Career guide · District of Columbia
How to Become a Female Firefighter in District of Columbia
4 active openings· pay $144k–$187k/yr
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Know your readiness score — free
See exactly where you stand against CPAT standards before you apply. Built for women, scored against real numbers.
Get your free Firefighter readiness assessmentDistrict of Columbia Firefighter requirements
The core documents and certifications most District of Columbia departments expect from firefighter candidates:
- ✓Valid driver's license
- ✓Birth certificate or passport
- ✓High school diploma / GED
- ✓EMT-Basic certification
- ✓CPR / BLS certification
- ✓CPAT completion certificate
- ✓Firefighter I certification
- ✓Firefighter II certification
- ✓Physical exam clearance letter
- ✓Background check authorization
CPAT fitness standards
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) benchmarks. Women pass these at high rates when they train to them specifically — here are the minimum and target numbers:
| Event | Minimum | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Push-Ups | 25 reps | 40 reps |
| Pull-Ups | 3 reps | 8 reps |
| Sit-Ups (1 min) | 25 reps | 40 reps |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 15:30 | 13:00 |
| Stair Climb (Step Mill Hold) | 200 sec | 170 sec |
| Victim Drag (165 lbs, 35 ft) | 35 sec | 25 sec |
Take the free assessment → to see your gap on each event.
Open firefighter jobs in District of Columbia
4 live openings, updated weekly from official agency boards.
Fire Protection Engineer
Legislative Branch · Washington, District of Columbia, DC
Senior Fire Protection Engineer
Washington DC, DC
Top-Secret Fire Protection Engineer
Koniag Government Services, LLC · Washington DC, DC
FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER (Kennewick)
Babcock Services Inc · Washington DC, DC
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