*Reasonable Accommodation (RA) requests: This 90-minute timed examination consists of job-related multiple-choice questions that are administered via an online testing platform. The examination MUST be taken virtually, in a private location with reliable internet. Once a candidate requests an RA, their account will be locked and they will NOT be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed. 

Extended Duty Week Compensation (EDWC)

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

$5,934 - $7,694 Range A Base Salary (paid every month)
$6,513 - $8,483 Range B Base Salary (paid every month)
$2,016 - $2,615 Range A Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$2,213 - $2,883 Range B Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$97,416 - $126,323 Annual Compensation Annual Compensation Range A
$106,925 - $139,275 Annual Compensation Annual Compensation Range B


(Range C - Paramedic)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$6,354 - $8,234 Base Salary (paid every month)
$2,244 - $2,968 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$250 - $6,000 Paramedic Bonus (paid every November; amount based on months worked)
$108,420 - $143,392 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 CAPTAIN - Open

*Effective July 31, 2025, the Fire Captain (1095) and Fire Captain - Paramedic (1757) classifications were consolidated into one classification. Candidates interested in a Fire Captain or Fire Captain - Paramedic position, MUST successfully pass this examination to be placed on the eligibility list. Successful candidates are then encouraged to apply for open positions (non-paramedic and/or 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):

5398

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

Exam Code(s):

• EX-05398

*NOTE: This examination may only be taken once every 11 months. Please ensure you do NOT attempt this examination until you are adequately prepared as NO exceptions will be made. 

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.

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

For paramedic positions, possession of a current California Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMT-P) license or National Registry EMT-P license. (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 obtain a California EMT-P license prior to a job offer or reassignment.)

AND

Experience

Either I

Thirty-six months of full-time experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) and successful completion of the corresponding California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before they can be eligible for a job offer or receive SubJAC certification of journey level status.)

Applicants who gained employment with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) by Board Resolution may compete if they have thirty-six months of full-time experience equivalent to Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) or higher but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before a job offer or receive SubJAC certification of journey level status. [Experience as a CAL FIRE Fire Apparatus Engineer or a Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) may be combined with equivalent experience outside of California State Service to meet this requirement.]

Or II

Twenty-four months of experience as a full-time paid Company Officer leading an engine company (or equivalent) or hand crew, such as an Incident Command System Type I or II Crew. Qualifying experience must be at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a CAL FIRE Fire Captain. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must complete the experience requirement before they can be eligible for a job offer.)

The following are RECOMMENDED for optimal examination success:

• Internet Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
• Stable and private internet connection
• Laptop/computer (Smart devices such as tablets or smart phones are NOT recommended)
• Private, quiet place to test where there will be NO interruptions

This examination consists of the following component(s):

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

*Please note that due to the scoring methodology utilized by CAL FIRE Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), the pass point may reflect a rescaled 70%.

*Remember, when taking a multiple-choice test such as this one, candidates are expected to choose the BEST possible answer from the answer choices provided.  

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 examination. In MOST circumstances, candidates' results will populate in their CalCareers profile within 24-hours of completing the test.

