Our Hiring Process
An unbiased, rigorous hiring process overseen by our local Merit Board — designed to select the best-qualified candidates and to do it fairly. Applications are accepted year-round.
Apply Online Now →01 / The Process at a Glance
The Portage Fire Department’s hiring process is designed to be transparent and skills-focused. Here’s what to expect, from application to offer:
Apply
Submit your application online. We accept them year-round.
Written Exam
General knowledge written test, administered online through Public Safety Answers.
Agility Tests
Ladder climb, swim test, and CPAT — three physical components.
Interview
Interview with the Merit Board, who also weighs experience and qualifications.
02 / Next Hiring Cycle
Applications are accepted year-round, and our next hiring list cycle will be held in September 2026.
Apply when you’re ready — your application stays on file and will be considered in the next available cycle.
03 / To Apply, You Need
Education
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Driving
A valid driver’s license.
That’s it for the application itself — additional certifications and tests come into play later, before your interview and before an offer is made.
04 / The Written Exam — Online Through PSA
Portage Fire’s recruit exams are administered through Public Safety Answers (PSA) — a recruitment platform that brings hiring into the 21st century. What that means for you:
The PSA Difference
No more taking a day off work and driving to a testing site. The entire written exam happens online, on your schedule.
- Take the exam from anywhere in the world — including deployed military, out-of-state candidates, and anyone with limiting factors.
- Testing available around the clock. Work nights? Test in the morning. Travel for work? Test from a hotel room.
- Validated cognitive and behavioral testing — measured against established standards for public safety roles.
- A consistent, standardized exam that gives every candidate the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
05 / Physical Agility Testing
The physical portion of our hiring process consists of three tests. Each one is designed to evaluate skills you’ll actually need on the job. Click any test below for detailed prep information.
Ladder Climb
Aerial ladder climb to test comfort with heights and ladder skills.
Prep Details →Swim Test
Water competency test — critical for our Water Rescue capabilities.
Prep Details →CPAT
Candidate Physical Agility Test — the industry standard for firefighter physical readiness.
Prep Details →Currency Requirements
On the date of your interview, you must have successfully completed the swim test and ladder climb within the last 365 days (1 year). The CPAT card requirement is verified separately at the offer stage — see below.
06 / Scoring & the Hiring List
To be placed on the hiring list, candidates must score a minimum of 70%. Your score is built from three weighted components:
- Previous work history — your professional background and how it translates to the fire service.
- Certifications — EMT, paramedic, fire academy completion, specialty certifications, education credentials.
- Interview score — your performance with the Merit Board.
Candidates who hit the 70% threshold are placed on the certified hiring list. From there, the next steps depend on meeting the offer-ready requirements below.
07 / Requirements to Receive a Job Offer
Being on the hiring list is the first step. To actually receive an offer of employment, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
Indiana EMT-B Certification
Minimum certification of Indiana EMT-Basic — or proof of ability to obtain reciprocity if you’re licensed in another state.
Current CPAT Card
A valid CPAT card within the last 365 days (1 year) of your start date.
Age Requirement
Be at least 21 years old and less than 40 years old — or already enrolled in the INPRS 1977 Police & Fire Pension Fund.
Evaluations
Employment is subject to background check, medical evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation.
★ Critical 60-Day Window
If a candidate does not have all required completions and certifications within 60 days of the hiring list being certified, the candidate will be removed from the hiring list. This does not prevent you from going through the next hiring process — but plan ahead so you don’t lose your spot.
08 / Equal Opportunity Employment
It is the policy of the City of Portage to provide a harassment-free and equal employment opportunity work environment for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. All departments are committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations which provide protection from discrimination for various groups of applicants and employees.
Ready to Apply?
The application is online and takes just a few minutes to start. You can save and return — and once it’s submitted, you’re in the queue for the next available hiring cycle.
Fill Out the Application →