Firefighters play an important role in safeguarding the residents of the United States. The courageous members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps risk their lives to control raging fires and minimize the damage caused by fires. They put their lives on the line to save other people as well as their belongings.
Should I Become a Firefighter in Puerto Rico?
If you are passionate about becoming a member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps as a Firefighters, then you must earn an EMT certification and possess at least a High School Diploma or a GED. Many local fire departments/stations set additional hiring requirements and often prefer to hire candidates who have earned at least a college degree in Fire Science. Further requirements are detailed as follows.
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Education Required
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High School Diploma or a GED (at least)
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Major Requirement
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Fire Science
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License/Certification
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EMT certification
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Experience/Training
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On the job training at a Fire Academy
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Key Skills
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Decision making, Communication, Compassion, Physical Strength & Stamina, and Courage, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
Puerto Rico
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$25,240
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) -
National
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$54,650
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Job Outlook (2018-2028)
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5%
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)
Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 5% employment rise for this profession between 2018 and 2028. A total of 324,620 Firefighters were employed in the US in 2019, and 1,600 of those were employed in the state of Puerto Rico.
Steps to Becoming a Firefighter in Puerto Rico
If working as a Firefighter in the state of Puerto Rico was your lifelong dream then, this stepwise hiring guide can help you turn your dream into a reality.
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Completing the Educational Requirements
To become a member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps, you must earn at least a high school diploma or a GED. However, many fire stations set the hiring bar higher and require candidates to have completed at least a college degree in Fire Science.
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Clearing the Hiring Process
After applying for the position of Firefighters in the state of Puerto Rico, the candidates must pass the following tests to be successfully hired.
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A written exam
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An oral interview
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Physical exam
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Psychological assessment
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The physical ability test (CPAT)
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Background check, etc.
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Acquiring the EMT Certification
It is mandatory for all candidates who want to be members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps to acquire the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification. All firefighters must do this to ensure that they can provide immediate medical care to those in need and save more lives.
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Training at a Fire Academy
All members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps must enroll at a Fire Academy to earn the Firefighter I/II certification. All fresh recruits must complete this training before officially taking on any duties.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Puerto Rico?
If you decide to apply for this position after completing a High School Diploma and getting an EMT certification, then the whole process from applying for the position to getting hired may take about 4 to 6 months.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in Puerto Rico?
If you want to be a member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps, you must fulfill all state-set requirements where the candidates must:
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Be legal US citizens over the age of 18
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Have earned at least a High School Diploma or a GED Certificate
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Hold a valid EMT certification
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Have a valid Puerto Rico driver’s license
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Have no criminal record
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Be physically and mentally fit
How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Puerto Rico?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $25,240 as the annual mean salary of Firefighters employed in the state of Puerto Rico in 2019. Moreover, California was named as the highest paying state for this occupation with an annual mean salary of $84,370.