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1. How often is the test?

The City of Elgin tests every two years for the position of Firefighter.

2. How I do find out if Elgin is testing?

Sign up for job notifications on our jobs page.

3. What's the process from beginning to end?

Ensure that you meet the minimum requirements of the position.

Submit an application with all required documents with the City of Elgin.

After you have completed the application process you will take the written test for firefighter.
If you are one of the top 60 candidates that pass the written test you will then be scheduled for a criminal history check.

Once the criminal history check is complete an interview is set up with our Fire and Police Board.

Candidates passing the interview with the Fire and Police Board will be given the preference points that apply to them and ranked on an eligibility list.

Once a position becomes available the candidate who is next on the eligibility list must successfully complete a psychological exam, physical fitness exam and final in depth background check.

After successfully completing the psychological exam, physical fitness exam and in depth background check the candidate begins their career with the City of Elgin.

4. What kind of test does Elgin use?

To ensure that we continue to utilize the best tests out on the market we periodically will use different testing companies.   The City of Elgin currently uses I/O Solutions exam.  It is a written based test that measures key skills and abilities required to make a person a success on the job.

5. What does it cost to take the test?

The application fee to take the test is $20.00.  The application fee can be paid by phone by calling our 311 department at 847-931-6001 or can be paid in person at City Hall in our Finance Department.  The address for City Hall is 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120.

6. Are there study materials?

While a study guide is not necessary, a study guide can be found at the test companies website www.iosolutions.com.

7. How do I get my CPAT test card?

CPAT cards can be obtained from NIPSTA (Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy), SUFD (Southwest United Fire District), The City of Naperville, MABAS 24 (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 24) and CIFCA (Central Illinois Fire Chiefs Association).

Contact each vendor directly for more information on the CPAT testing they may offer:

NIPSTA - www.nipsta.org
SUFD - www.sufd.org
Naperville - www.naperville.il.us
MABAS 24 - www.mabas24.org
CIFCA - www.centralillinoisfirechiefs.com 

8. What kind of background check does Elgin perform?

The City of Elgin conducts a complete criminal history check at the national, state and local level; complete traffic history at the state and local level; review of employment history with prior employers and possibly current employer; verification of military status (if applicable); personal/phone interviews with personal references.

9. Do I need to have an EMT- Basic Certification and a EMT – Paramedic certification?

The City of Elgin only requires you to have an EMT – Basic certification at the time of the test. If you obtain your EMT – Paramedic certification you may be eligible for preference points on the eligibility list.

10. What preference points are there?

Awarding of preference points is done after the final stage of the process for original appointment for the following reasons; provided, however, that a maximum number of twenty (20) points will be awarded to any person during the appointment process.

*   Five (5) additional points will be given on the eligibility list to those candidates that have completed a minimum of two (2) years at the Elgin Fire Cadet Academy
*    Five (5) additional points will be given for a four (4) year degree from an accredited college/university
*    Three (3) additional points will be given for 60 credit hours or more of college credit from an accredited college/university
*    Three (3) additional points will be given on the eligibility list for being a resident within the geographic boundaries of the City of Elgin for a period of not less than one (1) year prior to the awarding of points.
 *  Five (5) additional points will be given on the eligibility list to those candidates who have 1 or more years of active duty military experience with an honorable discharge as provided in 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.3(h)(1).
*   Up to five (5) additional points will be given on the eligibility list to those candidates who have served as a Firefighter II (Basic Operations Firefighter), Firefighter III (Advanced Technician Firefighter), or licensed paramedic for a municipality or fire protection district, based on the requirements set forth in 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6.3

11. How long is the list good for?

Our list expires every two years.

12. What's life like in the Fire Station?

The firefighters work a 24/48 schedule, or every third day. For example, a shift day that starts on Monday at 7 a.m. would end on Tuesday at 7 a.m., and the next duty day would begin on Thursday, then Sunday, and so forth.

Since firefighters spend 24 hours at a time at work, the fire stations are equipped with kitchens so that the personnel have a place to prepare and eat their meals. Because of the long work day, firefighters are allowed to sleep during their shift, but typically not before 9 p.m. in the evening.