After 40 years of being the premier source of training standards in the California fire service, Cal-JAC created the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) in 2014 to better assist California fire agencies with their hiring processes.
The Cal-JAC knows just how physically and mentally demanding the profession can be. In order to equip the most qualified applicants, FCTC has testing facilities throughout the state, offering the over forty thousand candidates in their database the access to the IAFF-IAFC Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the FCTC Written Test-- an entry-level, general knowledge test that evaluates candidates' ability to think critically and process information. FCTC also offers preparatory sessions for both the CPAT and the Written Test for maximum success.
Additionally, FCTC maintains the Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) that is used by over 150 fire departments in their hiring processes. The SEL is a powerful tool for fire departments to utilize alongside their own recruitment efforts to cast a wider net and capture a larger and more diverse pool of applicants who have met the minimum requirements desired for hire. With 43 columns of candidate-specific experience, certifications, and other qualifications, the SEL distills highly valuable data into a single report for the upmost efficiency and is provided to Cal-JAC-participating departments for use in their hiring processes at no cost.
Cost-effective, customizable, inclusive, and experienced, FCTC is a powerful ally in building the next generation of professional firefighter apprentices in California. Contact FCTC at (877) 648-2728 or email fctc@cpf.org, if your department is interested in sending job announcements to these individuals.