What are the requirements to become a firefighter in Illinois?

Most Illinois firefighters need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and to pass a background check, plus role-specific items like valid driver's license, birth certificate or passport, high school diploma / ged. Physical readiness for the CPAT is also expected.

What fitness test do firefighters take in Illinois?

Firefighters typically prepare for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Built for the Badge trains women to the exact CPAT standards with a free readiness assessment.

How many firefighter jobs are open in Illinois right now?

There are currently 19 active firefighter openings in Illinois on Built for the Badge, updated weekly from agency boards and job aggregators.

Career guide · Illinois

How to Become a Female Firefighter in Illinois

19 active openings· pay $52k–$79k/yr

New to this path? Start with the firefighter career guide →

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Illinois Firefighter requirements

The core documents and certifications most Illinois 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	240 sec
Victim Drag (165 lbs, 35 ft)	35 sec	25 sec