Recruitment process

Our recruitment window is currently closed - the dates mentioned on this page relate to our previous recruitment campaign.

The application process is designed to give everyone, irrespective of their professional or personal background, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be a firefighter.

The heightened emphasis placed on fire safety and prevention in recent years has not only reduced fires within our communities, but has also dramatically changed the role of the modern day firefighter.  I would therefore urge anyone who wants to make a difference within their communities and to change and save lives, to come and talk to us or contact us via the website.” continued Alex.

It is also important that, as a modern, forward thinking organisation, there is a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities served.  Members of under-represented communities are encouraged to apply, especially women, people of all ethnic groups and LGBT+ communities. Vacancies are open to everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability, and no advantages will be given to any particular group of people during the application process.  However, in order to properly serve Cheshire’s communities, it is important the Service’s workforce is diversified.

Applying for the role of a wholetime firefighter

Prior to completing your registration and any on line tests please read the following guidance for candidates:

Online Assessments Guidance for applicants (new window, PDF 288KB)

During this period candidates will need to register their details and answer a number of eligibility questions.

Once candidates have completed the registration and eligibility stage they will be informed on screen whether they have passed, failed or been referred to the HR Department of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service because we require further information from you before deciding if you are eligible.

Once candidates have registered and successfully passed the eligibility questions they will receive two separate emails inviting them to complete the first stage of the assessment process:

• Behavioural Styles Questionnaire

• Situational Judgement Test

If candidates successfully pass these assessments, they will be invited to complete 3 timed online ability tests.

• Verbal Reasoning

• Mechanical Reasoning

• Numerical Reasoning

Below are practice links to the FRS Ability Tests which candidates can complete prior to attempting the actual tests:

• Mechanical (opens in new window)

• Verbal (opens in new window)

• Numerical (opens in new window)

Due to the high volume of applicants we will only be able to invite the top-ranking candidates through to each stage of the process. 

Successful candidates will be invited via email on Friday 3rd March 2023 to attend a practical assessment which will take place week commencing 6th March to 10th March at our Sadler Road Training Centre site in Winsford. This will be a morning or afternoon session. 

The successful candidates will be invited via email to attend an interview during April – May.

Those offered an appointment to the role of Firefighter with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will be expected to start their initial course subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including medical, references and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Successful candidates will be appointed as an Apprentice Firefighter in September 2023 and will undertake the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship standard, which will typically take up to 18 months to complete.

In order to apply, you must at least possess one or both GCSE qualifications in Maths and English, with a minimum grade of C/4 or equivalent.