FirePrep
Start free check
FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT · QFD

QFD firefighter recruitment, explained

Queensland Fire Department — QFD, the renamed QFES — recruits in cycles. The PAT stage includes a swim component that catches even strong runners off-guard, and the group exercise can decide the order on the merit list. Here's the full QFD stack in the order you'll meet it.

Start the free 15-minute readiness check Or see all QLD services →

Queensland Fire Department

QFD · QLD

Queensland Fire Department

QFD also tests swim competency at the PAT stage — don't leave that to the week before.

Recruitment stages
  1. Application & eligibility
  2. Cognitive & psychometric
  3. Group exercise
  4. Panel interview
  5. PAT, medical & swim
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: Cognitive & psychometric battery

QFD recruitment FAQ

Is QFD the same as QFES?

Yes. Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is the renamed Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). The recruitment process and the underlying assessments are continuous across the rename.

Does QFD test swimming?

Yes. The QFD PAT stage includes a swim competency assessment alongside the standard physical tasks. If you are not a confident swimmer, factor swim training in early rather than the week before.

When is the next QFD recruitment cycle?

QFD recruits in published cycles rather than continuously. Cycles for 2026/2027 are announced on the QFD careers page — register for notifications so you don't miss the application window.

Further reading

Parent state

Queensland firefighter recruitment

QFD sits inside the broader Queensland recruitment picture. The state guide covers the other services operating in QLD and how they compare.

See the QLD guide →

Find out where you actually stand

Fifteen minutes, free, no card — just a quick signup. FirePrep benchmarks you against the same QFD 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.

Start the readiness check