Basic Minimum Qualifications

Austin Police Department

  • Age between 20.5 - 45 years (Applicants cannot turn 46 before the start of the Academy)
  • Background History Application
  • Information on qualifications and interest to become a City of Austin Police Officer can be found at  http://www.austintexas.gov/department/application-process
  • Medical and Physical Requirements
  • Valid and current Driver’s License.
  • High school Diploma, High School Transcripts or G.E.D Certificate
  • U.S. active duty military personnel that are assigned outside of the United States and do not have access to specialty mail carrier services may send in their completed application packets to our P.O. Box. The address is APD Recruiting: P.O. Box 689001 Austin, TX 78768

More information on qualifications and  interest to becoming an Austin Police Officer can be found at

Austin Fire Department

  • Age between 18-35
  • Valid Social Security Card and Government Issued Photo ID
  • 15 Hours College Credit from an accredited college or University with minimum 2.0 GPA.  (Two Years Active Military Duty and Honorable Discharge will substitute education requirement)
  • Certification (Meet all legal requirements necessary to become certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education and Minimum requirements of the Texas Department of Health to become certified as an Emergency Medical Technician.
  • Medical and physical requirements
View more Information on qualifications and interest in becoming an Austin Fire Fighter.

Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Serivices

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Read and write English
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent
  • You will need to attend an accredited school that offers an EMT-Basic Class which typically takes 3-4 months.  EMS Department does NOT have an EMT Certification program.
  • Have a current Texas Department of State Health Services Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Technician- Intermediate, Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic or Licensed Paramedic or be eligible for Texas Department of State Health Services out of state reciprocity at one of the four listed certifications/license levels. 
View more Information about qualifications and interest on becoming an EMS Medic.

Support for Military Veterans and Members of the Guard/Reserves:

Austin Police Department
  • Austin Police Department considered one of the Best for Vets for Law enforcement 2013.
  • Cadets enrolled in the APD Training Academy with prior Military time may be eligible to receive VA benefits for the 8 months they are at the Academy and up to 15 months after graduation for the required On the Job Training/ Probationary period as a patrol officer.
  • Supports Military Veterans and Guard/Reserve members in recruiting and hiring by attending numerous Military Job fairs and bases all throughout the year.
    • Military personnel who participated in the G.I. Bill may be eligible for an additional training stipend of up to $1,400 per month from the Veteran’s Administration while being trained as a police officer
  • Offers a Internship program for interested recruits and they will do their best to pair the intern with a Military Police Officer to mentor and guide the recruit.  This will be considered based on the need of the department and interested Military Police Officers.
For more information and details, please go to the Military/Veteran Applicants page.
 
 
Austin Fire Department
  • Austin Fire Department was awarded the Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot award
    • The ESGR Patriot Award is one of the Department of Defense awards presented to employers in recognition of their sacrifices and support to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves.
  • Supports Military Veterans and Guard/Reserve members in recruiting and hiring by attending numerous Military Job fairs and bases all throughout the year.
  • AFD provides 5 military points to the civil service exam score to those who qualify
    • Must have a Honorable discharge on DD-214
    • Serve at least 180 days of continuous service.
  • Ability to substitute the college credit requirement of 15 hours for two years active military duty with the United States Armed Forces and an honorable discharge.
  • Once selected, all firefighter cadets participate in the 28-week course (Monday through Friday 7am-5pm), which includes intense physical training and a challenging academic program
 
 
EMS
Austin-Travis County EMS seeks veterans with EMT-Basic certification or higher for our Medic – I positions in our Field and Communications Departments. Both the Field and Communications require that you can be certified at the EMT-B, EMT-I, EMT-P or Licensed Paramedic.  Additionally, ATCEMS offers the opportunity to promote within to a EMS Medic – II position and beyond. Both positions are essential to the service we provide our community. 
  • Supports Military Veterans and Guard/Reserve members in recruiting and hiring by attending numerous Military Job fairs and bases all throughout the year.
  • Veterans will receive 5 additional points for honorable service on the entrance written exam.
To apply for Texas Reciprocity, Military applicants must file an application with the Texas Department of State Health Service and submit documentation of completion of a military EMS course.

Whether your interest lies with Field or Communications, To learn more about our exciting positions and the hiring process go to www.atcems.org.  We look forward to speaking to you about your new career with Austin – Travis County EMS!