Career guide · Iowa
How to Become a Female Firefighter in Iowa
3 active openings· pay $47k–$94k/yr
New to this path? Start with the firefighter career guide →
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 assessmentIowa Firefighter requirements
The core documents and certifications most Iowa 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 Iowa
3 live openings, updated weekly from official agency boards.
Forestry Technician
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources · Indianola - 50125 - Warren County, IA
Firefighter - Paramedic
Fire · City of Roanoke Fire-EMS Department - 713 Third Street SW, IA
Firefighter/EMT
Fire · City of Roanoke Fire-EMS Department - 713 Third Street SW, IA
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