The Reno Fire Department through the Civil Service Commission requires firefighter applicants to pass the National Testing Network, Inc. (NTN) examination to be eligible for hire. After you have completed the exam, you will need to apply through the City's application process to be placed on the eligible list.
If you have not already taken the NTN exam, you may sign up at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Fire and sign up for the Reno Fire Department.
Upon completion of the entry-level exam, all candidate scores will be accessible to the City of Reno Civil Service Commission. Your final ranking on the eligible list will be determined by your most recent score from NTN.
Candidates must have submitted an application with all required documentation and have completed the NTN Fire Exam with a passing score, in order to be considered for the eligible list. Civil Service will place candidates who have met all requirements and have a valid CPAT (within 12 months of application) on the eligible list.
National Testing Network, Inc.
National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing and CPAT testing in a standardized, professional environment. They do not replace the Reno Fire Department's responsibility and decision making in the testing process. Please visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com for additional information about what to expect when testing with the National Testing Network.
FAQs on Firefighter Recruitment
Please wait to apply until you have met all of the necessary requirements. All documentation and certifications must be attached at the time of application.
Can the National Testing Network (NTN) fee be waived?
Yes, you will have to apply through the National Testing Network (NTN) for waiver. Please follow the link to the Fee Waiver Request Form.
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ergontn-public/ntn/pdf/Testing_Fee_Waiver.pdf
Scan and email the waiver request to support@nationaltestingnetwork.com or start a Customer Support ticket using the "Contact Support" link at the bottom of the page with the scan attached. The process may take several weeks. Submitting a fee waiver request does not exempt candidates from meeting testing deadlines.
How do I find out my NTN score?
Please contact the City of Reno Civil Service Commission at (775) 334-2223 to obtain your NTN test score. NTN does not release scores to candidates because scores may vary by agency. Your score with the City of Reno may not be indicative of your score(s) submitted to another agency.
Each time you apply, we will use your most recent test score. You may take the NTN test once every 3 months and your score will be valid for 12 months.
What is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a physical test consisting of a sequence of eight separate events progressing along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. This test was developed to allow fire departments to obtain pools of trained candidates who are physically able to perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.
Does the CPAT have to be administered through NTN?
No, any testing vendor or facility that administers the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is acceptable. (We are currently referring candidates to FCTConline.org for CPAT testing)
What is a valid CPAT?
A Candidate Physical Ability Test is considered valid if it is within 12 months of the application date. Civil Service will place you on the eligible list if your CPAT is valid, however if your CPAT is older than 12 months at the time we refer names for an upcoming academy, we will reach out to you to get an updated one before your application can be referred.
When does this recruitment close?
This recruitment is continuous, meaning we will continue to take applications and refer eligible candidates when the department is ready to hire for a new academy.
*Academy Update*:
Future academy dates will be announced soon.
Do I submit my application after I receive my scores from National Testing Network (NTN)?
You should schedule and take your written exam through the National Testing Network (NTN). Your scores will be sent to us directly so you do not need to worry about sending them to us. You may then apply at Reno.gov/jobs for the position of Firefighter. Please ensure that you check "yes" on your application that you have taken the NTN Fire exam.
You will also need to submit your CPAT upon application. We are unable to certify your name to the list until a valid CPAT is received.
Is the National Testing Network (NTN) fire test and the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) the same test?
No, the National Testing Network (NTN) Fire test is the written test and the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is the physical abilities test.
What is the nearest location for the CPAT?
The nearest location for CPAT testing is in Sacramento through FCTCOnline.org.
I will be receiving my CPAT later this month, how do I update my application?
Please reapply once you have all of your required documentation. If you are having technical difficulties, please email your attachments to civilservice@reno.gov.
Can I register for the National Testing Network (NTN) exam before taking my Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), or do I need to take my CPAT first?
It does not matter what part of the testing process you complete first. Both the CPAT and the NTN Fire exam must have been taken with 12 months of the application date.
Are you accepting physical tests other than the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?
We are only accepting the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This test can be administered through any vendor. Currently, the nearest test centers can be found through FCTCOnline.org.
Notification:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and those who do not will both be notified by email.
We highly recommend opting in to receive text message notifications. Follow-up text messages may include updates about your application, next steps, and interviews. If you haven’t opted in before, the option will appear before you submit your application. If you’ve previously opted in or out, you can update your choice anytime in account settings in your governmentjobs.com profile.
Testing Accommodation:
We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, you must inform the Chief Examiner by completing the Accommodation Request Form by the closing date of this announcement. All requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.
Employee/Veteran Preference in the Event of Tie Scores:
Open Competitive Examination (Rule VII, Section 7):
In the event of tie scores, candidates will be provided a rank preference in the following order:
- City of Reno classified employees who are veterans
- City of Reno classified employees who are not veterans
- City of Reno non-classified employees and external candidates who are veterans
This preference is only used to break ties. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.
Appointment and Certification:
Appointments to positions in the City's Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a person's rank on an eligible register. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.
Questions and Updates:
Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to the Office of the Civil Service Commission at (775) 334-2223 or CivilService@reno.gov.
The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.