Are you planning to take a firefighting career in Texas? Well, first of all, congratulation on your good choice. This is a rewarding career, though it might take you time, you will rejoice in the end.
However, as with any other profession, there are various requirements you will have to fulfill for you to fit in the position.
What you need to understand first is that different cities have different requirements. For example, the minimum requirements for age vary with cities some stating 18 while others above 21 years.
To get reliable information, make sure to visit the website of your city or region.
All in all, some requirements remain the same regardless of the city. In this article, I will give you a general guideline on what might be required of you when you want to become a firefighter in Texas.
Go through the information and visit your city’s website to get the details.
Texas firefighter requirements
In addition to many others, you will have to fulfill the following requirements to get a job as a firefighter in Texas.
- Hold GED or a high-school diploma
- Fulfill the maximum and minimum age requirements
- Be an EMT certified by the Texas State, or pursue a qualifying course
- You should also be ready to attend the firefighting academy and graduate. This is where you will learn more about this career and the tasks that you will undertake.
- You also have to be certified on Fire Protection by the Texas Commission
- You need to succeed in the background check
- You must have no criminal record and be a lawful citizen of the US.
- Hold a valid driving license according to Texas
- Your driving record should also be clear. This means that any accident record may hurt your possibility of being considered as a potential candidate.
Make sure to fulfill the above minimum requirements if you want to securer a job as a firefighter in Texas. The only thing you have to focus on is ensuring proper preparation.
Keep in mind that you are about to start a journey that will require commitment and time. And the worst of all is that you are entering a competitive field.
However, with good preparation, this will not scare you since you will be on top of the game.
Besides the above requirements, the fire department will have unique requirements like succeeding in the entrance test among others. You might have to sit for various exams while preparing for a firefighting job.
Do proper research when planning for the exams by researching as much as you can.
One thing that is compulsory in all fire centers in Texas is that you will need TCFP certification. You cannot avoid this especially if you want to be a paid firefighter.
TCFP certification
This is the basic fire suppression certificate and you must have it if you are considering pursuing a firefighting career in Texas. To get it, you need to satisfy the following steps.
- Complete the basic training program.
- Show that you can use basic firefighting skills to avoid fire disasters
- Succeed in the certification exam by the state
- Finish the emergency medical response training
- Get fingerprinted and succeed in the criminal history check
- Apply to get the certification
This is the step-by-step process that you will need to fulfill if you want to work as a firefighter in Texas. Make sure to focus on scoring the best in your exams.
Failing the tests can block you from moving on to the next level. After getting the certificate, you can proceed to the next steps. It is not an easy journey as we agreed earlier.
You will have to pass various tests and spend time training before you can claim to be a certified firefighter in Texas. The best thing is that others did it and you can also make it.
The only thing you need to do is make the internet your friend and gathers as much information as you can.
How long will it take you to be a firefighter in Texas?
What you need to know is that acquiring the TCFP certificate can take you several months or even years. This is because you will spend time working on other requirements as well.
When you think about the requirements imposed by various fire departments, you might be scared. But, why? This is something that you have decided on your mind and there is no one to challenge you.
There is no accurate answer to the duration you will spend before getting employment because of the various factors that you have to account for.
When planning about becoming a firefighter in Texas, prepare to spend some few months up to 5 years before getting the badge of a firefighter. It can as well take you 7 years.
This will depend on the position you will want to work for. The higher the ranks you will want to climb the more time you will spend in preparation for the job.
How much will you earn as a firefighter in Texas?
One thing we will have to admit first is that firefighting is a rewarding career. This is the reason I started congratulating you on your decision.
Although how much you will earn as a firefighter in Texas may vary, expect an average salary of $53480 annually. Make sure to confirm with the departments in your city. The amount given here is from a 2017 report.
Texas firefighter career outlook
The best thing with Texas is that it employees a large number of firefighters. It is the second one after California when it comes to firefighter employments.
According to a 2017 report, Texas has 27900 firefighters. The number is projected to increase with time.
Conclusion
In 2017, Texas was the second-best firefighter’s employer in the US. With this, you can secure employment if you are planning to pursue a career as a firefighter.
All you need to do is meeting all the requirements before you can secure the position. It only requires time and commitment.