Qualifications FROT

Qualifications

Fire Rescue Officer Trainee Position Purpose

This assignment is for the time that the employee is engaged in basic training at the Fire-Rescue Academy.  It is a limited assignment designed to provide the training necessary to become a Fire and Rescue Officer.  Included in this time is training for Emergency Medical Technician, a requirement for certification by the Texas State Commission on Fire Protection, as well as training in basic fire suppression.  Employment in the Trainee Fire and Rescue Officer program should not exceed 18 months.

Must have:

  • Forty-five (45) semester hours of college credit (excluding developmental courses) with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher from a college or university accredited by a Regional Institutional Accrediting Organization
          • OR
  • Have received a passing score on the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) within the previous 12 months; 
      1. Passing score is define as MATH minimum score of 950; and
      2. ELAR minimum score of 945 with an essay score of 5-8.
      3. The department decided there are no exceptions or exemptions to both a and b above. The candidate must pass all sections with the scores listed above.
          • OR
  • Have a minimum of fourty-eight (48) months active service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America with an Honorable Discharge (as indicated on separation documents provided by the military, i.e., DD214-Member page 4). Military discharge must be "Honorable" (if applicable).
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) and not have reached thirty-six (36) years of age on the date the Civil Service written examination is administered 
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (updated 1/9/23)

Disqualifying Factors for all positions (Not all inclusive)

  • Must not have been convicted, plead guilty or nolo contendere, placed on probation or deferred adjudication for any felony (civilian or military).
  • Must not have committed or have been convicted of the commission of a Class “A” misdemeanor within the last five (5) years or “B” misdemeanor with the last two (2) years.
  • Must not have committed or admit to nor have been convicted of four (4) or more Class “C” misdemeanors within the last ten (10) years, or since the 17th birthday.
  • Must not have committed or have been convicted of DWI within five (5) years preceding the date of application.
  • Must not be on probation for any crime at the time of application.
  • Must not be under criminal investigation (civilian or military) during the application process for conduct which could result in the following:
    • Probation and/or deferred adjudication
    • Fine
    • Jail time
    • Prison time
  • Must not have engaged in unacceptable conduct that calls into question the applicant’s:
    • Integrity
    • Discipline
    • Commitment
    • Reliability
  • Must not falsify the application by omission or deception in the areas of
    • Employment information
    • Academic record
    • Criminal activity; misdemeanor and felony
    • Theft from employers
    • Drug usage
    • Driving history
    • Military history
  • Must not make any false statement concerning a “material fact” in the application process. A “material fact” is any detail concerning the applicant, which, if brought to the attention of the department, would likely result in the candidate being withdrawn or rejected from the selection process.
  • Must have a satisfactory previous employment record, if applicable.
  • Driving Record
    • Must not have been convicted of three (3) or more moving traffic violations within 24 months (2 years) preceding the date of application. Violations dismissed with deferred adjudication or defensive driving shall not be regarded as moving traffic violations. Camera enforced red light violations shall not be considered as moving violations.
    • Must not have any outstanding traffic warrants or pending citations.
    • Must not currently be on probation for DWI or other traffic offenses.
    • Must not have committed or have been convicted of Failure to Stop and Render Aid (FSRA) within the last five (5) years.
    • Must not have committed or have been convicted of driving with a suspended license within the last 12 months.

Expungements. Under Texas law expungements are not accepted on convictions, even if the sentence was probation. Expungements from another state must meet the same standards as Texas law.