Westchester County Firefighter Exam 2026–2027

Westchester County Department of Human Resources is accepting applications for the Firefighter examination, Exam No. 60-066230. This exam creates an eligible list used to fill Firefighter vacancies in all Westchester County Towns, Villages, Special Districts, and the Cities of Peekskill and Rye as they arise. Salary varies by jurisdiction — each town, village, or district sets its own pay scale through local collective bargaining agreements.

Unlike most civil service exams, there are no minimum qualifications to take the written test — anyone meeting the Westchester County residency requirement can apply. Age, education, and driver’s license requirements apply only at the time of appointment. This makes the exam accessible to recent high school graduates and those close to 18 who want to get on an eligible list early.

The written test covers four areas. No prior knowledge of firefighting or any specific subject matter is required. A free study guide is available at cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

• 1Ability to Learn and Apply Information — You will read a Training Lesson provided in the exam and then answer questions about what you just read. All information needed is in the lesson. You may refer back to it. No prior knowledge needed — this tests your ability to read, retain, and apply new information quickly.
• 2Basic Arithmetic — Add, subtract, multiply, and divide to find missing values in tables of numbers. No firefighting knowledge required. Bring a hand-held, battery- or solar-powered calculator. Cell phone calculator functions are not permitted.
• 3Reading Comprehension — Read passages and answer questions demonstrating you understood the material. Tests ability to process written information accurately — a key on-the-job skill for reading orders, regulations, and incident reports.
• 4Situational Judgment — Work-related scenarios requiring you to rate the effectiveness of possible responses. Tests judgment and decision-making in realistic workplace situations.

The CPAT is an eight-event timed physical test designed to simulate real firefighting tasks. Candidates must complete all eight events in sequence in 10 minutes and 20 seconds or less while wearing a 50-pound vest simulating SCBA and protective gear. An additional 25 pounds (two 12.5-lb weights simulating a high-rise hose pack) is added for the Stair Climb event.

Residency in Westchester County is required at three separate points — each with documentation:

• !December 9, 2026 — must have been a legal Westchester County resident for at least one month before this date.
• !January 9, 2027 — must be a legal Westchester County resident on the date of the written exam.
• !At time of appointment — must still be a legal Westchester County resident when appointed from the eligible list. Preference in appointment may be given to residents of the specific municipality doing the hiring.

• ✓IRS tax return transcript + applicable W-2 or 1099 form(s)
• ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas, internet, etc.)
• ✓Landline phone bill
• ✓Mortgage bill
• ✓Rent bill or lease plus proof of most recent month’s payment (cancelled check or money order copy)
• ✓Property or school tax bill
• +If living with a parent: Notarized statement from parent confirming you live with them as of December 9, 2026 or earlier + one of the above documents in the parent’s name + copy of your valid NYS driver’s license showing the parent’s address + any verifiable document showing your name and that address.

There are no minimum qualifications to sit the written exam — but you must meet all of the following before you can be appointed from the eligible list:

• ✓Age: Must have reached your 18th birthday by the date of appointment. Younger candidates may take the exam but will be restricted from certification until they turn 18.
• ✓Education: High school diploma, high school equivalency diploma issued by any state department of education, or a report from the U.S. Armed Forces certifying completion of GED tests at the high school level.
• ✓Driver’s license: Valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s license at time of appointment.
• ✓Training: Must complete the authorized training course for Firefighter and receive the appropriate certification within 18 months of date of hire before permanent appointment can be granted.
• !EMT requirement (some departments): Some fire departments and districts may require candidates to attain EMT status by the end of the probationary period. Confirm with the specific department that hires you.
• !Single-department appointment rule: Appointment to one department from this eligible list results in ineligibility for certification to any other department. Once you accept a position, you cannot be considered for another Westchester jurisdiction from the same list.

• 1Apply online only at humanresources.westchestercountyny.gov. Paper applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
• 2Pay the $100 non-refundable fee online by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, or prepaid card. This fee is not refunded for any reason — not for disqualification, not for failure to appear.
• 3Fee waiver: Active-duty military personnel and Veterans (as defined under NYS Civil Service Law §50(5)(b)) may apply for a fee waiver. Documentation proving eligibility must be submitted with your application.
• !Incomplete applications will not be processed. Review all sections before submitting.
• !No internet access? Use computers at the Westchester County One-Stop Employment Center, 120 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, or any local Westchester County library.

Alternate test dates may be granted at the Department’s discretion for documented exceptional circumstances including: death in family, medical emergency, military orders, religious observance, wedding, pre-paid vacation (booked before the announcement), or required court appearance. Contact the Examinations Unit before your scheduled test date:

• ✓Email: exam@westchestercountyny.gov
• ✓Phone: (914) 995-2388
• !Requests received on or after the test date will not be considered except for unforeseen emergencies. Medical emergencies on test day must be documented by a professional seen that same day. For illness or death on the test date, notify the unit no later than the Monday following the exam.