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FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT · DFES

DFES firefighter recruitment, explained

DFES does not run a fixed annual cycle. Campaigns open when DFES workforce planning identifies a need, and the gap between announcement and assessment is short. The EOI register is how you find out a campaign has opened — and the assessment day combines interview and PAT into a single block, so recovery between events matters.

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Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

DFES · WA

Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA

DFES combines interview and PAT into a single assessment day — recovery matters.

Recruitment stages
  1. Application
  2. Aptitude & psychometric
  3. Group assessment
  4. Interview & PAT
  5. Medical & background
Published PAT minimums
  • Beep Test (level): 9.6 level
  • Push-ups in 1 min: 25 reps
  • Plank hold: 60 sec
  • Grip strength: 40 kg
Domain weighting
  • PAT (physical): 35%
  • Cognitive / aptitude: 25%
  • Interview: 15%
  • Psychometric: 15%
  • Group assessment: 10%

Aptitude format: Aptitude & psychometric battery

DFES recruitment FAQ

What is the DFES Expression of Interest register?

DFES maintains a continuous Expression of Interest register for prospective career firefighter candidates. Registering carries no commitment but means you receive notification when the next campaign opens — useful because campaigns are not on a fixed annual cycle.

When does DFES next recruit career firefighters?

There is no fixed schedule. Recent campaigns have run with cohort sizes of approximately 30 to 60, and the full process from application to recruit course typically runs six to nine months. Register your EOI to be notified.

Does DFES run the PAT and interview separately?

No — DFES typically combines the interview and PAT into a single assessment day. Plan recovery and nutrition around back-to-back events rather than two separated occasions.

Further reading

Parent state

Western Australia firefighter recruitment

DFES sits inside the broader Western Australia recruitment picture. The state guide covers the other services operating in WA and how they compare.

See the WA guide →

Find out where you actually stand

Fifteen minutes, free, no card — just a quick signup. FirePrep benchmarks you against the same DFES domain weights and PAT minimums shown above, names your limiting factor — the one area most likely to drop you out — and points your training there first. As your numbers move, the focus moves with you. That's the adaptive loop.

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