Recruitment process

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

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. Anyone who wants to make a difference within their communities and to change and save lives should come and talk to us or contact us via the website.

It is also important that, as a modern, forward thinking organisation, we reflect the diverse communities we serve.  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 (must be 18 as of 31 March 2025) or disability. No advantage 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 that we are as diverse as our community.

Applying for the role of a wholetime firefighter

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

Online Assessments Guidance for applicants

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 three timed online ability tests.

• Verbal Reasoning

• Mechanical Reasoning

• Numerical Reasoning

Below are practice links to the Fire and Rescue Service (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 to attend a practical assessment at our headquarters in Winsford. This will be a morning or afternoon session. 

The successful candidates will then be invited via email to attend an interview.

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 on 31 March 2025 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.