June 26, 2008-My score is below 83. Should I still take the CPAT?
Ultimately, it is your decision on whether or not to take the CPAT. We have not automatically cancelled your appointment time. Applicants who received a score below 83 can still take the timed CPAT event; however, you will not receive a conditional offer of hire at that time to continue in the process if you pass the CPAT. Since the hiring process tends to be rather fluid, there is a slight possibility that applicants who scored below 83 and pass the CPAT could receive a conditional offer of hire at a later time. At this point, it seems unlikely but until the final list is certified by the Civil Service Commission (which is expected to be in late July), we cannot rule out all possibilities. If you choose not to take the CPAT, please let us know by sending an e-mail. Click here to check out other new FAQ’s.
June 23, 2008-Oral Interview Results
The results from the oral interviews will be posted before 5:00 p.m. today. Applicants can click here to see their final score for the 2008 Hiring Process.
June 20, 2008-Oral Interview Results & Background Investigation Information
The results from the oral interviews will be posted on this website on Monday, June 23, 2008. A link to information and instructions for the background investigation is posted in the column to the left. Please be sure to note the deadlines for submitting required information to us.
June 12, 2008-Reminder: Documentation Deadline and Last CPAT Practice Run
Proof of Age, Education and Military Service (for bonus points) is due to us by close of business on June 17th. Documents must be delivered in person or mailed to our office. Please click on the documentation link for specific information.
We are offering a final day for CPAT Practice Runs on Tuesday, June 17. Appointments are available at 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 PM. Send an email to FireEmployment@ci.austin.tx.us to schedule a time.
June 5, 2008-CPAT Practice Run Date Added
Wednesday, June 11 is available for applicants to schedule a third CPAT Practice Run. This date is also available as a make-up for anyone who missed an appointment. If you would like to schedule time on June 11, please send us an e-mail.
May 28, 2008-Timed CPAT and Oral Interviews
If you are waiting to be scheduled for your timed CPAT and oral interview, we have not had a chance to set them yet. Please do not call or e-mail the AFD hiring office for more information. You will be contacted when we have data to share with you.
May 19, 2008-Updated Schedules and New Information
Updated CPAT and Oral Interview schedules have been posted on our website. If you have not already sent in your schedule request, please do so as soon as possible. We have also posted the instructions for scheduling the Timed CPAT. Please review the schedule and send in your requests for time slots. Remember, it’s first come, first serve.
May 12, 2008-UPDATE: CPAT and Interview Schedules
Due to technical difficulties, the e-mail that was to be sent out by May 10 re: instructions for scheduling the timed CPAT and Oral Interview has not been sent yet. We hope to have that out to qualified applicants by the end of this week. Please do not call or e-mail the AFD Hiring Office about this matter, as this is all the information we have at this time.
May 8, 2008-CPAT and Interview Schedules
Instructions for scheduling the timed CPAT and Oral Interview will be sent out via email on Saturday, May 10. Please be sure to check your email for this important information.
May 1, 2008-Today’s CPAT schedule will not be posted until this evening at the earliest.
April 30, 2008-I e-mailed my request for the CPAT orientation but I don't see it on the calendar. When will I be able to review it with my confirmation number?
It takes us a minimum of 24-48 hours to post requests. Please do not call wondering where your dates are; check the website 24-48 hours after you have submitted your request.
April 25, 2008-What are the dates for the oral interview and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?
The oral interviews are tentatively scheduled for June 3 – 11. Additional information on scheduling oral interview appointments will be posted soon. The CPAT has three separate components: orientation, practice runs, and actual timed test. Specific information for the CPAT events is posted on the Physical Ability Test page.
Applicants continuing in the process click here for CPAT information.
April 8, 2008-I signed up to take a language proficiency exam to receive a bonus point. When will I receive more information about bonus points?
Bonus points for military service (3) and/or bilingual ability (1) will be added to an applicant’s oral interview score. Bonus points are not added to the written exam score. Applicants who are selected to continue in the process on to the oral interview will receive additional information on bonus points after a decision has been made on the number of applicants continuing in the process.
April 4, 2008-I recently took the written exam and received a flyer on Fire Power. Can I still submit the Fire Power interest form?
