The Old Line State offers some great employment prospects for Firefighters. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that Firefighters working in Maryland earned an above-average annual mean pay of $62,750 in 2019. If you want to join this rewarding profession, then read this guide on how to become a Firefighter in Maryland.
A career in fire service requires selflessness, courage, and integrity. If you have these traits, then a career as a Firefighter is best suited to you.
Firefighting is a competitive profession – hence candidates are expected to meet a long list of training and certification requirements. Read the table below to familiarize yourself with these requirements. The information presented below has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
BLS has reported that the demand for Firefighters will increase by 5% by 2028.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Maryland
Now let’s discuss the steps involved in joining this noble profession. After reading this section, you will be able to understand how to become a Firefighter in Maryland.
Step 1: Get a High School Diploma
The first step is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. After completing your high school education, you can consider enrolling in a Certificate or an Associate program in a discipline related to Fire Science.
Step 2: Fill in a Career Recruitment Form
The next step involves filling in a career recruitment form. Once you have filled and submitted it, you will be added to the Contact Database and will be updated about the application and hiring process. Once the recruitment cycle is opened, you should send in your job application.
Step 3: Clear the Physical Test and the Entrance Exam
In this round, you will be expected to pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). It is a good idea to start your training regimen ahead of time because it will help you prepare for your physical exam. If you can clear the CPAT, you will be asked to appear for an entrance exam.
Step 4: Undergo Additional Testing and Checks
After clearing the entrance test, you will be invited for an initial interview. You will then be required to pass the background investigation, oral board, physiological exam, and a medical exam. If you successfully pass these stages, your appointment letter will be handed to you.
Step 5: Graduate from the Fire Academy
After getting the job offer letter, you will have to enroll yourself in a Fire Academy. It might take you a couple of months to complete the recruit training.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Maryland?
The time it takes to become a Firefighter in Maryland depends on which educational pathway you have chosen. If you decide to enroll in an Associate’s program after completing high school, then it will take you an additional two years to join the firefighting field.
The hiring process itself is quite lengthy and competitive. You will have to pass a series of difficult assessments, such as written tests, physical tests, interviews, background checks, and medical examinations. If you manage to pass these stages, you will be eligible to enroll in the Recruit Academy, where you will have to spend a couple of more months under training.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Maryland?
There is no standard set of admission requirements for Firefighters in Maryland, as the hiring criteria differ from county to county and city to city. However, the basic requirements are listed below.
Candidates who want to join the firefighting field are required to:
-
Hold a GED or a high school diploma.
-
Hold a valid driver’s license.
-
Have a clean criminal history.
-
Pass a series of competitive exams.
How Much Does a Firefighter Earn in Maryland?
Employment reports shared by BLS indicate that the annual mean income of Firefighters working in Maryland in 2019 was $62,750.