Frequently Asked Questions.

Below is a selection of questions raised during our recent online recruitment event.

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How many wholetime firefighters are you recruiting at this time? 

 
Recruitment numbers can vary depending on service considerations. We encourage all interested candidates to apply and focus on preparing thoroughly for the process.  

 

What are the basic duties and day-to-day jobs of a firefighter?  

 

Firefighters carry out a wide range of duties beyond attending emergencies. Day-to-day tasks include training and fitness maintenance, equipment checks, station maintenance, community engagement and education, fire safety inspections, and preparation for incidents. When emergencies occur, firefighters respond to fires, road traffic collisions, medical emergencies, and other rescue situations. The role is varied, combining physical work, teamwork, and community service. 

 

Is there an upper age limit for applying?

 

There is no upper age limit for applying. As long as you can meet the physical and medical requirements, your age will not be a barrier. We value life experience just as much as physical ability, and many successful applicants join later in life. Fitness, not age, is what matters.  

 

How long is the recruitment process expected to take?  

 

Recruitment typically takes several months from application to final offer, including online assessments, interviews, fitness and medical evaluations, and training. A full timeline of the recruitment process can be found here- https://www.northumberlandfireandrescue.gov.uk/recruitment-timeline  

 

I do a lot of fitness and strength training and would like to know if you have any recommendations for fire fighter specific fitness?    

 

Focus on cardiovascular endurance, functional strength, grip strength, and circuit-style training. Exercises like sled pushes, stair climbs, loaded carries, and working with weighted equipment (e.g. kettlebells, sandbags) can closely mimic job tasks. You need to also work on your Vo2 max with cardiovascular exercise. You will need a minimum Vo2 max of 42 to pass selection tests, which is 8.8 on the beep test. You can download the 20 metre beep test on Spotify to practice. You can also try doing a 8 – 12 minute run and gradually increasing the pace until you are running at your fastest speed in the last couple of minutes, this will mimic the increasing pace of the beep test. Aiming to be able to run 1.5 mile in around 12 minutes is also a good marker for achieving 8.8 on the beep test comfortably.   

 

Is a driving license mandatory? 

 

Yes, a full UK manual car driving license is required prior to applying for this role. 

 

Do you have to live within a specific distance of a station or is this not a requirement? 

 

For wholetime roles, no. For on-call roles, you must live or work within approximately 8 minutes of the station. Always check the job advert for specific requirements. 

 

How does the pension work and what sort of percentage gets paid into the pension per pay? 

 

Information of the Firefighters Pension Scheme 2015 can be located using the following link: 

 

Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 | Firefighters' Pension Scheme 

 

 

Do you know of any useful resources to practice the online and competency tests that come after the application phase? 

 

Yes there are multiple websites that offer practice for numerical, mechanical, and verbal reasoning. Look for tests that are examples of fire service recruitment.  

 

Would I have to reside in Northumberland to apply? I'm moving back to Northumberland soon but currently live elsewhere  

 

No, residency in Northumberland is not required to apply, but you will need to be available for training and station assignment. 

 

Is there any form of station rotation period where you spend a few weeks on different stations once the 12-week training course has been passed, or do you just get assigned one station? 

 

Once training is complete, firefighters are typically assigned to a specific station. However, you may occasionally provide cover elsewhere depending on service needs. 

 

Is the training similar to military training, where you stay at the training facility or is it more like a 9-5 over so many days? 

 

It is generally a Monday–Friday, 9–5 style programme, though there may be some variation depending on scheduling and modules. We do not provide overnight accommodation during the training course. 

 

What sort of exercises and fitness do you recommend for the practical selection selections?

 

Practice weighted carries (e.g. farmer’s walks), sled pulls, stair climbs with weight, and deadlifts. Standard hoses can weigh 10–20kg; training with weighted bags or sandbags helps simulate this. You will also need to practice pressing a weight above your head (e.g a barbell) to simulate the ladder lift, get comfortable with pressing 20-30kg.  

 

Was there anything during your training courses that threw you off/ anything you wish you'd revised more for? 

 

Some find the technical knowledge and incident command principles challenging. Others find the emotional side of the job more demanding than expected. Some elements of the training course can be extremely physically demanding; therefore a good level of physical fitness is essential.  Preparation and an open mindset are key. 

 

What do you wish more applicants understood about the reality of the job before applying? 

 

It’s more than just fighting fires. You’ll deal with road traffic collisions, medical incidents, and community engagement. Resilience, empathy, and adaptability are just as important as fitness.  During a career, a firefighter will spend much more time engaging with communities to prevent incidents occurring than actually responding to incidents.  

 

Can you use a calculator for the numerical reasoning test? 

