Firefighter/Paramedic Testing Process

Testing is conducted every two years and is widely advertised. 

When testing takes place, all individuals interested in becoming a Firefighter must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum of 21 years of age and under 35 years by date of written examination
  • U.S. citizen or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • A valid Driver's License
  • Proof of completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), with attainment date less than six (6) months prior to the written exam.  (Information regarding CPAT and obtaining certification can be obtained by visiting the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) website or by searching CPAT on the web).  Note: In cases of demonstrated financial hardship, accommodations can be made regarding the CPAT testing fee, contact the Village's Personnel Division for details.
  • Have correctable vision to 20/20 and free from color blindness
  • Within 12 months from hire, reside in Lake, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will or McHenry counties in Illinois, Kenosha County in Wisconsin or Lake County in Indiana

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

 

Fire Testing Process

Elements of the selection process include a mandatory orientation, the application form, written examination and proof of completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) completion card.

Applicants are processed in subsequent steps as follows:

  • Written exam
  • An eligibility list of applicants is established in numeric order based on written examination scores and any verified claim of military points. A score of 70% or better on each of the components of the written exam is required.
  • The eligibility list is valid for a period of two years from the date of certification by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.  

Further participation in the selection process will take place as vacancies occur. Applicants will be invited, in rank order, to participate in and successfully advance through the following steps.

  • Psychological evaluation
  • Polygraph examination
  • Background investigation including criminal, credit, business, education and employment history
  • Oral interview with the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
  • Conditional offer of employment based on a successful medical examination.  (Medical examination includes drug screening.)
  • Appointment and swearing-in ceremony before the Skokie Board of Trustees.

Following appointment, a new firefighter is required to satisfy certain other requirements. Those requirements include:

  • Successful completion and certification as a Firefighter II at a fire recruit academy approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
  • Successful completion and certification as a Haz-Mat First Responder.
  • Successful completion of the Department's in-house training program.
  • Successful completion of the probationary period.
  • Enter into an "Abstinence from Tobacco Products Agreement."
  • Successful completion and certification as an Emergency Medical Technical - Ambulance (EMT-A) and license as an Emergency Medical Technical - Paramedic (EMT-P) as directed by the Fire Chief.