Common Questions

The duration of the FRV Recruit Course is approximately 20 weeks.

We recommended that you follow FRV’s social media channels and continue to monitor this website for the most up-to-date information about when the next round of recruitment will open.

There is no age limit. However, applicants must have held a driver's licence for two years by 1 January 2024 (this does not include a learner's permit). Green probationary licences are acceptable.

If you have previously applied and been unsuccessful and/ or exhausted your three attempts you are eligible to reapply.

This website is the best point of reference for interested applicants as information on the recruitment process is updated regularly. Applications need to be submitted online via our website.

The initial written selection test is conducted by an external company called Pearson VUE. They charge an administration fee of $176, which is incurred by the applicant.

Subsequent stages of the recruitment process are managed by Fire Rescue Victoria, and all costs associated with the facilitation of the selection process are covered. Costs relating to a candidates initial medical clearance with their medical practitioner, and all travelling costs to attend assessment stages are borne by the candidate.

Holders of current Centrelink healthcare cards are not required to pay for the Written Selection Test.  This will be reviewed prior to the commencement of each recruitment campaign.

The recruitment process can take between six months and twelve months.

It is your responsibility to keep your online details current, this can be undertaken by updating your online candidate profile.

Yes you can. All training is provided, and firefighting is not a prerequisite. We select candidates on the basis of their motivation, aptitude and behaviours.

Recruits come to us from all kinds of backgrounds, including people who previously worked in offices or administration. Provided you meet the suitability and eligibility requirements the only pre-requisite is a willingness to learn and work hard.

There are no minimum educational requirements to become a firefighter, but your literacy, numeracy and mechanical reasoning ability will be tested as part of the written selection test. 

We expect that all firefighters will undertake a continual process of learning. Your capacity to participate in learning is evaluated in the recruitment process basic aptitude tests and your work/training history.

Recruit courses comprise of up to 30 recruits, with up to 8 courses conducted per year.  However, it is ultimately determined by organisational staffing needs and as a result is subject to change at any time.

Yes, however, overseas candidates (except New Zealand citizens who have entered Australia on a valid passport) must have been granted Australian citizenship or permanent resident status in Australia, prior to applying for a position of recruit firefighter.

Where possible the Written Selection Test, Group Assessment, Shuttle Run and Selection Interview will be conducted in centres in Melbourne and country Victoria.   All other stages of the recruitment process will be conducted in Melbourne.   Candidates must attend at the locations specified.  No alternatives will be given, and no consideration will be given to combining stages to reduce the number of visits.

All firefighters are employed on a full-time basis.

Firefighters work a '10/14' shift system which comprises two day shifts (8am - 6pm) followed by two night shifts (6pm - 8am), followed by four days off over an eight day cycle.

Previous experience and qualifications related to community work may enhance a candidate’s performance at interview, but does not guarantee they will be more competitive or gain employment.

If successful in becoming a firefighter, you will eligible to become a member of the Emergency Service Superannuation Scheme (ESSS). This is a defined benefit superannuation fund to which you contribute according to the rate you nominate on your superannuation form.

There are no specific subjects that you are recommended to study. You should ensure that you have a broad education including literacy and numeracy. You should ensure that you have opportunities to practice teamwork, are committed to serving Victoria’s community by demonstrating ethics and integrity.

The recruit training course has a '4 days on, 4 days off' structure.  Accommodation may be provided for the nights whilst at VEMTC at a nearby location for those who meet the eligibility criteria. Please see FRV accommodation policies for more information.

Once applicants receive an offer of employment they will be required to obtain a Heavy Rigid licence. Further details will be provided with your offer of employment.

Pearson VUE is the current service provider that administers the Written Selection Test on behalf of FRV.

ACER Written Selection test results will not be considered for future selection processes.

Candidates who successfully pass the Pearson VUE Written Selection Test from 2020 onwards will be able to retain their score for a period of up to three (3) years. If a candidate re-applies, they will not have to re-sit the Written Selection Test within this 3-year period.

No. Candidates who fail to reach the level of 9.6 will be given a second opportunity to undertake the shuttle run assessment.  Recruitment selection timeframes may require candidates to undertake the re-test within a short period of time from their first attempt and this may impact a candidates ability to improve sufficiently and candidates may need to consider reapplying at a later stage.

No. Candidates who are unsuccessful on their first attempt at the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) will be given a second opportunity to undertake the PAT.  Recruitment selection timeframes may require candidates to undertake the re-test within a short period of time from their first attempt and this may impact a candidates ability to improve sufficiently and candidate’s may need to consider reapplying at a later stage.

Yes. It is important that all recruits receive the same training with the same equipment.

Yes.  The course is comprised of intensive practical and theoretical (classroom-based), and you’ll be expected to complete written assignments, homework and tests. To graduate, you will need to attain set benchmarks for all practical and theoretical assessments.

For enquiries please email us

[email protected]

Before you contact us, make sure you’ve thoroughly read through the information on this website.

No, you must complete this stage again. 

No it will not. Thousands of candidates have successfully been offered a position on a recruit course without paying for external recruitment services.

FRV does not endorse any providers or individuals to assist candidates during the recruitment process and does not endorse payment of such services. FRV is not affiliated with any providers, services or individuals who claim to have associations with the recruitment department. 

No, FRV does not endorse any providers or individuals to assist candidates during the recruitment process and does not endorse payment of such services. FRV is not affiliated with any providers, services or individuals who claim to have associations with the recruitment department. 

Please note thousands of candidates have successfully been offered a position on a recruit course without paying for external recruitment services.

All firefighters deal with trauma in their own way. Firefighters are well supported by FRV to deal with trauma that they may experience as part of their role.

FRV provides access to a range of psychological services including proactive and preventative mental health programs, regular wellbeing checks, as well as counselling and coaching. While some firefighters still may find they are adversely affected by trauma at times, FRV has built a supportive culture that works hard to see firefighters functioning at their best.

No, FRV requires candidates to be fully vaccinated (boosted), which is three COVID-19 vaccinations.