Austin Fire Hiring Process Updates
This page is used to communicate status updates to applicants going through the Austin Fire hiring process.
Regular (Non-Lateral) Hiring Process Updates
- Application Status: Closed
Austin Fire is not currently accepting applications for the academy. Submit a Candidate Interest Card to get updates on future hiring opportunities.
- Written Exam and Structured Oral Process (SOP): Closed
The written exam and SOP were offered on October 25 and October 26, 2025, at the Hilton Austin | 500 East 4th Street | Austin, Texas 78701.
An initial ranked hiring list, compiled using the written exam, SOP scores and veteran preference points, is expected in early December 2025. The document will be posted under the dedicated tab. Applicants who completed both components will be notified via email the list has been published.
Attending and obtaining passing scores in both the written exam and SOP are prerequisites for advancing on in the hiring process.
- Scoring/Ranking/Veteran Preference Points: (Closed)
Candidates who complete both the written exam and the structured oral process will receive a composite score. Applicable veteran preference points will then be applied. That total will determine a candidate’s place on the ranked eligibility list. Combined overall scores will be posted online by confirmation number. Top-ranked applicants will be invited to move forward into the second phase of the hiring process, the pre-hire assessments.
- Pre-hire Assessments
All pre-hire assessments are pass/fail and include:
- Medical assessment (including chest X-rays and lab work)
- Psychological Interview
- Psychological assessment
- Background check (including fingerprinting)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Final Ranked Eligibility List
The final ranked eligibility list will consist of applicants who successfully complete all pre-hire assessments. According to relevant regulations, all fire cadets will be selected from this eligibility list in sequential order over the life of the ranking (minimum of 12, but less than 24 months).
Candidates may be disqualified based on pass/fail criteria during pre-hire screenings, but the rank order of the eligibility list will remain unchanged.
- Upcoming Austin Fire Cadet Academies
- Cadet Academy 142 (Traditional Class) is scheduled to start mid-July 2026
- Cadet Academy 144 (Traditional Class) is scheduled to start early 2027
Academy schedules depend on operational needs. Passing the pre-hire assessments does not guarantee placement in a class.
- Contact Information
Applicants will receive several e-mails from FireEmployment@austintexas.gov. Applicants are encouraged to ensure this email address is not flagged as spam or junk. Austin Fire is not responsible for sent e-mail messages that do not reach the intended audience.
Austin Fire is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Austin Fire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment and services, programs and activities.
To request reasonable accommodation or for questions about the hiring process, e-mail FireEmployment@austintexas.gov.
Lateral Hiring Process Updates
- Application Status: Closed
Austin Fire is not currently accepting applications for the academy. Submit a Candidate Interest Card to get updates on future hiring opportunities.
- Written Exam
The written exam will be offered on May 19, 20 and 21, 2026, at the Austin Public Safety Training Center located at 4200 Shaw Lane | Austin, Texas 78744.
An initial ranked hiring list, compiled using written exam scores and veteran preference points, is expected in late May 2026. The document will be posted under the dedicated tab. Applicants who complete the written examination will be notified via email the list has been published.
Attending and obtaining a passing score on the written exam is a prerequisite for advancing on in the hiring process.
- Timed Run Test
The run test will be offered on May 30 and 31, and June 1, 2026. As part of the hiring process, applicants must complete the 1.5 miles in 12 minutes or less to continue on in the process. The run will take place on ¼-mile track. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Scoring/Ranking/Veteran Preference Points
Candidates who complete the written exam will receive a raw score. Applicable veteran preferences points will then be applied. That total will determine a candidate’s place on the ranked eligibility list. Combined overall scores will be posted online by candidate number. Top-ranked applicants will be invited to move forward into the second phase of the hiring process, the pre-hire assessments.
- Pre-hire Assessments
All pre-hire assessments are pass/fail and include:
- Medical assessment (including chest x-rays and lab work)
- Psychological evaluation
- Psychological interview
- Background check (including fingerprinting)
- Final Ranked Eligibility List
The final ranked eligibility list will consist of applicants who successfully complete all pre-hire assessments. According to relevant regulations, all fire lateral cadets will be selected from this eligibility list in sequential order over the life of the ranking (minimum of 1, but less than 24 months). Candidates may be disqualified based on pass/fail criteria during pre-hire screenings, but the rank order of the eligibility list will remain unchanged.
- Upcoming Austin Fire Academies (Lateral)
- Cadet Academy 143 is schedule to start August 2026
- Contact Information
Applicants will receive several e-mails from FireEmployment@austintexas.gov. Applicants are encouraged to ensure this email address is not flagged as spam or junk. Austin Fire is not responsible for sent e-mail messages that do not reach the intended audience.
Austin Fire is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Austin Fire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment and services, programs and activities.
To request reasonable accommodation or for questions about the hiring process, e-mail FireEmployment@austintexas.gov.