FIREFIGHTER EXAMINATION PROCESS - 2025

The Fire Department is beginning the hiring process!  The deadline to submit applications is Friday, June 27, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.  You must complete an application to participate in the testing process.  You only need ONE completed application!  The copies of documents that need to be submitted to be admitted into the Firefighter Eligibility Pool are as follows:

1.  Driver's License
2. High School Diploma or High School Transcript or GED Certificate
3. Certified Birth Certificate (Not the one with the footprints)
4.  CPAT certification (You can submit this document after all the previous documents are submitted, but by June 27, 2025)

You can attach the documents to your application or email them to Debra Bush in the Human Resources Department at dbush@peoriagov.org.  Feel free to contact her at 309-94-8578 with any other questions.
CPAT is the term used to describe a pass-fail, physical ability test developed by the International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.  As a standardized test, it has become a method of assisting fire departments in recruiting those who are physically capable of performing the tasks associated with firefighting.  It is a reliable measure of the candidate's ability to carry out fire scene activities.
 
The CPAT is designed to assess a candidate's capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a Firefighter while on the job.  This is accomplished by requiring the candidate to perform a series of events that both simulate firefighting activities and depend on the physical abilities to perform the Firefighter's job.  These abilities include cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance and flexibility.

CPAT card must be valid within one (1) year of the Written Examination (07/19/25). You must pass the CPAT examination, submit a completed application and the required documents and take the written examination to be in the Firefighter Eligibility Pool.

Fees: 

$150.00 (CASH ONLY) for non- residents of the City of Peoria 

No Charge for City of Peoria residents (Must have a proof of residency such as a valid State of Illinois driver’s license or Illinois I.D. card, to be provided at the time of the test.)

• There is no fee to participate in the Orientation Sessions.
• There is no fee to participate in Open Gym Sessions.
• There is no fee to participate in the Practice Test Sessions.   If you pass the CPAT Test in the Practice Test Sessions, you can pay the $150 fee (CASH ONLY) to obtain your CPAT card or no charge for residents.
• You will be able to satisfy the State requirement to perform a ladder card at the time of your CPAT card certification.  

All CPAT Sessions will be held at:  

901 W. Lake, Peoria, IL   61604

• CPAT Orientation Sessions - NO FEE TO PARTICIPATE

Please contact the Fire Training Academy at 309-494-8721 to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 10, 2025 – 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
 Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• CPAT OPEN GYM - NO FEE TO PARTICIPATE
• This is an opportunity to become familiar with the CPAT equipment, testing components, and work on any areas of the testing process.        You can come at any time during the time period to take advantage of the extra help.  You are not required to schedule an appointment for Open Gym.  The days are listed below:  6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025     Thursday, April 17, 2025

Tuesday, April 22, 2025    Thursday, April 24, 2025

Tuesday, April 29, 2025    Thursday, May 1, 2025

Tuesday, May 6, 2025      Thursday, May 8, 2025

Tuesday, May 13, 2025     Thursday, May 15, 2025

Tuesday, May 20, 2025    Thursday, May 22, 2025

Tuesday, May 27, 2025     Thursday, May 29, 2025

Tuesday, June 3, 2025     Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Tuesday, June 17, 2025    Tuesday, June 24, 2025

• CPAT Timed Practice Test Sessions - NO FEE TO PARTICIPATE in the Practice Test Sessions.   If you pass the CPAT Test in the Practice Test Sessions, you can pay the $150 fee (CASH ONLY) to obtain your CPAT card or no charge for residents.  You will received your CPAT cart if you pass the practice test during the practice test session.

Please contact the Fire Training Academy at 309-494-8721 to schedule an appointment.

Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 7, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 12, 2025 – 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 14, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• CPAT Final Test Examination - YOU WILL PAY THE FEE OF $150 (CASH ONLY) OR NO CHARGE FOR RESIDENTS BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE CPAT TEST

Please contact the Fire Training Academy at 309-494-8721 to schedule appointment.

Friday, June 20, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Friday, June 27, 2025 – 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

                                       Saturday, June 28, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m


The tasks include:  Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise & Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue Drag, Ceiling Breach and Pull. You will watch a video of the actual test during the CPAT orientation, practice and final testing.
 
Illinois Public Act 007-0251 mandates that all new Firefighter candidates must also participate in a ladder climb exercise and demonstrate an ability to operate from heights.  This exercise is not related to the CPAT test results in any way.  A certificate of completion will be issued to those who successfully complete the exercise.  Candidate success is measured on a pass/fail basis.

