Becoming a Firefighter

Prepare for Written Exam and Physical Abilities Test

The written exam is made up of:

• 48 multiple-choice questions that test your problem-solving skills and comprehension
• a Work Styles Questionnaire that tests your motivations and other parts of your personality, and
• a Life Experience survey that asks about your history.

This state exam guide will help prepare you for the written part of the civil service exam.

The physical abilities part of the exam tests your ability to perform the tasks you'll be doing as a firefighter. You'll go through a series of events that test your strength, endurance, and flexibility. The state created a page with information about the physical test to help get you prepared, along with a video of the physical exam.

As the civil service exam year approaches, we’ll offer preparation sessions. We’ll update our website the next time we hold these events.

Take the Physical Abilities Test

The state will also send you a date, time, and location for your physical abilities test. It’s a good idea to show up early and dress for a workout.

If you fail the physical abilities test, you can’t become a firefighter. If you take the physical abilities test and you fail it before the written exam takes place, you may qualify to get a $100 refund for the written test. The state’s website has more information on the refund.

Take the Written Exam

The written part of the exam usually takes place in April. The state will mail you a written notice and send you an email with the date of the test.

It’s a good idea to show up early. You can also bring your own number 2 pencils for the exam.

Wait to Hear from the City

You will get a notice about your test score — and your place on our list of potential firefighter candidates — from the state sometime in the fall or winter.

When we put on the City’s next firefighter class, the state will contact you in the order in which you’re placed on the eligibility list.

Screening Process and Probation Period

The next step is the screening process. Our screening of potential candidates includes:

• A background check
• A medical fitness screening
• A drug test, and
• A psychological exam.

Based on the results, we will reserve a spot at the Massachusetts Fire Academy.

If you join the Somerville Fire Department, you'll have to go through a probation period of one year. During this time, you will:

• Finish your work at the Firefighter Academy
• Get your Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications

Once you get through your probation period, you become a member of the department as a Somerville firefighter.

Are you a veteran?

We hire based on your scores on the written and physical exams. If you're a veteran, you'll get several benefits during the selection process.

The state website has more information on veterans’ benefits.

Firefighter Pay and Benefits

The salary for a Somerville firefighter starts at $56,700 per year. The City also offer many benefits, including:

• several health insurance options
• 14 paid holidays per year
• paid vacation
• participation in the Somerville Retirement System, with the chance to retire as early as 55, and
• an option to join the Somerville Firefighter Credit Union.