Stratford, Ontario Hiring guide
Stratford Firefighter Recruitment: Requirements, Tests & Salary
Understand Stratford’s testing requirements, two-stage interview process and firefighter pay before the next competition.
Aptitude test
CPS results + OFAI certificates listedThe 2026 posting names both. Confirm the accepted testing evidence with the City before booking or substituting a result.
Department size
2 fire stations
Serving Stratford
Operations firefighter recruitment
No active postings on our boardBoard listings update from our recruitment dashboard; they may not include every City opening.
Last official-source review: November 5, 2026 · 2026 reference intake closed; check City careers. This review is separate from board availability.
How to become a Stratford firefighter
- 1
Read the testing clauses together
Check the CPS, OFAI and physical-result requirements in the same posting. Keep any City clarification with your application records.
- 2
Prepare the PDF documents
Make a readable résumé and gather each certificate requested. Confirm the upload requirements before submission.
- 3
Prepare for two interviews
The City describes an initial panel interview and a second panel for selected candidates. Build examples of teamwork, judgment and public service.
The department at a glance
Stratford’s firefighter application needs careful attention to the testing wording. The City’s 2026 posting, published through the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, lists valid CPS results as well as OFAI Stage One and Two certificates. It also allows selected candidates to complete Stage Three and swimming within four months of hire. Do not treat CPS and OFAI as interchangeable based on a general department directory. Check the full advertisement and clarify accepted results with City Human Resources before paying for testing. The reference competition closed June 12, 2026; use City employment opportunities for new openings.
More than firefighting
Stratford operates two fire stations, on Erie Street and McCarthy Road. Firefighters respond to fire, medical and rescue calls and also maintain apparatus, prepare pre-fire plans, support inspections and deliver public education.
Pay & working pattern
First-class firefighter — annual base, rounded · $119,981 per year
Effective January 1, 2026
The January 2026 agreement schedule lists first-class base pay of $119,981.49. Probationary annual rates are $71,988.89 for the first six months and $77,987.97 afterward. First-class progression is after three years, subject to the agreement’s advancement examinations. Overtime and recognition pay are separate.
The City describes a four-platoon department, and the firefighter posting requires shift work. Confirm the exact schedule and employment conditions in the live posting and agreement.
Minimum qualifications
This checklist reflects posting 2026-05-G. Its unusually broad testing wording is reproduced in plain language below so you can check the new competition without assuming one certificate replaces another.
- 01Education
- The 2026 posting required secondary school graduation or equivalent. Read the next posting for any additional training or equivalency requirements.
- 02CPS test results
- Valid Entry Level Firefighter Cooperative Personnel Services results were listed. The posting does not explain how these relate to the separate OFAI requirement. Confirm before relying on a substitute.
- 03DZ licence
- A valid Ontario driver’s licence with DZ endorsement was required. Keep proof available and check any driving-record conditions in the live advertisement.
- 04First Aid and CPR
- The posting required current First Aid/CPR certifications. Verify the exact accepted level and expiry rules for the next competition.
- 05Physical fitness results
- Valid Physical Fitness Assessment Test results were listed. Check which assessment the City accepts and when it must have been completed.
- 06OFAI certificates and later testing
- Valid Stage One and Two certificates were required. Selected candidates had to be able to complete Stage Three and the swim test and provide certificates within four months of hire. Applicants paid OFAI costs.
What strengthens your application
Use these preparation suggestions to show how you work. They are not additional qualifications imposed by the City.
Practical and technical experience
Give examples of inspecting equipment, following procedures and recognising a fault before it causes a problem. Explain your own responsibility.
Public service
Use work or volunteer examples of helping people, listening well and communicating calmly. Public education and station tours are part of the role.
Ongoing learning
Be ready to discuss how you keep skills current and respond to feedback. Continued training is part of a firefighter’s regular work.
Aptitude & physical testing
CPS is a separate assessment from OFAI Stage One FACT. Stratford’s published reference posting names both CPS results and OFAI certificates. The next live posting and written clarification from the City should settle exactly what you must submit.
