Thank you for your interest in serving as a DC Fire and EMS Cadet
The Cadet Class 28 applications period is now closed.
The Cadet Class 29 application period will open in Spring 2026.
Fire Cadet Program
The Fire Cadet Program is a one-year program that provides District of Columbia residents, between the ages of 18-21, the opportunity to become members of the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. During the program, cadets attain their National Registry EMT certification, Firefighter I & II, and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certificates.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- Must be a DC Resident between the ages of 18-21 as of April 30, 2025.
- Must possess a valid driver's, provisional license, or learner’s permit as of April 30, 2025, and have a valid driver’s license as of the completion of the training.
- Must have graduated from a DC public, charter or private high school with a diploma or possess a GED issued by a recognized DC Department of Education.
- Must have obtained a 2.0 or greater cumulative grade point average (GPA).
- High school GPA requirements are waived for students who are currently enrolled at an accredited college or university AND who have successfully completed 6 or more hours of study, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Salary/Benefits
Cadets selected for the program earn an annual salary of $35,734.40 and accrue four hours of paid annual and sick leave bi-weekly.
Upon successful completion of the program, new firefighter EMT recruits will early a starting salary of $62,236.00 annually, accrue 4.5 hours of paid annual an sick leave bi-weekly, and have access to health and life insurance.
Selection Process
Those interested are required to:
- Apply and attach all required documentation
- Complete the written examination
- Submit a complete and truthful personal history statement
- Undergo a criminal background screening
- Provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Undergo a physical and psychological screening conducted by the Police and Fire Clinic (PFC)
- Provide reference checks
- Verify US Citizenship
To apply for the Fire Cadet Program, you must submit the following documents:
- Birth Certificate/Valid, non-expired, US Passport
- Drivers License or Learners Permit
- High School Diploma/GED Certificate*
- Final High School Transcript/GED Transcript
*Current High School seniors are encouraged to apply if they meet all requirements. School representatives must provide documentation that all educational requirements will be met upon graduation.
All required documents (birth certificate or valid US Passport, valid drivers license or learners permit, and high school diploma) must be uploaded at the time of application submission to move forward in the selection process.
How do I add attachments?
Once application is completed, return to the "My Job Application" then scroll to the bottom, then click on "My Cover Letters and Attachments" and upload the required documents. Please note that attachments are not specific to a job application and will be visible for any DC job that you apply for.
Info Regarding Testing
All applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be referred for an entrance exam. Fire Cadet Program applicants will have testing paid for by the District of Columbia based on their resident status.
Recruitment Office Contact Information
DC Fire and EMS Recruitment Office
899 North Capitol Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-673-3330