We are continuing to accept Fire Power interest forms from applicants who participated in the written exam. Applicants who did not submit their interest form at the test site can submit completed forms to the AFD Employment Office in person or via fax (512-974-4102). The Fire Power flyer (interest form) is available for download on the Written Exam Information Page (see the link in the blue column to the left). Applicants who are selected to continue in the hiring process will be contacted with additional information on the Fire Power program.
April 3, 2008-What is the timeline for the rest of the hiring process?
Top scoring candidates from the written exam will be invited to continue in the hiring process. A decision will be made by the Fire Chief on the number of candidates moving forward in the process. The list of these candidates will be posted on this website by 5:00 p.m. April 16. The timeline for the remaining steps in the hiring process will be finalized after the decision is made on how many applicants will continue. Detailed information on the next steps in the process will be available to applicants who are selected to continue.
The Fire Chief has made a decision
on the number of applicants continuing in the hiring process. Applicants can see the list of applicants continuing in the process by clicking on the link below. Communication with applicants continuing in the hiring process will be done via this website and email. If you are continuing in the process and have an updated Email address and/or phone number, please send the updated information to FireEmployment@ci.austin.tx.us. Additional information on the next steps in the process will be communicated to those continuing in the process later this week. Click here for the list of Applicants continuing in the process
Written exam scores are now available.
Applicants can see their score on the written exam by clicking on the link below. A determination of the number of applicants continuing in the hiring process will be made next Wednesday. A list of those applicants selected to continue in the process will be posted on this site at 5:00 p.m. on April 16, 2008. Click here for the list of written exam scores. Click here for updated FAQ’s.
Approximately 2,100 applicants
participated in the written exam on March 30, 2008. Applicant scores on the written exam will be posted on this website no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 11, 2008 and will be listed by Applicant ID (Confirmation Number). Applicants received a Post Written Exam Information sheet upon completing the exam. You may click here to review this information.
March 26, 2008-Do I need to confirm that I plan to attend the exam?
Qualified applicants do not need to e-mail or phone AFD to confirm their attendance at the exam. Specific information for exam day is available on this website. Please be sure to review the information, including the FAQs.
March 20 , 2008-I received information in the mail about the written test, but I need more details.
This website is the primary official source of information for applicants. AFD will not send individual notices to applicants in the mail or in an e-mail. All information about the written exam will be posted on this site. Check back after 5 p.m. Friday, March 21 for a link to Applicant Instructions on the Written Exam.
March 14 , 2008-I was contacted by a company offering exam preparation materials. Do you recommend this?
Several private companies offer Firefighter examination preparation materials for a fee. These companies are not associated with the Austin Fire Department, the written test vendor or the City of Austin. These materials are not sanctioned or recommended by the Austin Fire Department.
March 7, 2008-Will I receive a confirmation letter verifying the acceptance of my application?
Applicants received notification of their eligibility to take the written exam when they submitted both the City of Austin Application and Fire Cadet Applicant Questionnaire. Applicants will not receive additional notification that their application has been accepted. Since the Internet is the primary source of communication with applicants we will not mail out letters to applicants.
Applicants are responsible for checking this website regularly for instructions on the written exam, including maps, parking information, etc. Please do not call AFD to confirm
the status of your application.
Qualified applicants
Click here for the list of qualified applicants. The list is in numeric order by Applicant ID, which is the Confirmation Number applicants received at time of application. Applicants can obtain their Confirmation Number by going to the City of Austin eCareer site link in the blue box to the left and following the login instructions. For security purposes, AFD personnel will not provide confirmation numbers to applicants over the phone. DO NOT CALL AFD TO GET YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER.
Written Exam information
Click here for Written Exam Information, maps, checklist and FAQs.
Some of you may have received an e-mail
regarding the Fire Department Entrance Exam. We apologize for any confusion that the e-mail may have caused. The list of individuals receiving this e-mail may have included those who either did not submit an application or are not qualified to sit for the written exam.
Only qualified applicants will be allowed
to take the written exam. A qualified applicant is an individual who:
 Submitted a City of Austin application for Fire Cadet during the application period;
Submitted the Fire Cadet Applicant Questionnaire by the stated deadline; and
Has an applicant status of “Qualified for Written Exam” in the City’s e-Career system. Click here for information on checking your application status.
February 29, 2008-Written Exam Information
The Fire Cadet written exam will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. Please visit the written exam page for additional information.
