The recruitment process for the wholetime firefighter vacancy

There are nine steps to the Wholetime Firefighter Recruitment Process. You will need to be available and progress through each step of the process to be successful. 

The dates for each step are not flexible. You will need to continue through the recruitment process, unless you are advised that you have been unsuccessful at any stage. 

Step 1 - Apply online  

You will be able to register your interest and begin your application from 12pm on 20 March 2026. 

To do this, you will need to complete a multistage online sifting questionnaire. You must answer all of the questions and successfully pass each stage before you are invited to complete a formal application form. 

This approach helps us to manage the large number of applications we receive for this role in a fair and efficient way. 

The application process has been designed to take neurodiversity into account and to reduce unfair bias. More information about this will be provided when you register. 

Because of the high volume of applications, the process will be managed entirely online and support will be provided by email only. At each stage, you will be given clear instructions and information on how to access support if you need it. 

Our recruitment guide, published on this page, explains how the process works and sets out the dates for each stage. It is important that you read all of the guidance carefully before starting the online process. This will help you understand what is required and complete the process successfully without needing to contact us directly. 

If we need to contact you, we will do so by email or telephone. 

Online registration

All applicants must complete the online registration and eligibility screening stage before they can start the application. 

This takes less than 15 minutes and must be completed before 12pm, 3 April 2026.  You will not be able to register after this time.  

Online registration is accessed by clicking the web link on this page. Please remember that, to ensure fairness, we will not accept any registrations after 12pm on 3 April 2026.

You will need to register your  

• name
• home address
• contact telephone number
• National Insurance number
• email address 

Please provide an email address that you check regularly, as this will be our main way of contacting you. It is essential that you use the same email address throughout the entire process. If you do not respond to our emails within the timeframes we set, your name will be automatically withdrawn from the process. 

As part of the registration process, you will also be asked to provide information relating to equality and diversity. This section is optional. The information you choose to provide helps us ensure our opportunities are accessible to all sections of the community. Any equality and diversity information you provide will be treated confidentially and will not be used in the selection process. 

You will also be asked whether you meet our essential employment criteria. These questions are used to confirm that you meet both the legal requirements and the specific requirements of the firefighter role. Please make sure that you answer these questions accurately and honestly. 

You will be asked: 

1. Whether you are aged 18 or over at the time of registration.
2. Whether you are eligible to work in the UK.
3. Whether you have any unspent criminal convictions (please refer to the Candidate Pack for further information).
4. Whether you have any outstanding County Court Judgments (please refer to the Candidate Pack for further information). 

You must read the questions carefully and ensure that your answers are accurate, as you will not be able to change them once they have been submitted.  

If you do not meet all of the criteria, you will not be eligible to continue with your application. The reasons for this will be explained to you on screen. 

It is essential that you answer these questions accurately and honestly. The criteria are applied strictly and consistently, and no exceptions will be made. Please do not contact us to query the criteria or attempt to apply if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements. If it is later found that you do not meet the essential criteria, you will be automatically removed from the process. 

Step 2 - Online ability assessments  

Opens on 9 April 2026 and closes at 12pm on 16 April 2026. 

If you are successful at the registration stage, on 9 April 2026, you will receive an email from the Test Partnership system - no-reply@testpartnership.com with a link to the following tests.  

Assessment for a firefighter 

This is an online behavioural questionnaire used by the Fire Service. It looks at your preferences and values that are linked to:

• effective operational performance
• engagement in the firefighter role

FRS ability tests 

These two short tests will assess your:

• English language verbal reasoning
• numerical reasoning 

The deadline to complete the test is 16 April 2026. 

If you do not complete them all before this time, you will not progress further in the recruitment process. You will be informed whether you have passed or failed these tests by email on  21 April 2026. If you fail, your application will not be considered further. 

All the assessments should be completed by yourself alone and unassisted on a computer, laptop, or tablet. You should ensure that you have a reliable internet connection when accessing and completing all the online stages. We will conduct a verification test for all candidates who make it to the interview. You will be given similar questions from the assessments that you will need to complete in a supervised environment. 

If you have passed, you will be contacted by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue to advise you of what they need you to do next.  

We strongly advise you to complete each stage as soon as possible and not leave it until the actual deadline. 

No extensions to any of the deadlines will be given.   

