Police Officer and Firefighter

TESTING INFORMATION

Department of Human Resources
351 West Center
Provo, Utah 84601
(801) 852-6187

Interested in Becoming a Police Officer or Firefighter?

Hiring for these positions is done from eligibility lists. The testing for these lists is performed on an “as-needed basis”. Police officer testing is done approximately every six months. Firefighter testing is done approximately every year. Any interested, qualified candidates should submit a Provo City application and any required certifications to the Human Resources Department. Applications are accepted year-round. When testing dates are set, applicants are notified by U.S. mail. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the address on file is kept current. (Lateral transfers are not accepted.)

Minimum Requirements:

Firefighter/Paramedic: 18 years of age at time of testing, high school diploma (GED), driver’s license, US Citizenship or in active process of becoming a citizen, and certification as an EMT. In order to test, candidates should also have a current Utah State Paramedic certification or be currently enrolled in a state recognized Paramedic course. (Firefighter I and II certifications as defined by NFPA and Utah Fire and Rescue Academy standards must be obtained within 6 months of hire.) Current Salary: $1,610  to $2,181 biweekly (range 25).

Police Officer: 21 years of age at time of testing, high school diploma (GED), driver’s license, and US Citizenship or in active process of becoming a citizen. In order to test, candidates should be Law Enforcement or Special Function certified or currently enrolled in any level of a state recognized law enforcement academy. Current Salary: $18.26 - $22.44 hourly (Officer I: range 21-C); $20.14 - $24.74 hourly (Officer II: range 23-C); $24.48 -$27.27 hourly (Sr. Officer: range 25-D). Reserve Police Officer: Must be POST Category I certified with some experience. $15.00 per hour.

Testing Procedure:

A written exam, physical fitness or physical ability exam, and an oral board interview comprise the testing process which is usually completed within three days. If there are a sufficient number of applicants, the Human Resources Department may establish preliminary qualifying criteria to identify and advance the most suitable candidates to the testing process. The written test is a general aptitude exam; therefore, there is no packet of study information available. If a Police applicant has taken the written test being administered in the current examination process (National Police Officer Selection Test) within the last six (6) months, the previous certified score may be accepted and the candidate excused from that portion of the exam. The top candidates from the written exam are invited to take the physical test or physical ability exam, which is pass/fail. If a Police applicant has taken the physical test being administered in the current examination process (Cooper Standard) within the last three (3) months, the previous certified score may be accepted and the candidate excused from that portion of the exam. All certified scores for written and physical tests must be submitted prior to the closing date on the job announcement. Those who pass the physical test are scheduled for an interview. Following the completion of the interviews, the eligibility list is compiled. Placement on the list is based on the written exam, oral interview score, and any additional preference points achieved where applicable. Additional points are given to Firefighter candidates with proof of the following certifications: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Associates Degree in Fire Science, and Paramedic certification. Individuals who currently work for Provo City may also be eligible for service points as determined by Civil Service Rules & Regulations. Veteran’s preference points are available upon submission of appropriate documentation. Candidates remain on the list for two (2) years unless removed in accordance with Civil Service Rules & Regulations. If a candidate wishes to retest, he/she may remove their name from the list and resubmit one year following the time the written exam is taken. Note: No individual will be allowed to test more often than once in a one-year period with Provo City.

Questions? Further questions regarding Provo City’s testing processes should be directed to the above office.