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“All men are created equal, then a few become firemen” – Anon. Isn’t it a really powerful quote?! Firefighters are like that! They are heroes among us who are strong, fearless, resolute, level-headed, kind, and encouraging. You’ve probably noticed how much people adore and appreciate superheroes in movies. What makes them so popular?

Apart from the fact that they look cool, it’s mostly because they risk their lives to save others, right?! That is exactly what our real-life heroes (firefighters) do. Also, they look super cool too! Just that, instead of a cape, mask, or suit, they wear protective gear on their bodies and carry a lot of compassion in their hearts as they go out to serve and save people and animals in danger.

Do you aspire to be a firefighter or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve come to the right place! This blog discusses the skills required, colleges and courses, salary, and what else it takes to become a firefighter. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog to become a firefighter.

Who is a firefighter?

Firefighters, also known as firemen, are highly skilled individuals who fight and extinguish fires. They also take important steps to prevent fires, investigate fire causes, and serve as emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

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How to become a firefighter?

Step 1: Stream to select

Anyone, regardless of background or stream, can choose to become a firefighter. However, students considering a BSc or BTech are advised to choose the science stream.

Step 2: Certification courses and project courses

Students can pursue the following certifications in ‘Fire Safety Training Courses’:

  • Certificate in Fire Safety and Hazard Management
  • Certificate in Industrial Safety
  • Certificate in Safety Management
  • Certificate in Fireman Training
  • Certificate in Driver Cum Pump Operator
  • Certificate in Fire Safety and Security Management

Step 3: Educational qualifications

The basic educational requirement is a Class 10th certificate from a recognized Indian education board. Some firefighting jobs may require a Class 12 certificate or advanced qualifications such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree. Some employers may prefer candidates who have safety management or emergency medical technician certificate (EMT).

How to become a firefighter after 10th?

Students who have completed their 10th can enrol in the following diploma programmes:

Diploma courses to become a firefighter in India:

CourseDuration
ITI Fireman Course1 year
ITI Fire Technology and Safety Management1 year
ITI Safety and Security course1 year
Diploma in Fire-Safety and Hazard Management1 year
Diploma in Safety Management 1 year
Diploma in Fireman Training1 year
Diploma in Driver cum Pump Operator1 year
Diploma in Fire-Safety and Security Management1 year

How to become a firefighter after 12th?

To become a firefighter In India

Aspirants after the 12th can enrol in a diploma or bachelor’s degree programme to become a firefighter. If you are looking for senior firefighter positions, a strong academic background will confirm the job of the candidates.

  • Diploma courses to become a firefighter in India:
CourseDuration
Diploma in Fire Sub Officer1 year
Diploma in Assistant Fire Sub Officer1 year
Diploma in Industrial Safety1 year
Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering1-2 years
Diploma in Fire and Safety Technology1-2 years
Diploma in Fire Safety Lateral Entry1 year
  • Top diploma colleges to become a firefighter in India:
Name of InstitutionLocation
OPJS UniversityRajasthan
Galgotias UniversityUttar Pradesh
JS UniversityUttar Pradesh
Singhania UniversityRajasthan
Jharkhand Rai UniversityJharkhand
Bhagwant UniversityRajasthan
Rajiv Gandhi Institute For Steel TechnologyKarnataka
Mewar UniversityRajasthan
Swarrnim Startup and Innovation UniversityGujarat
Sardar Patel UniversityMadhya Pradesh
Source
  • UG courses to become a firefighter in India:
CourseDuration
B.Sc. Fire and Industrial Safety3 years
B.Tech. Fire and Safety Engineering4 years
  • Top UG colleges to become a firefighter in India:
Name of InstitutionLocation
Rajasthan Fire Service AcademyRajasthan
Institute of Industrial and Marine SafetyTamil Nadu
National Institute of Fire and Safety EngineeringHimachal Pradesh
National Institute of Fire Engineering and Safety Management (NIFS Secunderabad)Secunderabad
Institute of Fire and Safety EngineeringWest Bengal
School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy StudiesUttarakhand
OPJS UniversityRajasthan
Sandip UniversityMaharashtra
NFSC Nagpur – National Fire Service CollegeMaharashtra
Medi-Caps UniversityMadhya Pradesh
Source: 1, 2

To become firefighter abroad

Each country has different requirements for the age and qualifications required to become a firefighter. To be a firefighter in some countries, such as the United States, you must be an American citizen. The following are some of the firefighting courses available to students studying abroad:

  • UG courses to become a firefighter abroad:
CourseDuration
Bachelor’s in Fire Science4 years
BS in Fire Safety & Emergency Service4 years
BS in Fire Administration3-4 years
BS in Fire Science & Public Safety Administration3-4 years
BA in Fire Service Administration3-4 years
BS in Emergency Science-Fire Service Management3-4 years
BS in Fire Protection Administration & Technology3-4 years
Fire and Rescue BSc (Hons)3 years
Fire and Leadership Studies BSc (Hons)3 years
  • Top UG colleges to become a firefighter abroad:
Name of InstitutionLocation
University of FloridaUnited States
Providence CollegeUnited States
Holy Family UniversityUnited States
Lewis UniversityUnited States
University of Nebraska OmahaUnited States
Western Illinois UniversityUnited States
California State Los AngelesUnited States
Jefferson College of Health SciencesUnited States
University of WolverhamptonUnited Kingdom
University of Central LancashireUnited Kingdom
Sources: 1, 2

Step 4: How to prepare for the job?

