HIRING PROCESS

The hiring process for the Bowling Green Fire Department carefully includes many steps designed to fully examine the applicant’s abilities and qualifications. The following information is provided so that you may know exactly what is expected of an applicant.

• Our entry level Recruitment Cycle will open again in Spring 2026.
• If you have questions about becoming a firefighter, please contact our Recruiter, Tiara Britt, by phone at 270-393-3667 or by email at [email protected].

• High school diploma or GED
• DD-214 (if applicable)
• CPAT Certification Card
• EMT Certification (if applicable)

• Develop a physical fitness regimen incorporate cardiovascular and strength building exercises. Remember this is a lifestyle!
• Obtain CPAT Certification. The CPAT is a pass/fail timed test which consists of eight separate events (stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull). The test is a sequence of events that requires the candidate to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner.

          CPAT Video

          CPAT Orientation Guide

• Applicants can obtain certification anywhere in the U.S. the CPAT test is offered.  Some sites are listed below:
  

  Kentucky

  • Kentucky Fire Commission

  Indiana

  • Emergency Services Education Center
  • Vincennes University
  • MAAC Foundation

  Illinois

  • Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy

Bowling Green Firefighter Candidate Fitness Testing

Bowling Green Fire Department administers an additional fitness test to further evaluate candidates.

Bowling Green Firefighter Fitness Testing Video

During our application period, you may request a gym membership to Parks and Recreation by calling (270) 393-3582.

• Tattoos must be easily covered by standard clothing (e.g., uniform, sleeves, pants, etc.)

• No visible tattoos when in professional or required attire

Applicants who have taken the exam administered in 2025 can elect to carry over their test scores to this hiring cycle.

• The City of Bowling Green utilizes the Stanard & Associates National Firefighter Selection Test (NFST). This exam assesses skills in listening, mathematics, and reading comprehension.

• To assist with preparation, Stanard & Associates offers optional study materials, including a practice test and a study guide, available for purchase. These materials are not required to take the exam.

• If you choose to purchase them, please use the link provided below.

• The relevant options for BGFD are highlighted in red and include:

  • Online NFST-EMS or NFST Practice Test

  • Online NFST-EMS or NFST Study Guide

Practice test

Work on interviewing

How to Prepare (Video)