Frequently Asked Questions

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• Firefighters must annually pass the Individual Physical Ability Test (IPAT).
• Graduation from high school or GED certification, or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.
• Must possess or be able to obtain prior to hire a valid driver’s license.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the entrance civil service examination, and no greater than 44 years of age at the time of the entrance civil service examination.
• Vision must be correctable to at least 20/30 in each eye.
• Must be a nonsmoker.
• Applicant must pass all phases of the hiring process designated by the Rules of the Civil Service Board.
• Must possess or be able to obtain National Registry or South Dakota Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification within one year of hire.

The entrance exam for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue is free of charge, and will take 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. This process will be completed remotely, via a candidate’s personal computer.

The Sioux Falls Fire Department will provide a coupon code for applicants to access a study guide from a third-party testing vendor, also free of charge. The study guide will provide additional information regarding the exam and its administration. Below is an overview of the exam.

1. The first assessment, called the Firefighter Selection Tool (FST), evaluates candidates using a mix of cognitive abilities, personality traits, integrity, and background information. It has two sections: a non-cognitive portion that assesses traits like emotional stability, teamwork, leadership, and stress tolerance; and a cognitive portion that measures skills such as reasoning, math, spatial awareness, and written communication. Together, these sections provide a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s suitability for firefighting.
2. The second assessment, called the Situation-Based Styles Assessment (SBSA) is a situational judgment test designed to evaluate key firefighter job skills through realistic scenarios. It measures competencies such as conflict resolution, initiative, integrity, service orientation, teamwork, and the ability to follow direction, providing insight into how candidates are likely to behave on the job.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Immigration Act of 1990, and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 require employers to hire only individuals who may legally work in the United States: U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents, and aliens authorized to work. The act requires newly hired employees to present evidence of identity and employment authorization. Human Resources or its designee will be responsible for complying with the laws' verification and documentation requirements using Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

Please visit the application process page to learn more.

No. While EMS experience is appreciated, it is not required. Additionally, a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) curriculum and certification is offered through the Cadet Academy.

Per City of Sioux Falls Ordinance 39.069, candidates must be at least 21 years of age at the date of interview and no greater than 44 years of age at the date of entrance examination.

Per City of Sioux Falls Ordinance 39.070, Mandatory Retirement for Uniformed Police and Fire Positions is Age 60.

Non-local applicants may complete the entrance examination and the interview portions virtually. Once an applicant receives a conditional employment offer, they will need to come to Sioux Falls for the physical ability test, background check, psychological, and medical screenings. This can be scheduled together to minimize travel impact.

Yes, SFFR will conduct its own background investigation.

The cadet academy is 15 weeks long. Firefighters within the training academy will earn a full salary and benefits. This academy is held in Sioux Falls and is not a live-in academy. Cadets will need to secure their own housing and transportation. The cadet academy is held at the City’s new Public Safety Campus

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will provide all personal protective equipment. Once you graduate from the Cadet Academy, your first set of duty uniforms will be provided. Additionally, a uniform allowance is provided by contract each year.

Newly hired firefighters will become Generational Members of the class B plan of the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). Review the Generational Member Class B Public Safety Handbook.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue has a variety of different specialty programs and training. These include the following: Advanced Life Support, Hazardous Materials, Urban Search & Rescue, Community Risk Reduction, SWAT Medic, Bomb Squad Medic, Wildland, Rapid Extraction Module, Emergency Medical Services Educator, and Training Officer.

Yes, visible tattoos are permitted with a few caveats. Any tattoos that are visible cannot be racist, sexist, vulgar, gang related, anti-American, anti-social, or prejudicial to the good of the order. The Fire Chief or their designee will make the final determination as to whether it is offensive or not.