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. Principles and practices of emergency medical procedures (e.g., Basic Life Support [BLS], cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], Automated External Defibrillator [AED]) to safely respond to and render medical aid.
2. life hazard notification policies (e.g., Emergency Command Center notification, Injury Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], personnel accountability) to ensure scene safety.
3. Defensive driving techniques (e.g., traffic laws, intersection approach, utilization of warning devices) to safely operate Department vehicles in emergency and non-emergency situations.
4. Incident accountability techniques (e.g., safety checks, Personnel Accountability Report, accountability tags) to ensure personnel safety.
5. Basic human anatomy for effective treatment of patients during medical emergencies.
6. Basic vehicle maintenance and repair (e.g., pre-trip inspection, scheduled maintenance, brake inspection) to ensure safety and operational readiness.
7. Patient assessment (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) to effectively treat patients at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.
8. Techniques (e.g., positioning, movement, oxygen administration) as used on patients in respiratory distress to ensure effective treatment.
9. Safety precautions (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], body substance isolation, proper needle disposal) to provide protection from communicable diseases.
10. Decontamination techniques (e.g., proper hand washing, sanitization of reusable medical equipment, biohazard disposal) used to minimize the spread of communicable diseases following an incident.
11. The strategies and tactics (e.g., indirect, direct, combination) used to safely and effectively suppress various types of fires (e.g., vehicle, structure, wildland).
12. Basic fire behavior (e.g., types, phases, characteristics) to identify the most effective extinguishing methods.
13. Emergency operations (e.g., fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents) to mitigate incidents in a safe and efficient manner.
14. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CAL/OSHA) regulations (e.g., two in – two out, accountability, lockout – tag out) to ensure personnel safety and compliance with Federal and State law.
15. Fire apparatus (e.g., engine, truck, rescue) and their capabilities for appropriate utilization.
16. Fire hose types (e.g., attack, supply) to ensure appropriate use in fire suppression and other activities.
17. Various terminology (e.g., incident command system, medical, fire) to communicate effectively.
18. Safe food handling practices and techniques to ensure health and well being of personnel to avoid food borne pathogens.
19. Fire tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaw, axe, ventilation fans) to ensure proper use and maintenance.
20. Safe work practices to provide a safe work environment for employees and the public.
21. Tactics and techniques (e.g., observation, retardant drop, mapping) used in air operations to assist in fire suppression activities.
22. Leadership principles and management practices to effectively lead subordinates.
23. Fire prevention principles and practices (e.g., defensible space, school programs, weed abatement) to prevent fires and provide fire safety.
24. Fuel, weather, and topography as they relate to wildland fire behavior for firefighter safety.
25. Extinguishing agents (e.g., water, foam, dry chemicals) and their appropriate application for fire suppression.
26. Of building construction (e.g., wood frame, masonry, metal frame) to determine appropriate fire suppression tactics and ensure firefighter safety.
27. Mobile communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, Mobile Data Computers) for effective communication.
28. Firing methods, techniques, and equipment for fire activities (e.g., Vegetation Management Program [VMP], fire control, training) for safe and effective fire operations.
29. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures to ensure employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
30. The Department’s safety programs (e.g., Injury Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], Respiratory Protection Program [RPP]) to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
31. The Critical Incident Stress Management system (e.g., debriefing, defusing) to provide for employee health and wellness.
32. The internet to obtain information needed (e.g., vector solutions, local weather, six minutes for safety) to receive and distribute to field personnel.
33. Department substance abuse policy to ensure personnel health and safety.
34. The Department’s progressive discipline policy to prevent, correct, and take adverse action against employees not meeting the Department’s expectations.
35. The Firefighters Bill of Rights and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure that employee rights are protected in accordance with State law.
36. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) standards to ensure proper patient care and document trending of patient care.
37. Patient assessment (e.g., vital signs, skin signs, level of consciousness) to effectively treat patients at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.
38. Pharmacology (e.g., uses, dosage, administration), as appropriate, for patient care and scope of practice.