February 15, 2008-Written Exam
We are finalizing the contract with Fire and Police Selection, Inc., for administration of the Firefighter Entrance Exam. A Candidate Orientation Guide for the written exam will be available on this website once the contract is finalized. It will be posted here as soon as it is available.
February 6, 2008-What's Next?
Applicants whose status is “Qualified for Written Exam” are scheduled to take the Firefighter Entrance Exam on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Additional information on the written exam will be posted on this website as soon as it is available. Please select the written exam link to the left for information on the exam and preparation materials.
The application period for Fire Cadet has been reopened
and we will be accepting applications through February 29, 2008. This extension is to allow the Civil Service Office to post the application period. If you have already submitted an application for the previous Fire Cadet job posting (#063351), your application is being processed. There is no need to re-apply. Current applicants may not submit another application; duplicate applications cannot be accepted.
You can check the status of your application
by logging into the City of Austin e-Career website using your user name and password. After logging in, select Application Status from the menu on the left. Your application status will be displayed in the box.
Note to applicants who applied in the first posting #063351
All of the original applicants from the first posting were copied into the second posting (#063547). This was done to ensure that applicants do not apply again in the second posting. Therefore, you may see that you have filed an application for both the first and second posting. Your status in the second posting will read, “In progress." If you applied during the first posting, you will see your actual status under the job posting number for the first application period, and “In progress” under the second posting number.
January 18 , 2008-Application Tips, Part II
Read the supplemental questions carefully; don’t rush.
Make sure your application is complete before submitting it.
If you receive a message that you did not meet the minimum qualifications, review your responses to the supplemental questions on your application.
Contact Employment Services at 512-974-3210 or via e-mail at employment.services@ci.austin.tx.us if you have questions about the application.
Read the minimum qualifications and applicant disqualifiers BEFORE completing the application.
Candidate orientation guides for the written exam will be available on our website after mid February.
January 17 , 2008-Application Tips, Part I
Read and follow the instructions on each page of the application.
Allow 30 – 45 minutes to complete the application process; don't rush!
If you have questions or need help, call 512-974-3210 or send an email to employment.services@ci.austin.tx.us.
Visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/hr/offices.htm for a list of Austin’s employment offices and their hours.
Finally, review, print, and proofread your application before submitting it online.
 January 11 , 2008-When can I apply for the position of Fire Cadet?
The application process for Fire Cadet opens Thursday, January 17! Applications will only be accepted online through the City of Austin’s eCareer website. Check this page next week for application Do’s and Don’ts, and links to the job posting.
January 4 , 2008-Where can I find current information about AFD's Fire Cadet hiring process?
This website is the primary source for information on the 2008 Hiring Process. AFD typically receives about 3,000 applications for Fire Cadet. Due to such a high number of applicants this naturally becomes a very competitive hiring process. In order to better communicate with all of our applicants, AFD will be regularly posting information throughout the 2008 Hiring Process on this website. If you are an applicant and intend on pursuing a career with AFD, it is critical that you read any and all information carefully. If you have any questions regarding information you receive outside of the website or have any further questions, you may send an email to FireEmployment@ci.austin.tx.us.
December 28, 2007-Applicant Disqualifiers
The Austin Fire Department will begin its hiring process for 2008 in a matter of weeks. With that in mind, we would like for you to take a moment and click here to view our list of disqualifiers; that list includes issues with DWI/DUI. Unfortunately, this season can bring about more incidents of drinking and driving. The holiday season should be a time for family, friends, and safety; a little too much fun could affect your future career opportunities with the Austin Fire Department. So be safe and smart this holiday season.
December 20, 2007-Staying Safe This Holiday Season
AFD wishes you a joyous and safe holiday season. Please visit our Holiday Safety page (http://www.cityofaustin.org/fire/holiday.htm) and review the tips for ensuring the holidays are safe for your family and friends.
December 3, 2007-Getting to Know Austin and AFD
If you are considering applying with the Austin Fire Department and planning on relocating you might want to visit http://www.cityofaustin.org/. Here’s some facts about AFD you may not know: Last year, we responded to 75,748 emergency incidents; approximately 70 percent of those were medical calls. AFD is a first responder and has an average response time of 5 minutes; we serve 253 square miles and a population of 725,445. We staff 43 fire stations and one airport fire rescue station. Our current employee count is 1,057 uniformed personnel and 62 civilians.
