This is NOT a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed. 

Extended Duty Week Compensation (EDWC)

(Range A – Non-Paramedic)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4650 - $6030 Base Salary (paid every month)

$1580 - $2050 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$76,340 – $99,010 Annual Compensation
  

(Range B – Paramedic)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4978 - $6452 Base Salary (paid every month)

$1777 - $2363 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)

$250 - $6000 Paramedic Bonus (paid every November; amount based on months worked)

$85,837 – $114,143 Annual Compensation

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

• FIRE FIGHTER II - Open

*Effective July 31, 2025, the Fire Fighter II (1082) and Fire Fighter II - Paramedic (1755) classifications have merged. Candidates interested in a Fire Fighter II or Fire Fighter II - Paramedic position, MUST successfully pass this examination to be placed on the eligibility list. Successful candidates are then encouraged to apply for open positions (paramedic and/or non-paramedic). Visit our Join CAL FIRE webpage for more information. 

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 11 months:

Exam Code(s):

4603

For FIRE FIGHTER II, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 11 months:

Exam Code(s):

• EX-04603

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

*Applications for this examination will only be accepted via electronic submission through CalCareers. Applications sent via mail, email, or delivered in-person will NOT be accepted. 

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

Possession of a valid Class A, Class B, or Class C driver's license, with any applicable endorsements, issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or applicable agency. AND

Possession of a valid Candidate Physical Activity Ability Test (CPAT) Card of Completion, issued by a currently licensed CPAT organization authorized by the Department. Incumbents who have worked as a Fire Fighter II or Fire Apparatus Engineer with CAL FIRE and have not had a break in service greater than 12 consecutive months, do not need to obtain a new CPAT card. (Applicants who do not possess the CPAT Card of Completion will be admitted to the examination but must submit the card before they can be eligible for a job offer.) AND

For paramedic positions, possession of a current California Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) license or a National Registry EMT-P license is required. (Applicants currently enrolled in a paramedic training program must be within six months of completing their training by the date of the exam to be eligible to apply for a position.) Paramedic applicants must have a California EMT-P license prior to a job offer or reassignment. AND

Minimum Age: 18 years old at the time of appointment.

*While all minimum qualifications MUST be met before appointment into a Fire Fighter II or Fire Fighter II Paramedic position, applicants are only required to have a valid driver's license at the time of the examination. The remainder of the requirements listed above will be reviewed and confirmed during the hiring process.

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the application and examination. A stable internet connection is recommended.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

1. Safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
2. Wildland firefighting safety rules of engagement (e.g., 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out, Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones) to ensure safe operations.
3. Principles and practices of emergency medical procedures (e.g., Basic Life Support [BLS], Advanced Life Support [ALS], Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR], Automated External Defibrillator [AED]) to safely respond to and render medical aid.
4. Life hazard notification policies (e.g., Emergency Command Center [ECC], Three Stripes You’re Out, personnel accountability) to ensure scene safety.
5. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, Mobile Data Computers) to effectively communicate with others.
6. Defensive driving techniques (e.g., traffic laws, intersection approach, utilization of warning devices) to safely operate Department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.
7. Department’s organizational structure to work effectively within the chain of command.
8. Basic human anatomy for effective treatment of patients during medical emergencies.
9. Fire tools and/or equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans) to ensure proper use and maintenance.
10. Various terminology (e.g., Incident Command Structure [ICS], medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
11. Annual medical clearance for fit-testing respiratory protection equipment to meet the requirements of the California Occupational Safety and Health Agency (CAL/OSHA).
12. Firing methods and techniques (e.g., burnout, backfire, edge fire) used during fire activities for safe and effective fire operations.
13. Emergency operations (e.g., rescue, fires, hazardous material incidents) to mitigate incidents in a safe and effective manner.
14. Fire suppression practices and procedures for various types of fire (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
15. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.
16. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to identify the most effective extinguishing methods.
17. Fire hose types (e.g., attack, supply) to ensure appropriate use in fire suppression and other activities.
18. State-wide radio call plan to effectively communicate with Emergency Command Centers (ECC) and other emergency responders.
19. Selection, maintenance, and inspection methods for safety gear (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], traffic vest, fire shelter) to ensure compliance with safety rules, regulations, and personal safety.
20. Weather observation tools and techniques (e.g., belt weather kit, digital weather devices, online weather resources) to obtain location specific weather information.
21. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) standards to ensure proper patient care and document trending of patient care.
22. Basic mechanical advantage systems (e.g., pry bar, come along pulley, rope systems) for rescue operations.
23. Hose deployment techniques (e.g., hose loads, drop points, fire flow) to effectively suppress and mitigate various types of fires (e.g., structure, wildland, vehicle).
24. Fire hose maintenance (e.g., testing, proper storage, cleaning) to ensure operational readiness and firefighter safety.
25. Firing tools and equipment (e.g., drip torch, fuses, aerial devices) used during fire activities for safe and effective fire operations.
26. Patient triage procedures and techniques (e.g., Respirations, Perfusion, Mental Status [RPM], Simple Triage and Rapid Transport [START], triage tags) to ensure appropriate treatment is administered.
27. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) laws, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance and information security.
28. Specialized rescue procedures and/or techniques (e.g., high and low angle, water, confined space) to safely and effectively rescue entrapped victims.
29. Emergency vehicle capabilities (e.g., engine, truck, rescue) to properly operate and maintain in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations and Department policies and procedures.
30. Extinguishing agents (e.g., water, foam, gel) for appropriate use during fire suppression.
31. The maintenance and safe operations of Department equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus, chippers) to ensure safe and effective utilization.
32. Basic construction (e.g., buildings, trails, water systems) for appropriate maintenance and project completion.
33. Safe food handling methods to ensure health and wellbeing of personnel to avoid food borne pathogens.
34. Hand and/or power tools (e.g., chain saws, McCleod, Pulaski) during emergency and non-emergency incidents to remove fuel and assist in fire suppression and prevention.
35. Computer software programs (e.g., mapmaking, Microsoft Office Suite) to accomplish job duties and ensure effective job performance.
36. CAL FIRE’s mission statement to carry out the day-to-day activities of the Department.
37. The appropriate use and maintenance of firefighting tools (e.g., sharpen, oil changes) and equipment to ensure safe and effective utilization.
38. Proper ladder placement in various situations (e.g., multilevel buildings, heavy smoke, rescues) and emergency incidents (e.g., how they are used to ventilate a structure) to ensure personnel and public safety.
39. Rescue and/or extrication equipment (e.g., hydraulic and pneumatic tool, stabilizing devices) to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
40. Structural and/or wildland chainsaw operations (e.g., felling, brushing, limbing, rescue, ventilation, overhaul) for fire control and firefighter safety per National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Department policies and procedures.
41. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) tactics (e.g., large area search, breaching and breaking, softening a structure) for firefighter safety and rescue.
42. Thermal imaging devices (e.g., camera) for proper application and use in emergency and non-emergency situations.
43. Fire suppression principles, strategies, and/or tactics for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
44. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
45. Basic mechanics (e.g., automotive, small engine, household appliances) to perform general repairs to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness.
46. Ropes (e.g., construction, type, capabilities) and related equipment for proper use and maintenance.
47. Hazardous material incident operations to analyze the situation and determine the appropriate actions (e.g., isolate and deny entry, lockout/tagout, dike or dam the flow) to safely minimize and/or mitigate an incident.
48. Mathematic calculations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic, geometry) for effective job performance.
49. Incident accountability techniques (e.g., safety checks, Personnel Accountability Report, accountability tags) to ensure personnel safety.
50. Controlled substance management to ensure Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) compliance.
51. Appropriate receiving facility criteria (e.g., ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction [STEMI], trauma, burn, pediatrics) to comply with State and Local protocols.
52. The proper uses and abilities of air-ambulance and rescue helicopter to ensure proper transport of patient to appropriate medical facility.
53. The proper uses and abilities of transport resources (e.g., ambulance, air-ambulance, rescue helicopters) to ensure patient is provided proper transport to appropriate medical facility.
54. Pharmacology (e.g., uses, dosage, administration) as appropriate for patient care and scope of practice.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE FIGHTER II Classification will be established for:

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

• A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
• A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Using the rating scale(s) provided in the exam, rate your knowledge and experience performing the specific job-related tasks listed below. Please indicate how these statements apply to you by referring to your WORK EXPERIENCE (either paid or volunteer), EDUCATON, and/or TRAINING.

This is NOT a timed examination. 

Interested applicants must click "Apply Now" in the top right corner of this bulletin and follow the prompts provided by the CalCareers system to apply for and take this exam. Typically, candidates' results will populate in their CalCareers profile within 24-hours. 