39. Rescue, Exposure, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul with Ventilation and Salvage (RECEO-VS) activities to mitigate an incident.
40. 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.
41. Emergency scene safety practices (e.g., traffic, life safety hazards, apparatus placement) to ensure the safety of the public and emergency response personnel.
42. Firing tools and equipment (e.g., drip torch, fusees, firing devices) used during fire activities for safe and effective fire operations.
43. Ropes and related equipment (e.g., life safety, utility, hardware) and their proper use and maintenance for effective use.
44. The Critical Incident Stress Management system to recognize employee mental stress and health.
45. The Department’s vehicle accident reporting policy (e.g., reporting, forms) to ensure appropriate documentation.
46. Purchasing procedures (e.g., subsistence, equipment, facility maintenance) to maintain operational readiness.
47. Ryan White Act in the event of an actual and/or potential communicable disease exposure to ensure appropriate Department policies and procedures are followed.
48. Basic Life Support (BLS) airway adjuncts and techniques used on patients during medical and traumatic emergencies to secure a patient airway.
49. Wildland firefighting safety rules of engagement (e.g., 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out,) for safe operations.
50. Injury reporting procedures (e.g., State Compensation Insurance Fund, Injury Assessment Prevention System, Procedure 8180) to comply with Federal and State procedures and safety of personnel.
51. Accepted command systems (e.g., Incident Command System, National Incident Management System [NIMS]) for proper incident organization and structure.
52. Incident types and dispatch priorities (e.g., life safety vs. property) to assign resources in the appropriate sequence.
53. Necessary qualifications (e.g., EMS certification, Driver’s License) to enhance knowledge and skills in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
54. Rapid intervention crew and/or team tactics (e.g., large area search, breaching and breaking, softening a structure) for firefighter safety and rescue.
55. Factors affecting wildland fire behavior (e.g., fuel, weather, topography) to ensure safe and effective operations.
56. Fire suppression practices and procedures for various types of fires (e.g., structural, vehicle, wildland) to safely and effectively mitigate an incident.
57. 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.
58. Rescue and/or extrication equipment (e.g., hydraulic and pneumatic tools, stabilizing devices) to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
59. Rescue and/or extrication (e.g., vehicle, building, trench) techniques to safely and effectively remove entrapped victims.
60. Fire ground hydraulics (e.g., gallons per minute, pump operations, friction loss) to provide safe and effective fire ground operations.
61. Utility control (e.g., water, gas, electrical) to ensure personnel safety during incidents.
62. Fire service ladders (e.g., testing, maintenance, use) to ensure operational readiness and personnel and public safety.
63. The maintenance and operation of Department mobile equipment (e.g., utility vehicles, fire apparatus, pumps) to ensure safe and effective utilization.
64. Chainsaw operations (e.g., felling, brushing, ventilation, bucking, rescue) to ensure life safety and fire control to remain compliant with Department chainsaw policy.
65. The Department's mission, vision, and value statements to carry out the day-to-day activities of the Department.
66. The Department’s organizational structure to work effectively within the organization.
67. Applicable Department policies and procedures (e.g., administrative, safety, training) for effective job performance.
68. Training techniques (e.g., classroom, field exercise, practical) to effectively train personnel.
69. Writing elements (e.g., spelling, grammar, sentence structure) to ensure that written materials are complete, concise, and error-free.
70. The various fire cause classifications (e.g., arson, electrical, mechanical) for statistical and investigative purposes.
71. Fire prevention laws and ordinances (e.g., Federal, State, Local) to ensure compliance and life safety.
72. Hazardous material storage (e.g., bulk fuel, insecticides, flammable liquids) to ensure environmental safety and compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws.
73. Helicopters and helitack equipment capabilities (e.g., rescue, suppression, crew transport) for use in air operations.
74. Aircraft capabilities (e.g., fixed and rotor wing) for safe and effective air operations.
75. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance and information security.
76. Hazardous material incident operations to analyze the situation and determine the appropriate actions (e.g., isolate and deny entry, lock-out/tag-out, dike or dam the flow) to safely minimize and/or mitigate an incident.
77. Basic construction (e.g., buildings, trails, water systems) for appropriate maintenance and project completion.
78. Fire protection systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, fire department connections, standpipes, alarm systems) for preplanning and fire suppression.
79. Department computer programs (e.g., California Automated Travel Expense Reimbursement System [CalATERS], ePay, eFC33, Microsoft Office Suite) for personnel reporting and compliance with Department policy.
80. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22, Division 9 pertaining to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for compliance with State laws.
81. Patient triage procedures and techniques (e.g., Respirations Perfusion Mental status [RPM], Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment [START], triage tags) to initiate appropriate treatment.
82. Wildland-urban interface strategies and tactics (e.g., prep and go, bump and run) for structure defense.
83. Basic mechanics (e.g., automotive, small engine, household appliances) to perform general repairs to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness.
84. Emergency vehicle (e.g., engines, ladder truck, rescue) operations according to Federal, State, and Local regulations and Department policies and procedures.
85. Reference materials (e.g., Incident Response Pocket Guide [IRPG], Field Operations Guide, Fireline Handbook) to ensure firefighter safety and survival.
86. Weather observation tools and techniques (e.g., belt weather kit, digital weather devices, online weather resources) to obtain location-specific weather information.
87. Fire hose maintenance (e.g., testing, proper storage) to ensure operational readiness and personnel safety.
88. Department forms (e.g., incident, personnel, safety) for effective job performance.
89. Thermal imaging devices (e.g., thermal imaging camera, heat detection gun) and proper application for use in emergency and non-emergency situations.
90. Personnel policies and procedures (e.g., performance management, workers compensation, Employee Assistance Program [EAP]) to ensure effective operations.
91. The state-wide radio call plan to effectively communicate with the Emergency Command Center and other emergency responders.
92. The Department Intranet to access Department-specific information, policies, and forms.
93. Basic mechanical advantage systems (e.g., lowering, hauling, raising) for rescue operations.
94. Specialized rescue procedures (e.g., rope rescue, water rescue, confined space) To safely and effectively rescue victims.
95. Navigational aids (e.g., Global Positioning System [GPS], maps, compass, electronic applications) to accurately orient yourself and others to the land.
96. The principles of effectively directing and training personnel in fire protection, emergencies, and conservation efforts to effectively carry out the Department’s mission.
97. Federal, State, and Local regulations affecting emergency plans (e.g., operating plans, response plans, pre-plans) to ensure personnel are in compliance during emergency operations.
98. The Department’s and cooperating agencies’ communications systems (e.g., Very High Frequency [VHF], 800 MHz, Ultra High Frequency [UHF]) to allow effective communications between agencies.
99. Direct Protection Areas (e.g., Federal, State, Local) to accurately and adequately manage incidents.
100. Fixed-wing aircraft capabilities and limitations (e.g., hazards, coverage levels, Fight time) to assist with aerial firefighting suppression activities.
101. Fixed-wing safety procedures (e.g., pre-flight briefing, approaching the aircraft, hand signals) to ensure the safety of personnel.
102. Hazardous material incident command structure (e.g., technical reference specialist, entry team leader, decontamination leader) to safely mitigate the incident.
103. Various Department finance policies (e.g., accounting, budgeting, purchasing) to maintain fiscal accountability.
104. The Department’s safety procedures and programs (e.g., Injury and Illness Prevention Program [IIPP], Violence in the Workplace, Workers’ Compensation Program, California Occupational Safety Health Administration [Cal/OSHA]) to achieve workplace safety.
105. Agency responsibility (e.g., State Responsibility Area, Local Response Area, Federal Responsibility Area) as it relates to fiscal accountability.
106. Inventory practices (e.g., Material Requisition Transfer, Safety Data Sheet, service center operations) to ensure operational readiness.
107. The Department’s Behavioral Health and Wellness program (e.g., Employee Support Services [ESS], Employee Assistance Program [EAP], Peer Counseling, Critical Incident Stress Management [CISM], Substance Abuse Assistance Program [SAAP]) to encourage health and wellbeing of staff in accordance with Department policies and procedures.
108. Helicopter and helitack safety procedures (e.g., crash rescue, pre-flight briefing, approaching the aircraft) to ensure the safety of personnel.
109. Local support services (e.g., Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, behavioral health) to ensure the welfare of the public.
110. Controlled substance management to ensure Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) compliance.
111. Facilities (e.g., lookout towers, communication vaults, fire stations) to ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness.
112. Computer software (e.g., mapmaking, Microsoft Office Suite) to ensure effective job performance.
113. State and Unit fire plans to ensure appropriate response and resource allocation.
114. Standard response plans (e.g., medical, wildland, structure) for appropriate response to incidents.
115. Proper evidence handling and preservation techniques as part of the investigation process to ensure compliance with state laws.

A Departmental Open eligible list for the FIRE CAPTAIN 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.

• 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.