A firefighter is being dragged by a hose that is spraying water due to extreme pressure. The movement resembles that of a slithering snake.
When not out there saving lives, firefighters can have a bit of fun too, right?! [Source]

Get in a good physical condition: When putting out fires and performing rescue operations, firefighters engage in physical labour. Physical strength and endurance are required to complete these tasks effectively. You can improve your stamina by exercising on a regular basis. This also aids in your preparation for firefighter selection exams.

Do volunteer work: Contact your local fire department and express your desire to work as a volunteer firefighter. It can help you meet other firefighters and gain valuable field experience. You can stay up to date on industry news and developments in firefighting techniques and equipment.

Research career opportunities in various industries: Aside from your local fire station, look into other sectors for career opportunities for firefighters such as fire safety instructor, fire safety officer, fire safety engineer, fire protection design engineer, and fire protection technician.

Training: Entry-level firefighters will receive a few months of training at fire academies run by the fire department or the state. Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, recruits will learn firefighting, fire prevention methods, how to use various types of firefighting equipment, and emergency medical techniques. You will also learn about building fire safety codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards as part of the training program.

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9 most important skills to become a Firefighter

A firefighter on fire emerges from a burning house.
Just another day at the office for a badass fire-chief. [Source]
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Social competence
  • Time management
  • Spatial awareness
  • Physical fitness
  • Adaptability
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • First aid

    If you want to master such remarkable talents and stand out from the crowd, enroll in Clever Harvey’s JuniorMBA Technology program and build your personality to shine in the areas you prefer.

Salary of a Firefighter:

Salary In India

An entry-level firefighter with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an annual compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹2,10,000.

Source

Salary Abroad

The following are some entry-level firefighters’ salaries from around the world.

CountryAnnual Salary
SwitzerlandCHF 64’686
United States$50,097
Canada$57,351 (CAD)
Japan¥4,371,427
Australia$66,858 (AUD)
Germany€42,931
United Kingdom£29,620
Ireland€39,791
New Zealand$61,800 (NZD)
NorwayKR 505,272
Source

Sectors and Industries where firefighters can work

  • Government Firefighting department
  • Armed forces
  • Electricity boards
  • Oil refineries
  • Insurance companies
  • Chemical plants
  • Construction firms
  • Aircraft industry
  • Textile plants
  • Fire safety Training Institutes
  • Industries

More about Firefighters

If you’ve arrived at this point in the blog, it can only mean one thing: you like firefighters and may one day become one yourself!

As a bonus, a list of a few inspiring movies about firefighters is included here. Check them out and have fun exploring more!

  • Only the Brave (2017)
  • Burn (2012)
  • 9/11 (2002)
  • Fire: Trapped on the 37th Floor (1991)
  • Brave Are the Fallen (2020)
  • Ladder 49 (2004)
  • Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232 (1992)
  • Backdraft (1991)
  • The Towering Inferno (1974)
  • The Tower (2013)

A firefighter is almost always the first official “on the scene” of a fire, car accident, or other emergencies, which is why they are referred to as “first responders.” It’s one of those important professions where people put their own lives in danger to save the lives of others. As stated at the beginning of the blog, it is a real-life superhero’s profession. Best wishes on your journey to becoming one!

FAQs related to how to become firefighter

Turn your favorite subject into career

How much do firefighters make in India?

Ans: A firefighter earns an average annual salary of ₹362,221 in India. The pay you receive may differ depending on your location, designation, skills, and experience.
Firefighters with 5 to 10 years of experience earn more than those at the beginning or middle of their careers.

Where do firefighter get paid the most?

Ans: The following countries have the highest annual salaries for firefighters:
1. SWITZERLAND – $102,000
2. UNITED STATES – $80,000
3. CANADA – $80,000
4. JAPAN – $73,300
5. AUSTRALIA – $71,000
6. GERMANY – $67,000
7. UNITED KINGDOM – $61,000
8. IRELAND – $53,000
9. NEW ZEALAND – $52,000
10. NORWAY – $47,500

What qualifications do you need to become a fireman?

Ans: A 10th Secondary School Certificate is the minimum educational requirement for a firefighter job. Some jobs may necessitate a 12th Higher Secondary Certificate or advanced credentials such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree.

Is firefighter a good job in India?

Ans: A firefighter’s job is one of the most dangerous and difficult professions, requiring great care and dedication to complete the job flawlessly. Those who are daring and want to work in unusual circumstances choose a career in firefighting. This profession is exciting, and dangerous, and can provide a lot of personal fulfilment. The progress in this sector is increasing as more people become aware of the importance of safety and prevention.

Which course is best for Fireman?

Ans: Fire Engineering and Industrial Safety are rapidly gaining popularity among Indian students. Whereas in other countries, Fire Engineering and Industrial Safety are integrated into the majority of university programmes. The introduction of Fire Engineering and Industrial Safety courses is an indicator of industrial growth.

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How to become a firefighter after 10th? Here is a comprehensive guide to becoming a firefighter, including salary, college, courses, and much more.
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Top 10 colleges to become a Firefighter Abroad Top 10 colleges to become a Firefighter in India Top 9 Skills required to become a Firefighter How to Become a Firefighter? How to become a Firefighter?
Top 10 colleges to become a Firefighter Abroad Top 10 colleges to become a Firefighter in India Top 9 Skills required to become a Firefighter How to Become a Firefighter? How to become a Firefighter?