitness test consists of the Firefighter's Combat Challenge and a ladder climb. The physical fitness test is pass/fail. After the physical fitness test, veterans points are added to the exam results of those eligible. A list is then made up of those candidates, starting with the person with the highest score. When the department hires new personnel, people are called for interviews from the top down, and the number needed are selected from the interviewed candidates.

Once hired, candidates are required to successfully pass a course of instruction culminating in PA Firefighter I, II and PA DOH EMT certifications. Training can last from 8-12 weeks. Candidates have a probationary period of 6 months from the date of hire. Firefighters are not admitted into IAFF local #299 membership until their probationary period has been completed.
 

The next civil service exam will be given in late summer or fall of 2008. For more information, contact the City of Altoona Personnel Office closer to the time of testing.