Task Statements:

1. Operate communications equipment (e.g., portable radios, base station radios, mobile radios, etc.) to maintain verbal communication with others.
2. Participate as a member of a team (e.g., engine company, hand crew, strike team, ambulance company) engaged in emergency and non-emergency operations (e.g., fires, natural disasters, hazardous material incidents, medical calls and training).
3. Maintain fitness level (e.g., training, weightlifting, cardio) to perform physically demanding tasks and assignments.
4. Treat a range of medical emergencies following your scope of practice (e.g., advanced airway, bleeding control, medication administration, splinting) in order to manage and stabilize the condition of the patient in accordance with policies and procedures.
5. Perform physically demanding emergency and rescue work under extreme measures (e.g., weather conditions, dangerous environment, limitations) in accordance with policies and procedures.
6. Operate rescue systems (e.g., rope, hardware, gear) to perform rescues safely under direction of the supervisor in accordance with policies and procedures.
7. Assist in the decontamination of personnel, equipment, and/or victims at the scene of various incidents (e.g., hazardous materials, medical emergencies, natural disasters) to control exposure to contaminates in accordance with Federal, State and local laws, policies, and procedures.
8. Participate or train in search and/or rescue operations (e.g., cliff rescue, water rescue, structural collapse) for lost or trapped persons using appropriate methods (e.g., rope, shoring, digging) to locate and effect rescues.
9. Operate equipment (e.g., power tools, hand tools, hose lines) to assist in the suppression of fires to protect the public, property, and the safety of the crew in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and policies and procedures.
10. Operate cardiac monitors and/or defibrillators to assess and/or treat patients (e.g., rhythm interpretation, pulse oximetry, cardioversion, cardiac pacing, defibrillation) to determine appropriate treatment in accordance with State and local protocols, manufacturer specifications, and policies and procedures.
11. Interact professionally (e.g., in person, virtual, written) with a variety of individuals and groups (e.g., private citizens, organizations, Federal and State agencies) to maintain cooperation in accordance with policies and procedures.
12. Assist in the maintenance and/or basic repairs of buildings and/or grounds (e.g., painting, landscaping, general housekeeping) to maintain upkeep and appearance to ensure safe and healthy facility operations in accordance with policies and procedures.
13. Utilize tools (e.g., hand, power, chain saws) during emergency and non-emergency situations to remove vegetation.
14. Perform daily inspection (e.g., visual, mechanical, operational) on equipment to ensure proper working order and readiness in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, policies and procedures.
15. Complete various administrative documents (e.g., computer, tablet, organizational software) to record activities and ensure thoroughness and accuracy in accordance with protocols, policies and procedures.
16. Complete comprehensive Patient Care Reports (PCR) to document information (e.g., electronic, written) to ensure appropriate care of patient in accordance with State and local protocols, policies and procedures.
17. Respond to all types of emergency incidents (e.g., fires, medical aid, hazardous material) utilizing emergency vehicles (e.g., fire apparatus, squad, utility) to ensure the preservation of life, property, and the environment.
18. Operate (e.g., carry, maneuver) various types of ladders (e.g., straight, extension, aerial) to assist during emergency and non-emergency situations and routine training activities in accordance with policies and procedures.
19. Operate an agency vehicle (e.g., utility, sedans, fire apparatus, ambulance, crew transport) to emergency and non-emergency incidents to support operational needs in accordance with policies and procedures.
20. Perform specialized and/or technical tasks (e.g., rescue, hazardous material incidents, confined space), as trained, to mitigate incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.
21. Maintain required State and County qualifications (e.g., certifications, accreditations, licenses) for the job classification and specialized assignments to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
22. Operate pumps (e.g., backpack, portable, auxiliary) to assist in extinguishing fires by providing water supply in accordance with manufacturer specifications, and policies and procedures.
23. Perform ventilation operations (e.g., horizontal, vertical, positive pressure) to mitigate life hazards and support fire suppression activities in accordance with policies and procedures.
24. Make forcible entry using appropriate tools (e.g., hand, electric, hydraulic) when necessary to mitigate emergencies (e.g., extinguish, suppress fires, preserve life) in accordance with policies and procedures.
25. Perform salvage operations (e.g., wet vacuum, hall runners, salvage covers) to minimize property damage during emergency and non-emergency incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

CAL FIRE Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
710 Riverpoint Ct.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone: (916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.