Step 3 - Physical assessments at Didcot Fire Station 

Physical and practical assessments 

These will take place on the following dates: 

• 30 April 2026
• 5, 6, 7 and 8 May 2026 

All assessments will be held at Didcot Fire Station and you only need to attend one of these days. 

What to expect

During the Physical and Practical assessment, you will need to demonstrate that you have the fitness and ability required to carry out firefighter duties. 

You will be asked to complete a range of practical tests, including: 

• multistage fitness test (bleep test) – minimum level 8.8
• hand grip test – 35 kg in each hand
• equipment carry assessment
• ladder lift
• casualty drag
• ladder climb and working at heights assessment
• enclosed space assessment
• problem-solving assessment 

Please read the physical assessment day 

Important information 

You must meet the required standard in all the assessments. Failure to complete or pass any assessment will result in withdrawal from the recruitment process. 

Steps 4 – Evaluation day

The evaluation days will take place on the 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 May 2026. The venue is to be confirmed.

You only need to attend one of these days. On the evaluation day, you will take part in a series of exercises designed to assess your: 

• understanding of the operational firefighting role
• commitment to the County Council values
• awareness of the Fire and Rescue Service's role in supporting diverse communities
• your ability to work as part of a team
• taking part in a group discussion and individual activity 

These exercises are used to confirm that you have the values, skills and understanding needed to carry out the firefighter role safely, professionally and effectively while serving our communities. Information on how to prepare and what to expect will be sent to you before the day. 

Steps 5 – Interview and presentation

The final assessments will take place on the following dates. You only need to attend one of these days. 

• 08, 09, 10, 11 and 12 June 2026 

The final assessment will include: 

1. A presentation on a topic that you will be given in advance, along with time to prepare.
2. A traditional interview, where you will be asked a number of questions by two Managers. 

All assessments will be held at Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, Kidlington. You will be provided with information to help you prepare before attending the final assessment. 

You will also need to take a short verification test as part of your Psychometric assessments. For help with this, please read the  https://www.testpartnership.com/preparation-frs.html. 

Step 6 - Uniform, personal protective equipment fitting and measuring  

You will be required to attend a session with the uniform fitting service on 24 June 2026 

Step 7- Medicals assessments  

If you are successful at the final interview stage, you will need to attend a medical health assessment. You only need to attend one day. 

• 08, 09, 15 and 16 of July 2026 

During this assessment, a doctor will undertake a health assessment, and you will be asked to declare any health problems. It will consist of: 

1. General health questionnaire - history of physical and mental health, with additional respiratory questions for the Asbestos Regs
2. Measurement of pulse, blood pressure, height, weight, BMI
3. Dipstix urinalysis
4. Vision both near and distance plus colour vision
5. Spirometry (lung capacity test)
6. Audiometry (hearing test)
7. General physical examination (e.g. cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal etc.) 

Step 8 - Disclosure and Barring Service record check in July 

If you successfully pass all the assessment stages, we may issue a conditional offer of appointment. The offer of appointment will be conditional and subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We will pay the required fees associated with this check. 

Step 9 – The Firefighter induction and development training course will begin in September 2026.

Before progressing onto the 8‑week internal training course, individuals are required to attend a 5‑day Induction course. The induction provides an opportunity to meet instructional staff, get to know their cohort, and receive essential health, safety, and wellbeing training, alongside key organisational introductions to policies and procedures that will support the start of your career within the Fire Service.

The induction will be delivered at one of the county's Fire Stations. As part of this process, BA and respiratory mask fitting will also be required to ensure suitability and safety before moving into operational training. 

Training and development

New firefighters joining Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service receive structured training to prepare them for operational duties and ongoing development throughout their career.

Initial training focuses on core operational skills, including learning national and local operational procedures, assessing risk, and working safely as part of a team during incidents. Firefighters are trained in practical skills such as firefighting techniques, using breathing apparatus, carrying out rescues, working with ladders, and responding to road traffic collisions and other emergencies. 

Training also covers prevention and community safety, which are key parts of the role in Oxfordshire. Firefighters learn how to engage with the public, give safety advice, and support activities such as home fire safety visits and school education programmes. Development continues after initial training through workplace learning, supervision, and regular training, ensuring firefighters remain competent, confident, and ready to protect the communities of Oxfordshire. 

If you are already a competent wholetime firefighter from another UK fire and Rescue Service , our training team will carry out a skills gap analysis to determine what training/familiarisation is required. Please note, it is possible that you may be required to undertake all of the initial training modules.