Firefighter Recruit

The City of Virginia Beach is hiring Firefighters. This posting is for both Firefighter Recruit applicants interested in completing the full (6-month) recruit academy, and Certified Firefighter applicants interested in completing the condensed (3-month) academy. The hiring process for both takes approximately 6-months long and involves a multi-step process which includes the following:

• Online Application
• Written Test
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) & Reference Checks
• Structured Oral Interviews (SOI)
• Pre-Assessment Physicals & Psych Evaluations
• Background Checks
• Final Offers

Towards the end of the hiring process, VB Fire Department will check certifications and interest for a Certified Firefighter academy. If there is enough interest, then those that are selected will be pulled into the condensed certified academy.

Certified Firefighter Salary: $57,512.00 (Y.22)

NOTE: All dates are subject to change.

Written Test

The Virginia Beach Fire Department offers full testing services for the position of Firefighter Recruit through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select Firefighter Jobs and sign up for Virginia Beach Fire Department.

When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

• Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.
• Review all information related to the Virginia Beach Fire Department Firefighter or Firefighter Recruit position, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.
• Review detailed information about the testing process.
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

• Candidates completing the written assessment via remote proctoring will be responsible for paying a one-time $65 fee at the time of registration. If the candidate is already registered with the NTN and has taken a test, then there is only $15 transfer fee to send your score to our department.

The VBFD will be offering in-person written testing on May 16, 2026. Candidates that plan to test in-person with our department will be able to test free of charge. For those interested in testing in-person, please be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Test slots will be extremely limited, and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Candidates must have submitted an application in order to test with our department. If you have signed up for an in-person written test session but have not applied, your appointment will be cancelled. Sign ups for in-person testing will close two (2) days prior to testing.

All other candidates will have to take the written test remotely and pay a one-time $65 fee at time of registration OR a $15 transfer fee to transfer your score to our department. For candidates unable to pay the one-time $65 fee will need to fill out the Voucher Request and be able to demonstrate financial hardship through a brief written statement and limited documentation. Vouchers must be received by no later than 5 days prior to the last day of testing. We will be accepting written test results until May 27, 2026.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Please review the CPAT Resources posted on the Virginia Beach Fire Department website for further information. Candidates can sign-up for a day/time that works best for their schedule.

The VBFD will accept valid CPAT cards issued by IAFF-licensed agencies within the preceding 12-months from the end of VBFD CPAT Testing (May 27, 2025 – May 27, 2026).

Structured Oral Interviews (SOIs)

Candidates that successfully complete the written test and CPAT will be invited to complete the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). All SOIs will be pre-recorded. Candidates will be asked a series of interview questions that will be recorded through NTN's candidate portal. Review of SOIs will take place the week of June 1st.

To record an online interview, candidates must have the latest version of Chrome, a webcam, a microphone, a quiet and private room, a computer or laptop running Windows 10 or better (or Mac 10.11), and a good internet connection. Mobile options are not compatible with these online interviews.

Candidates that score highly on the SOI will move forward to reference checks and will receive a conditional offer. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of all post-offer assessments.

Post-Offer Assessments

• Occupational Health & Safety Physicals
• Psych Evaluations
• FBI Background Check / Fingerprints
• CPS/Social Services Background Check
• DMV Driving Record & Driver’s License Check
• Education Verification