CPS and FACT are distinct
The 2026 posting lists CPS results alongside OFAI certificates. OFAI Stage One is FACT. This guide does not assume that passing either test automatically fulfils both requirements.
Stage One and Two at application
Check the accepted certificate dates and current OFAI guidance. Stage Two involves hearing, vision and treadmill screening; the City decides which evidence satisfies its posting.
Stage Three and swimming
The reference posting gave selected candidates four months after hire to supply these certificates. That is different from requiring the complete OFAI package before application. Recheck the next intake.
Two panels and possible further assessments
The City describes a first formal interview, then a second panel for selected candidates. It may add testing at the hiring panel’s discretion. A specific MMI format has not been verified.
Written test preparation
Prepare for the CPS requirement
Independent CPS practice can help with written skills. It does not satisfy the City’s certificate requirements or replace OFAI testing. Review the live posting before choosing assessments.
Practise CPS written skillsThe recruitment process
Stratford publishes a fire-specific application and interview process on its employment page. Use the following stages to prepare; invitations control assessment details and dates.
- 1
Check the live competition
Start at City employment opportunities. Review qualifications, result validity and the deadline, and keep a copy of the complete posting.
- 2
Submit the online application
Upload the required PDF files and certification evidence through the City portal. Check the confirmation email, including your junk folder.
- 3
Complete the first interview
The hiring and selection panel assesses skills, abilities and competencies for the role. Use clear examples that explain your actions and reasoning.
- 4
Attend the second panel if selected
Prepare to build on your first interview and follow any further assessment instructions. The City schedules virtual or in-person interviews.
- 5
Complete checks and remaining credentials
Follow City instructions for references, police checks and any offer conditions. Plan the later OFAI and swim certificates within the deadline attached to your intake.
The City’s fire recruitment guidance says police checks must be dated within three months of the offer.
Your application checklist
Use this preparation checklist alongside the current posting. Checking an item does not confirm eligibility.
Get notified when Stratford hiring opens
We’ll email you when a new SFD recruitment appears on our board. No account needed.
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from Firefighter Academy about Stratford Fire Department hiring updates, plus occasional firefighter test-prep tips and offers. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
Common questions
Guidance for Stratford applicants. Confirm details with the referenced official sources and current posting.
Is Stratford recruiting firefighters now?
The reference competition closed June 12, 2026, and its application form is deactivated. Check City employment opportunities for a new firefighter vacancy; this guide is preparation between competitions.
Does Stratford use CPS or OFAI FACT?
The published 2026 posting lists valid CPS results and valid OFAI Stage One and Two certificates. FACT is OFAI Stage One. Because the posting names both, confirm what evidence the City accepts before booking or assuming one result is enough.
Was OFAI Stage Three required before applying?
The reference posting allowed selected candidates to complete Stage Three and swimming and provide certificates within four months of hire. Stage One and Two certificates were required earlier. The next advertisement may use different deadlines.
What is Stratford’s firefighter salary?
January 2026 first-class base pay is $119,981.49. The probationary annual rate starts at $71,988.89, rising to $77,987.97 after six months. First class is a progression rate, subject to service and examination requirements.
How many interviews does Stratford use?
Its fire recruitment guidance describes an initial hiring panel, followed by a second panel for selected candidates. Additional testing may be added. Follow the invitation for the exact format.
What should I work on before hiring opens?
Keep documents organised, maintain fitness and practise explaining your own experience clearly. Read the current test guides, but settle Stratford’s accepted certificate requirements before spending money on assessments.
Go straight to the source
Reviewed against official Stratford sources on November 5, 2026. Requirements, certificate validity and intake dates can change.
Independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Stratford, CPS HR or OFAI. Current City instructions take precedence. Historical posting details are dated, and the reference posting’s CPS and OFAI wording should be clarified before booking tests.
Your next step
Plan your application to Stratford Fire Department
Confirm the City’s current requirements and application dates. Preparing for the written test? Start with independent practice.
Browse recruitment postings