Recruitment Process

Interested in becoming a firefighter with us? Let us know by submitting your details on the Greater.Jobs website (external website). Your information will be stored in our database for up to 18 months, and we’ll keep you updated on recruitment opportunities. This is your first step towards joining the service.

Complete the expression of interest form (external website)

Attend our virtual information session to learn about the firefighter role and recruitment process.

Complete the assessment of readiness form, which evaluates:

• Eligibility criteria
• Injury management
• Campaign and employment readiness
• Physical fitness

Are you prepared to meet the required fitness standards? Do you have the strength to pass, or do you need more time to train? Be honest in your responses—these elements will be tested later. Failure to meet the standards could mean waiting 12 months before reapplying.

Need extra support before starting the recruitment process? Our pre-campaign events are designed to help you feel confident and prepared. These sessions include:

• Fitness Training – Improve your cardio and upper body strength to meet the requirements for the bleep test and ladder lift simulator.
• Functional Skills Support – If you haven't achieved Functional Skills Level 1 or above, you can attend a session to build your skills.
• Employment Skills Workshops – Gain confidence in the recruitment process with guidance on interview techniques and application preparation.

The recruitment day will assess candidates on key areas essential for the firefighter role, including:

• Bleep test – evaluating cardiovascular fitness
• Upper body strength assessment
• Process and role profile review
• Values and behaviours assessment
• Group exercise – teamwork and collaboration
• Talogy personality trait test

Candidates who demonstrate the required skills, fitness, and values will be invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

Our online assessments use a combination of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and game-based technology to provide objective, data-driven insights. This approach enhances fairness and accuracy in the recruitment and career development process, ensuring a more inclusive and unbiased selection experience.

This is your opportunity to formally apply and share more about yourself. The application form allows you to highlight your education, employment history, skills, values, and behaviours that align with GMFRS. We encourage you to showcase what makes you a great fit for the role.

The national Firefighter selection test consists of a series of physical assessments designed to evaluate your fitness, strength, and practical skills. These tests must be completed successfully to progress in the recruitment process.

On the day, you will receive a full briefing, including health and safety guidelines. You will also be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE).

The assessments may include:

• Bleep Test (cardiovascular endurance)
• Ladder Lift (upper body strength and control)
• Ladder Climb (confidence and agility at height)
• BA Crawl (navigation in confined spaces)
• Casualty Evacuation (rescue simulation)
• Manual Dexterity (coordination and fine motor skills)
• Equipment Carry (functional strength and endurance)

These tests are designed to reflect the physical demands of the firefighter role while ensuring a fair and inclusive selection process.

As part of the selection process, you may be asked to take part in the following assessments:

• Structured Interview – A values and competency-based interview
• Role Play Assessment – Evaluating how you respond in various scenarios
• Presentation – Delivering information clearly and effectively
• Group Exercise – Demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving skills

Functional Skills Assessment

You will also complete a Maths and English assessment, now as the Functional Skills Test. The required minimum pass level for both assessments is Level 2.

All new apprentices will be required to have already achieved their Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English or achieve a Level 2 at the initial assessments in the recruitment process.

We have support in place, for candidates who do not currently have their qualifications, with The Growth Company. They offer Functional Skills courses to achieve your Level 1 and 2 Maths and English ahead of your apprenticeship/applying for the role. The courses are fully funded through the Adult Education Budget/GMCA and are of no cost to you if you fit their eligibility criteria, which is:

• 19 years old and above
• Have a Greater Manchester postcode
• Lived in the UK for 3+ years
• Do not already have your Functional Skills Level 1 or 2 qualifications.

The courses are all delivered using Teams and are delivered one at a time due to the commitment needed. This means you would be unable to do both Maths and English courses at the same time. Each course is 17 weeks. For more information please visit The Growth Company website (external website) or contact the team by email at Joinus@manchesterfire.gov.uk for contact information.

If you successfully pass the shortlisting and assessment process, you will receive a conditional offer of employment. Before your offer is confirmed, we will conduct the following standard pre-employment checks:

• Medical assessment (including vision, hearing, lung function, blood pressure, and general health indicators)
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Employment references covering the past five years
• Verification of right to work in the UK

These checks ensure that all candidates meet the necessary requirements for the role.

Visit our medical screening for Firefighter recruitment page to find out more about the medical screening and standards.