It is advised that you attend the CPAT Orientation Session and CPAT Practice Test Session.  Attend the CPAT Final Test Session only if you didn't pass the CPAT in the Practice Test Session.
 
The CPAT card must be valid within one year of the Written Examination (07/19/25).
 
CRITERIA FOR PASSING THE CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT)

1. Candidates must complete all events in or under the designated time.  The cutoff time for passing the exam has been set at 10 minutes and 20 seconds.  The stopwatches will be set to the pass/fail time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds and will count down to 0 seconds.  If you run out of time prior to completing the test, the test will be concluded.  You will not be told your time during the testing process.
2. Candidates must complete all events in the specified amount of time in the required sequence or they fail the examination.
3. Upon completion of the test, candidates will be informed of their pass/fail status.
4. You will be better prepared to pass the CPAT examination if you attend all sessions of the testing process. 

 
AGE:   Minimum age at the time of hire is 21 years old.  Maximum age at the time of application is 34 years old except:  Applicants having previous full-time employment on an Illinois Fire Department or with an Illinois Fire Protection District; or applicants who have served the hiring department (as volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time) for the five (5) years preceding the time the Department begins to use full-time firefighters. 
 
EDUCATION: Minimum: Graduation from High School or GED equivalent minimum to apply.  Prefer applicants with Fire Science college courses or degree in Fire Science or related field, and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.
 
OTHER: U.S. Citizenship; valid driver's license; physical condition to perform the essential functions of the position and pass physical agility exam; no felony conviction.
 
RESIDENCY:  Applicants need not be residents of the City to apply.  If hired, shall establish and maintain principal residence in the City of Peoria by the end of your one-year probationary period.  After ten (10) full years, may establish and maintain residence within the City of Peoria or outside the City within a twenty (20) mile radius of the Peoria Fire Central headquarters.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position and pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test).
 
EXAMINATIONS:  Must pass CPAT and written exams for placement into the Eligibility Pool.  If selected for hire, must pass background investigation, oral interviews, polygraph, psychological and medical examinations including a drug screen prior to hire.

TESTING / WRITTEN EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Written Examination Orientation Sessions - These sessions are not mandatory, but you will be provided with information about the Fire Department, testing process and how to interview information.

Friday, 4/04/25   Orientation to Applicants – (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Fire Training Academy, 7130 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL  61615

(Not Mandatory)

                                                 OR

Saturday, 4/05/25   Orientation to Applicants – (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

Fire Training Academy, 7130 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL  61615

(Not Mandatory)

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

 

WRITTEN EXAM (Mandatory)  - Can be taken online or in-person – You must contact the National Testing Network (NTN) by visiting the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website to schedule your test when the testing process begins.    

 

You will also be able to take the written examination online as shown below:

 

The City of Peoria will offer full testing services for the position of Firefighter through National Testing Network (NTN).   To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltesting network.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select (Firefighter) jobs and sign up for the City of Peoria when the testing process begins.  THERE IS NO CHARGE TO TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION FOR THE CITY OF PEORIA

 

When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

 

1.  You will complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.  You must also take the Public Safety Assessment portion of the test whether in person or online.

2.  Review all information related to the City of Peoria, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.

3.  Review detailed information about the testing process.

4.  Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired).

 

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Peoria.  Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry level exam will be placed on the City of Peoria's eligibility list.  The City of Peoria will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

 

Candidates will be notified by email the score you received on the written examination.

The written examinations that will be held in person are as follows:  

WRITTEN EXAM (Mandatory) (Held in person at the site listed below.) – This testing period there will be three (3) days offered to take the written examination in person.  You can only attend one examination date of your choice.   You must contact the National Testing Network (NTN) by visiting the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com  website to schedule your test.    NO ONE ADMITTED AFTER 6:00 pm or 9:00 am (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Thursday, 7/17/25    Written Exam – In-Person - Fire Training Academy – 6:00 p.m.

7130 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL 61615

Friday, 7/18/25           Written Exam – In-Person - Fire Training Academy – 6:00 p.m. 

7130 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL 61615

Saturday, 7/19/25        Written Exam – In Person - Fire Training Academy – 9:00 a.m. 

7130 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL 61615

Remember to fill out the application and return with copies all the required documents plus the CPAT card before the deadline of June 27, 2025.  You can come in person or mail to Human Resources Department, 419 Fulton Street, Room 200, Peoria, IL  61602; email to dbush@peoriagov.org; or fax to 309-494-8587.

Salary : $62,157