Frequently Asked Questions - Employment and Training
Question:
Has there been a change in what is required for documentation?

Answer:Yes. Previously, we required all applicants to provide official DMV records, as well as official transcripts from high school and college (if applicable). As of January 1, 2008, official transcripts and DMV records are not required as part of the application process. But as an applicant, you are asked about your educational history and any criminal history. If you receive a contingent job offer, educational and criminal records will be acquired through a thorough background check. Falsification of any of this information would cause you to be removed from the hiring process or terminated if hired. See the application for specifics on what is now required to apply. 

Question:
When will the next GFD Recruit Academy begin?

Answer:Future class dates have not been set at this time. Applications are taken on a year-round basis and testing is done bi-yearly. If you think your application is nearing expiration, review the Hiring Process page for information about how the year-round application system works.

Question:
How long do Recruit Academies last?

Answer:
The GFD Recruit Academy is a 16-week training course. An additional four-week course is held at the end of the Academy for those without EMT Basic Certification.

Question:
How long is my application valid?

Answer:
Your application is good for one year from the end of the period in which you applied to when your application is accepted. The ending dates of the periods are March 31 and September 30. Applications submitted and accepted from October 1 to March 31 will expire March 31 of the following year. Applications submitted and accepted from April 1 to September 30 will expire September 30 of the following year. Applications are not considered "accepted" and will remain with the City's Human Resources Department until all required documentation has been received. Note: If you finish the Firefighter Abilities Test (FFAT) course in its entirety, your application will continue to be valid for one year from application expiration date. If you do not finish the abilities course in its entirety, your application will expire.

Question:
Do I have to provide all of the same documentation if I reapply?

Answer:
Yes. The City of Greensboro has a records retention policy that states once an application is received, it must be kept in its entirety for three years. This means that once an application expires, it is forwarded to the City's Human Resources Department to be placed in off-site storage for that three-year period. For this reason, we are unable to separate certain documents from those records. Anyone reapplying after their first application expires must include all required documentation as if they were applying for the first time.

Question:
Do you have to have some fire training or background?

Answer:No, but fire experience is desirable and considered a preferred qualification.

Question:
What is the salary?

Answer:See General Employment Information.

Question:
Is there an age limit?

Answer:The Greensboro Fire Department requires that an individual be at least 18 by the time they apply. There is no upper age limit.

Question:
What will improve my chances of being hired?

Answer:Think about what might make you stand out from the crowd. Have you done anything to show that you are really interested in the job, such as getting your EMT certification or taking fire related classes? Do you live in an area that has a volunteer department that you could join to see what fire service is about? What do you know about the fire service? What do you know about the city in which you plan to work?

Question:
Can I run the Firefighter Abilities Course ahead of time?

Answer:
Yes! One week before the actual testing, we will offer practice sessions to become familiar with the course. These sessions are supervised by GFD Training Staff. Other than these sessions, we do not allow anyone to practice at the fire drill ground. See the Preparing for FFAT for more information on the Abilities Course.

Question:
If I have my EMT certification, will I have to take it again through the Academy?

Answer:
If your certification is through the State of North Carolina and you have maintained your continuing education training hours, you will not have to be recertified. If you are certified through the National Registry and have maintained your training hours, you will not have to be recertified. While others in the Recruit Academy are taking the four-week class, anyone with their EMT Basic certification will be assigned to a fire company and begin shift work. If you have a certification from another state and have maintained your training hours, you may or may not have to be recertified. The State of North Carolina has a reciprocal agreement with many states, but not all.

Question:
If I have completed my Firefighter I and II certification, will I have to complete the same training as someone without the certification?

Answer:
Yes. The Greensboro Fire Department runs a 16-week academy that teaches the basic Firefighter I and II courses. In addition, classes include Incident Command Training, Basic Pump Operations, Rescue Technician training, several other areas of study and GFD-specific material that are not taught in basic Firefighter I and II classes.

Question:
Does the Greensboro Fire Department accept lateral transfers?

Answer:Not at this time.

Question:
Can I do a ride-along?

Answer:
Visit the Citizens section of the Web site and click on the other services and programs link.