Application Process and Requirements

During the open period, applications will be on Applytoserve.com. This will be the only opportunity interested individuals have in order to submit their application materials to be considered for the next eligibility list.

Candidate's must take a physical ability test (CPAT) with ladder climb certification and an on-line Written Exam.

The following documents will be required at the time of the application:

• $45.00 non-refundable application fee;
• COPY of U.S. citizenship (acceptable documentation may include a birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or naturalization papers); 
• COPY of your valid driver’s license (if your license was renewed with a sticker, copies of the front -AND- back are required);
• COPY of high school diploma or GED certificate (acceptable documentation may include copy of high school diploma, high school transcript with graduation date, dated GED, college transcript showing high school and high school graduation date, or signed letter on high school letterhead). 
• COPY of CPAT and Ladder Climb certification with an issue date within one (1) year of the application.  
• Failure to include all of the required documents will render your application incomplete and will disqualify you. 

The application process to generate the next eligibility test will consist of:

• Passing score on the On-line Written Exam.
• Passing score on the subjective component/interview (date TBD).
• Chosen candidates will be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
• Certification by the Evanston Public Safety Civil Service Commission. 

Preferred Qualifications/preference points awarded for the following:

• Resident of Evanston, Illinois at the time of application;
• Completion of the Evanston Fire Department's Fire Explorer Program or another fire department's explorer or fire cadet program;
• Possession of a valid paramedic license;
• Graduation from a State Fire Marshal fire academy;
• Experience as a Lifeguard for the Evanston Fire Department (2023 or later); and/or
• One or more years of active duty service and honorable discharge from the US Armed Forces.

Interested individuals should expect to meet these minimum requirements in order to be eligible for consideration:

• Pay a $45.00 non-refundable application fee. (The $45 non-refundable application fee will be waived for applicants with a financial hardship. Please complete and submit the Fee Waiver Form in the Payment section of the application to qualify);
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent US Resident;
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED;
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record Must be willing and able to obtain a Class A Non-Commercial Driver’s License (specific license type requirement may vary based on the state of residency) within 18 months of employment and must be able to maintain it as a condition of employment;
• Must possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card and Ladder Climb certification issued within one year of August 12, 2024.  NOTE: The City of Evanston will accept any certification (card or letter) which says that the applicant passed a CPAT and Ladder Climb from any vendor taken before August 12, 2024, but no earlier than August 12, 2023. These can include  MABAS, Naperville, NIPSTA, or similar organizations. It must be a "CPAT" and not some other type of physical ability test.  The CPAT card must be submitted by noon on Monday, August 12, 2024;
• Must be between 21 and 34 years of age at the time of employment. If 35 years of age or over, must have previous experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic. If between the ages of 35 and 40, must have turned 35 while serving in reserve duty or active duty (with honorable discharge) in the military;
• Must not possess any misdemeanor or felony convictions in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.3(i);
• Must be willing and able to obtain a Hazardous Material Operations Certification within 18 months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment;
• Must be willing and able to obtain a Paramedic License within 24 months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment;
• Must be able to successfully complete all requirements for a State of Illinois Firefighter II certification. 

Here are some more general tips and suggestions for you to consider as you consider applying to be a part of the Evanston Fire Department:

1. Formal Education
   • If you are not in college, consider taking Fire Science classes at Oakton Community College. In particular, Oakton offer a class on “Preparation for a fire service career” FIR100. This class will properly prepare you for all aspects of the hiring process up to and including the Civil Service interview.
   • Another class to consider is Emergency Medical Technician training or EMT. This class is the first step towards becoming a paramedic and teaches you basic first-aid and other emergency techniques. It will expose you to the paramedic side of the job and shows your motivation in a career as a firefighter/paramedic.
2. Informal Education
   • Learn about the Evanston Fire Department and the City of Evanston.
   • Schedule a Fire Station Tour and talk to the firefighter/paramedics.
   • Learn about the fire service. Subscribe to magazines such as Firehouse or Fire Engineering. This will keep you informed on the latest trends in the fire service
3. Get Organized 
   • Start a “personal Information Folder” to store all your pertinent documents such as your diplomas, birth certificates, certifications, armed forces documents, references, etc. This will assist you in completing applications and in the interview process.
4. Health and Wellness
   • Keep yourself in good physical condition through proper diet and exercise
   • Avoid the B.A.D. traits. They are Bad Behavior, Alcohol and Drugs: These 3 things will prevent you from any type of public safety employment.

The City of Evanston provides its Firefighters with a rewarding salary and benefit package which includes:

• Competitive Wages (base salary range for 2026: $75,823.49 - $126,434.63)
• Tuition Assistance
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Life Insurance
• Promotion Opportunities
• Paid Vacations and Holidays