2026 Firefighter

2026 Municipal Firefighter Examination

This exam is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to establish an eligible list from which to fill Firefighter vacancies in Civil Service Fire Departments.

This examination consists of two components which make up your total score; a written examination 50% and an entry level physical ability test (ELPAT) 50%. Application Open Date: June 22, 2026. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026. Examination Processing Fee: $75.00.

Written Examination Period: October 2-10, 2026. Testing will begin on August 3, 2026, and will continue through early 2027 until all candidates have been scheduled and have had the opportunity to take the ELPAT.

Entry Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT) Examination Location: 571A Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749.

Candidates who do not pass both the written examination and the ELPAT, will result in failure of the examination and will not be placed on the eligible list.

Notice to Appear including date, time and location of examination will be emailed to candidates approximately two weeks prior to the examination date.

At the examination site, candidates must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID).

Typical Qualifications Examples of Essential Duties for a Municipal Firefighter: Firefighters often perform risky and physically demanding duties under emergency conditions. Firefighters work under supervision, often as a member of a team, to respond to fires and other emergencies. Firefighter duties may include, for example: connecting, pulling, and operating hose lines; operating a pump; positioning and climbing ladders; emergency rescue and lifesaving; ventilating smoke-filled areas; using and maintaining tools and equipment; training; and fire station activities.

Written Examination: The written examination consists of three subtests: the Written Ability Test (WAT), the Life Experience Survey (LES), and the Work Styles Questionnaire (WSQ). The WAT is administered to measure cognitive abilities that have been identified as essential to performing the duties of a Firefighter. The WAT includes areas of verbal expression, verbal comprehension, problem sensitivity, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and information ordering. The LES consists of a series of multiple-choice questions related to candidates past history and experience of potential relevance to successful performance of entry level Firefighters. The WSQ is designed to assess certain motivational, value-related and attitudinal characteristics that are of potential relevance to successful performance of entry level Firefighters.

Entry Level Physical Ability Test (ELPAT): The ELPAT is designed to assess a candidate's capacity to perform the tasks ordinarily performed by a Firefighter while on the job. This is accomplished by requiring the candidate to perform a series of events that both simulate firefighting activities and depend on the physical abilities required to perform the Firefighter's job.

Municipal Firefighter candidates who pass the written examination, ELPAT, and receive a conditional offer of employment from a municipality will be instructed on how to apply for the Physical Ability Test and other screening processes.

Medical Examination: All candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must pass the medical examination. Candidates must pass the medical examination before participating in the Physical Ability Test. Candidates may also be required to pass a psychological evaluation before appointment.

Physical Ability Test (PAT): The PAT is a test of the candidate's aerobic capacity and physical capability to perform various tasks required on the job. The PAT Preparation Guide is available on our website.

Driver's License: A candidate may need a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license before appointment.

Candidates selected for this public safety position will be subject to a background investigation conducted by the hiring department.

It is your responsibility to review the Certification Order of Lists on our website. Upon request, candidates must provide original supporting documentation to verify any copies submitted and claims made.

Candidates are responsible for maintaining accurate contact information. Failure to keep your records current may jeopardize opportunities for employment. For information on how to update your information, visit Update Your Account.

Although the online application system allows candidates to elect to receive notification by email or regular mail, please be advised that HRD utilizes only email for all notices to candidates.

HRD does not recommend or endorse any private school, service, or publisher offering preparation and/or publications for examinations and is not responsible for their advertising claims.

Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information or inquiries about this and other civil service examinations, visit www.mass.gov/civilservice or email the Civil Service Unit at civilservice@mass.gov. The Civil Service Unit's office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am – 5:00pm, except holidays. Inquiries may also be made to the Civil Service Unit during these hours at the following numbers: Boston area: (617) 878-9895 or (617)-878-9700 Toll-Free Within Massachusetts: 1-800-392-6178 TTY Number: (617) 878-9762

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