Firefighter Information Page
This information was last updated on March 17, 2010.
1,952 applicants took the written exam on March 8, 2010. Candidates will receive their score in the mail within 4 weeks from the date of the exam.
The City of Saint Paul received 2,360 approved applicants for the upcoming Firefighter exam process.
The application period for Firefighter has ended. You will not be able to submit an application for this position until further notice. If you did not apply and pay the application fee by 4:30 pm on January 29, 2010, you cannot proceed with the examination process.
Please review the Job Announcement for complete details of the Firefighter requirements and testing process.
2010 Firefighter Physical Performance Test
You must pass the written exam with a 75% or higher score to be eligible to take the Physical Performance Test (PPT). The tentative schedule for the practice sessions and exams are listed below.
**Depending on the number of candidates that pass the written exam, this timeline is subject to change.
April 12 – May 15 Practice Sessions
May 17 – June 18 Physical Performance Exams
Candidates will have the opportunity to attend two (2) practice sessions prior to the physical performance exam. You will be allowed to wear equipment (Saint Paul Fire Department equipment only) and you can be timed during the course. These practice sessions are voluntary. If you do not attend, you can still participate in the final physical examination.
Your first practice session will be randomly scheduled. You will be notified of your first practice session when you receive your pass letter from the written exam. If you do not pass the written exam, you cannot participate further in the process. We cannot accommodate rescheduling these sessions.
If you would like an orientation to the physical exam, you can report to the training center one hour prior to your first practice session. Firefighters will give you a detailed description of the exam and provide you with suggestions on how to complete each task. This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions of current Firefighters.
You will be allowed to sign up for your second practice session once your first practice session has been completed. If you are unable to attend your first session, please contact Human Resources at 651-266-6500 – press #1, then 0. You will be allowed to sign up for your second session at that time.
Your actual physical performance exam will be randomly scheduled by Human Resources. You are to report at your scheduled time and no make-ups exams will be allowed. You are given one chance to run through the exam. If you do not pass, you will not be given another opportunity. In order to pass the physical performance exam you must complete it in less than seven (7) minutes.
Scoring for the physical exam will be as follows:
Completion Time Physical Ability Band Score
Less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds 100
3 minutes and 30 seconds – 4 minutes 14 seconds 95
4 minutes and 15 seconds – 4 minutes 59 seconds 90
5 minutes – 5 minutes 44 seconds 85
5 minutes 45 seconds – 7 minutes 80
7 minutes 01 seconds and greater Fail
View a video of the Physical Performance Test.
For detailed information about the physical performance test, including stations and weight specifications, click here.
For suggestions on how to prepare for the physical performance test, click here.
Residency Points
Residency Points were approved for rank order, non-promotional employment exams by the Saint Paul City Council. Applicants who live in Saint Paul on the application deadline, AND have lived in the City for one year prior to the application deadline, will receive 5 additional points on their final passing score.
Documentation must be received by the Office of Human Resources by May 28, 2010. No documentation will be accepted after this date.
2010 Firefighter Salary and Benefits
The 3-month Academy, Firefighter Trainee Salary is $1,453 (Bi-weekly)
Firefighter Annual Salary after the Academy:
Starting: $47,419
3-year: $59,458
5-year: $61,852
For other current benefit information, click here.
More Information
The Fire Department website will provide you with additional information about the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Please review the Firefighter Job Description for more information about the position of Firefighter with the City of Saint Paul.
Visit our Employment Opportunities page for current job openings with the City of Saint Paul.
An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer
