For Firefighter Career Opportunities, Visit the CSC Job Interest Web Page. 

The Columbus Division of Fire
Firefighter Selection Process

Step1:  Application Civil Service Commission (CSC)

You must be at least 17 ½ years of age, a United States Citizen, possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.  The Columbus Civil Service Commission will notify you of the time and place to report for your examination(s).

Veteran’s Information

Applicants with military service are eligible to apply for veteran’s preference points on civil service open competitive exams.  In order to qualify, applicants must have served on active duty for more than 180 days and have been discharged under honorable conditions Members of reserve units who served on active military duty during a period of war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized are also eligible to apply for veteran’s points.

Veterans who wish to apply for preference points must do so on the test application at the time it is filed. Proof of military service, Form DD214 must be on file with Commission or submitted no later than the final date of testing.  Individuals on active status, who anticipate being discharged before the eligible list is established, must submit proof of active status by the final day of testing. 

Step 2:  (Phases 1) Written Exam (CSC)

(Phases 2 & 3) Physical Capability Testing and Oral Assessment (CSC)

The initial testing will be conducted under the direction of the Columbus Municipal Civil Service Commission.  Those applicants who score sufficiently high enough will proceed to the next level.  Prior to the test, preparation materials will be provided.

Step 3:  Background Investigation (CFD)

A personal history questionnaire will be required CFDfrom each candidate along with a pre-interview, picture, polygraph and fingerprints.  Candidates also will sign waivers allowing The Columbus Division of Fire, Background Investigator to conduct an extensive background investigation. At this time, the candidate must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Step 4:  Oral Interview

The candidate will be required to go before and Oral Interview Board consisting of Fire Department representatives.  The Board then will make a recommendation to the Director of Public Safety.  The Safety Director will select candidates for a conditional offer of employment.

Step 5:  Medical / Stress Evaluation / Psychological Exam

This step will involve a physical examination including a vision and cardiovascular stress tests.  Candidates must be free of dependence and addiction to narcotics, alcohol or other controlled substances.  The vision requirements state that vision must be correctable to 20/30 and no more than 20/100 binocular uncorrected in each eye.

Step 6:  Appointment

Firefighter candidate names will be submitted to the Safety Director for final selection and appointment to the Department of Public Safety, Columbus Division of Fire, based on Columbus Civil Service Certification.  Fire candidates will be notified by letter of an appointment date to the Fire Academy.  Fire recruits will be required to successfully complete approximately thirty weeks of paid training when they enter the Columbus Fire Academy.  All appointees will be required to successfully complete a one- year probationary period from date of appointment.

Residency Requirement:  After the Fire Applicant completes the selection process and upon appointment to the Columbus Fire Academy, he or she must live in Franklin County or adjoining counties that border Franklin County.

Effective June 1, 1998 All new fire recruits may be required to obtain and maintain an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) certification during their term of employment as deemed by the Fire Chief.

Employees Benefits

The Columbus Division of Fire offers an attractive and competitive fringe benefit package.

Eligibility for insurance benefits begin on the first day of the month following date of hire, except as noted below.

 (*) For new hires and eligible dependents, a pre-existing condition clause will apply.  In the event medical care or consultation is sought or received within six (6) months prior to the employee’s effective date of coverage, the medical condition will not be payable for twelve (12) months from the effective date with the City of Columbus Division of Fire.

 (**) Eligible after one-year continuous service.

 Salary

After completion of one- year continuous service in each of the steps listed below, the employee’s salary increases to the next higher step.  Step increases are based on an employee’s date of original appointment.

EFFECTIVE January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2014

STEP A                 $1,711.20 bi-weekly                           $44,491.20 annually

STEP B                 $1,797.60bi-weekly                            $46,737.60 annually

STEP C                 $1,888.80 bi-weekly                           $49,108.80 annually

STEP D                 $2,254.40 bi-weekly                           $58,614.40 annually

STEP E                 $2,623.20 bi- weekly                          $68,203.20 annually

Eligibility to take the Lieutenant exam is after 5 years as Firefighter.  The differential in salary for Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief are products of an 18% full rate wage differential between these ranks.

                                             AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Columbus Division of Fire, Recruitment Office, 300 N 4^th Street, 3^rd floor Columbus Ohio 43215

    www.csc.columbus.gov   (614) 645-6387   FAX (614) 724-0899  www.columbusfire.org