FFT-FAQs-Revision-3-FINAL-1

Sep 23, 2026

FAQ answers clarify differences between the Fire Fighter Trainee/Paramedic (FFT/PM) exam posted in December 2018 and the currently posted Fire Fighter Trainee (FFT) exam. It explains how test-part scores transfer when the same test items are used, limits re-taking of transferred sections, and addresses eligibility for candidates who did not pass FFT/PM. It also states whether separate applications are needed and details how posted FFT requirements differ, including CPAT and EMT-related licensing or certification timelines.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

FAQ

Exam differences and score transfer rules

Eligibility for non-passing FFT/PM candidates and retesting limits

Application requirements for FFT exam

Requirement comparison: FFT/PM (Dec 2018) vs FFT (Jun 2019)

Q1: What is the difference between the Fire Fighter Trainee/Paramedic (FFT/PM) exam that posted in December 2018 and the Fire Fighter Trainee (FFT) exam currently posted? A: The difference is that the FFT/PM exam required a Paramedic license, while the FFT exam requires an EMT certification/license. Specific requirements for both the FFT/PM and the FFT exam can be found in the answer to question 5. Q2: The bulletin for the FFT/PM exam indicated that it contained test parts that may be used in future exams. What does this mean? A: This means that if you apply for an exam that uses the same test part(s), your scores from those test part(s) will be automatically transferred to the new exam for 12 months. You will not be allowed to re-take any such test part(s) for at least 12 months. Q3: Will candidates who did not receive a passing score for the FFT/PM exam be allowed to take the currently posted FFT exam? A: Although applicants will be allowed to apply for both exams, all scores received on the FFT/PM exam will be transferred to the FFT exam that is currently posted. Unfortunately, candidates who did not pass the FFT/PM exam will not be allowed to retake the FFT written exam tentatively scheduled for August 29, 2019. Those who successfully passed the written exam for the FFT/PM and apply for the FFT exam currently posted will have their scores automatically transferred. These candidates will not be allowed to re-take the written exam tentatively scheduled for August 29, 2019. Q4: If I submitted an application for the FFT/PM in January 2019, will I need to submit another application for the FFT exam currently posted? A: Yes, if you wish to be considered for employment as an FFT, you must submit an application in for the currently posted FFT exam. Q5: Are the requirements the same for the FFT exam currently posted, as the FFT/PM exam that posted in December 2018? A: No, the requirements are not the same, but are as follows: | FFT/PM Exam (December 2018) | FFT Exam (June 2019) | | --- | --- | | A current and valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate or proof of appointment to take the CPAT
exam, by submitting a copy of the email from the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) showing that payment was received, your scheduled date, time and location of your appointment. Applicants who do not have a current and valid CPAT certificate, but have an appointment to be tested for a CPAT certificate, may apply to this exam, but will be withheld from the eligibility list until an official copy of a valid CPAT certificate is submitted. Either the CPAT certificate or proof of an appointment must be provided with the application at the time of filing or within fifteen (15) calendar days of submitting your online application. | A current and valid CPAT certification must be provided with the application at the time of filing or by Monday, July 15, 2019. | | A valid, non-probationary California Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) License issued by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority that must remain effective for six months beyond the date of appointment, and twelve ( 12) months of full-time experience as a primary care paramedic running 9-1-1 responses. | One of following non-probationary EMT certification(s)/license must remain current and valid for six (6) months beyond the date of appointment.
A: EMT or Advanced EMT certification issued by an approved California certifying agency/entity;
OR
B: EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification issued by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and a current CPR
card equivalent to American Heart Association or Red Cross Basic Life Support (online CPR courses are not accepted);
OR
C: EMT Paramedic License issued by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.
It is the candidate's responsibility to maintain one of the above listed nonprobationary certification(s)/license cur

FAQs

What is the main difference between the FFT/PM exam posted in December 2018 and the FFT exam currently posted?

The FFT/PM exam required a Paramedic license, while the FFT exam requires an EMT certification/license. Additional details are provided in the answer to question 5.

If an applicant uses the same test parts in a new exam, how are scores handled?

Scores from test parts used in a new exam are automatically transferred for 12 months. The applicant cannot re-take those same test parts for at least 12 months.

If I submitted an application for the FFT/PM exam in January 2019, do I need to submit another application for the currently posted FFT exam?

Yes. If you want to be considered for employment as an FFT, you must submit an application for the currently posted FFT exam.

Sep 23, 2026

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