The following stages outline the recruitment process to become a Regional (Retained) Firefighter with the MFS. If you decide to apply, it is important to include a current and valid email address in your application. This is how we will inform you if you are / aren’t successful in advancing to the next stage or the recruitment process.
Information session
An information session will be held when required to explain in further details the role of a Regional (Retained) Firefighter. This will also provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions.
Literacy assessment
The Literacy Assessment will include dictation of a short paragraph.
Abilities and Numeracy assessments
The Abilities and Numeracy assessment evaluates how you interpret, solve and analyse a range of mathematical and language based concepts. You can view some examples of questions and scenarios similar to those that you may encounter in the assessment by reading our Sample Questions: Regional (Retained) Firefighter Abilities Tests
Sample Question 1
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Firefighter Ryan was so ___________, he had worked 12 hours straight.
A. tried
B. tired
C. tied
D. tiring
Sample Question 2
Sample Questions; Regional (Retained) Firefighter Numeracy Tests
Sample Question 3
What is 12% of 3000?
Sample Question 4
A task, which took 45 minutes to complete, finished at 2208 hours.
At what time was the task started?
Correct Answers:
Abilities Test
Sample Question 1: B
Sample Question 2: B
Numeracy Test
Sample Question 3: 360
Sample Question 4: 09:23 pm or 2123 hours
Driver's Licence Report
Applicants will be required to provide details of all traffic infringements over the last 10 years. This includes any speeding fines and driving under influence (alcohol or drugs). For information on how to find your driving history visit www.sa.gov.au.
A poor driving record may result in your application being found unsuitable. An applicant's overall driving record will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
National Criminal History
As a requirement of the application process, applicants will need to give consent for the MFS to obtain personal information relating to your criminal history.
The results of any criminal history screening will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
For further information on the Drivers Licence Report and National Criminal History Check see the Career Requirements sections.
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Applicants are required to obtain a Department of Human Services Working With Children Check (WWCC) (Employment) prior to offer of employment at their own expense.
See Department of Human Services for more information.
The interview provides applicants with the opportunity to:
- demonstrate their suitability for, and understanding of, the role of a MFS Regional (Retained) Firefighter
- inform the panel of their skills and interests
- explain their experience and attributes relevant to the role
- advise their availability.
The medical examinations are based upon the medical standards of health and fitness which are considered to be essential to a career as a Regional (Retained) Firefighter with the MFS.
You will need to cover the costs associated with the medical examinations.
For further information please read our Medical Examinations document.
The Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) consists of a range of simulated on-the-job tasks. Regional (Retained) Firefighters at emergency incidents.
All applicants, regardless of their gender identities, undertake the same test and to the same standard.
We strongly encourage you to view the video that further explains the process of the PAT test.
Video: MFS Physical Aptitude Test (https://youtu.be/9z24euskqf4)
*Please note: The tasks displayed in the above video may be similar to the tasks undertaken in the PAT testing.
If you are successful in the recruitment process and have completed all the above stages, we will email you a contract letter with your commencement.
Recruits must complete the following training courses:
Basic Skills
The Basic Skills course is held at the MFS Angle Park Training Centre.
Breathing Apparatus – Nationally accredited
The Breathing Apparatus course is held at the MFS Adelaide Fire Station.
There is a twelve month probationary period after successful completion of both courses.
Compartment Fire Behaviour
The Compartment Fire Behaviour course is held at the MFS Angle Park Training Centre.