November 21, 2007-Preparing for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT©)
Do you realize that the AFD hiring process will begin in about eight weeks? Firefighter applications will be accepted on-line from January 18 through February 4, 2008. The written exam is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2008, which is just about four months away. And just a few weeks after that, AFD’s hiring process will move on to the oral board interview and physical fitness testing phases. So, for those of you who have not begun to incorporate cardio into your everyday routine, now would be a good time to do so. For information on preparing for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT©), click on this link: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/downloads/cpatprep.pdf. And no matter how much you would like to have seconds at Grandma’s over the holidays, watch your caloric intake! Assess your personal fitness level and figure out where improvements need to be made. Implement some exercise into your everyday activities. The more active you are during the holiday season, the better you will feel. With some planning, you can still have fun and enjoy the holiday parties and food with a bit of judgment and caution.
November 16, 2007-Overview of the Hiring Process
The hiring process for Fire Cadet is done in accordance with Civil Service Law and the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Firefighters' Association (Local 975). The process typically takes about seven months from application to certification of the eligibility list. Visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/hirsum.htm to see a summary of the 2008 Hiring Process.
November 9, 2007-FAQ: What type of driver's license is required for applicants?
Applicants must have a valid basic operator driver's license at time of application. A valid license that is above an operator's license (e.g., commercial license) is acceptable as well. In Texas, an operator's license is a Class “C” license; other states may have different designations. Applicants do not need to have a Texas driver's license in order to apply.
October 26, 2007
Beginning January 18, 2008, you will be able to submit an application for the position of Fire Cadet from any computer that has access to the Internet. Applications will be accepted on-line at the City of Austin eCareer site . All application information will be handled on-line. The application will not be available until January 18, 2008 and you will only be able to apply on-line from that date through February 4, 2008. You cannot apply any earlier and only on-line applications will be accepted.
We encourage you to view the City's instructions on using the Online Application System by clicking here. Don’t wait until the last minute to learn about the online application, follow the links on this page and get informed today!
October 3, 2007
Welcome to the new Fire Cadet Hiring Process Web page! Our goal is to provide you with accurate and current information on the hiring process in a format that is easy to navigate. We will be updating this page frequently and encourage you to visit often for the latest news.
In the blue column on the left you will find links and important information on the process. This main section will provide additional information on specific topics. Today we will briefly talk about the new on-line application process.
You will only be able to submit an application for Fire Cadet January 18 – February 4, 2008. You will not be able to submit an application before January 18, 2008.
All applicants must use the City of Austin eCareer site (link) to apply for the position of Fire Cadet. There is a link to the eCareer site in the blue column at the top of this page. We encourage you to visit the eCareer site now and become familiar with the system before you submit an application. You can view the City's instructions on how to do this by clicking here. Also, you will need to have an e-mail address to submit an application for Fire Cadet.
September 18, 2007
Thank you for considering a career with the Austin Fire Department. We plan our cadet hiring process around anticipated needs to hire for the position of Fire Cadet. The Cadet Hiring section is responsible for the administration of all pre-employment tests that applicants must pass prior to being considered for hire. We work with applicants through the entire hiring process from application to placement on the eligibility list and hire into the Cadet Class.
We are actively planning for the 2008 Hiring Process and will be posting specific information on this web page as it becomes available. At this time, we anticipate accepting applications in late 2007 or early 2008, with the written exam administered in spring 2008. There is a lot of information that needs to be shared with applicants throughout the process and we will do our best to keep this page updated with the latest news. Please contact the Cadet Hiring section if you have questions about the hiring process.
2008 Hiring Process
What’s New: We are transitioning to the City’s online application system for the upcoming Cadet Hiring Process. Applications will only be accepted through the online system. You will need an e-mail address in order to apply. If you do not have an email address, you can go to Yahoo, Google, or Hotmail to create a free e-mail account.
There are many resources available to applicants who may not have a personal computer at home. Computers are available at all of Austin’s public libraries. In addition, City of Austin staff is available at Texas WorkSource North and the DeWitty Center to assist you with completing an application online.
Specific information on the application process, including the application period, will be posted on this web page when it is available. |