 

Typically, calculators are not allowed. The test is designed to assess basic arithmetic and numerical comprehension. 

 

If you’ve got previous experience driving large vehicles (Coaches and HGV’s), does that help with the application at all? 

 

We consider each application on its own merits, so if you have experience driving HGVs, coaches, or other large vehicles, be sure to include it. It shows transferable skills like spatial awareness, responsibility, and vehicle control, all of which are useful, especially if you progress into roles that involve driving fire appliances (which require further LGV training). 

 

Which part of the recruitment process do people find the most challenging/are most people sifted out at? 

 

It really depends on the individual; everyone finds different parts of the process challenging. Some applicants struggle more with the online assessments, like numerical or mechanical reasoning, while others find the physical tests or interviews more demanding. That’s why it’s important to prepare thoroughly across all stages and focus on your own development. 

 

Does being a former fire cadet WM have any bearing on my application at all??  

 

Being a cadet or having internal fire service experience shows dedication and familiarity with the culture. It can help in interviews and demonstrate potential but doesn’t guarantee success. 

 

I am currently in full time education, i have A levels next the coming year. For the 12-week course when would it be, would it be better to apply next year so no tests get in the way?  

 

If the 12-week course overlaps with your A-levels, it may be wise to wait. You must be available full-time during the course, which is intensive.  The course is scheduled to commence on 12th January 2026. 

  

Are there any specific skills or traits that are sought after or make potential recruits stand out? 

 

Yes. We look for individuals who are team-oriented, resilient, adaptable, and have strong communication skills. A commitment to helping others, staying calm under pressure, and being open to learning are also highly valued. Showing genuine interest in the role and understanding the wider responsibilities of a firefighter will always help you stand out. 

  

I work in a job that requires 3 months' notice for leaving, can that be accommodated for someone who gets the job? 

 

We understand that applicants may need to serve a notice period; however, if you're successful, you must be available to begin the training course in January. Please consider this when applying, as the training start date is fixed and forms a key part of the recruitment timeline.  We will aim to give successful candidates a minimum of one month’s notice prior to commencing the course.   

  

I go on a three-week holiday in January, I am guessing there is no point in me applying? 

 

You will need to be fully available for the scheduled training dates in January, as attendance is essential and cannot be deferred. If your holiday overlaps with the training course, we recommend waiting for a future recruitment round where the dates align better with your availability. 

   

I am a former competent Wholetime Firefighter.  Will this affect the training requirements and timescale to reach full competency? 

 

All successful applicants are required to complete the full training course, regardless of previous experience. However, your background and prior service will still be recognised and may support your development. 

 

Will wearing glasses affect the process? 

 

No. Wearing glasses is fine as long as your vision (with or without correction) meets the required fire service standards. An occupational health assessment will determine your eligibility. 

  

What kind of certificates do you receive after 12 weeks of training?  

 

On successful completion of the Trauma Care course within the 12 week Initial course a Qualsafe Level 3 in First Response Emergency Care. There will also be certificates and awards for Best Trainee, Best Breathing Apparatus wearer and other areas relevant to the course. 

 

How does the Oncall/Retained staffing work?  

 

On-call firefighters respond to incidents from home or work within 8 minutes of their station. You commit to providing cover during agreed hours and are alerted via pager. It’s a paid role with training provided. Find out more about on call roles here https://www.northumberlandfireandrescue.gov.uk/on-call-firefighter-jobs 

 

What is the uniform like?

 

Firefighters are issued full operational PPE, including fire kit, boots, and helmet for use at incidents. When not attending incidents, you're provided with station wear, which includes shirts, trousers, and boots suitable for daily duties. 

  

What are the written/theory aspects of the training process? 

 

There will be numerous theory tests throughout the 12-week Initial course. This is to ensure knowledge is being retained by trainees. Training covers Prevention Activities, including Home Fire Safety Checks; Incident Command, Breathing Apparatus Compartment Fire Behaviour, Fire Services pumps, and ladders, health & safety, Hazardous Materials, Road Traffic Collision, and other areas relevant to the course. You will be assessed through a mix of written tests, verbal questioning, presentations, and workbook assignments. 

 

I’m in the process of leaving the armed forces and I was wondering if the fire service offers any schemes or initiatives, such as a guaranteed interview, for veterans or service leavers? 

 

We value the transferable skills of Armed Forces personnel. While there's no formal guaranteed interview scheme currently, we encourage veterans to apply and highlight relevant experience. 

  

If you were to fail the online test, is there a chance for retaking in the 2025 enrolment, or would you have to wait till the 2026 enrolment?

 

Typically, if you are unsuccessful in one recruitment round, you will need to wait until the next recruitment cycle to reapply, which will likely be 2027.