Spark Your Career in Emergency Response at Antioch Fire Department

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2026 FULLTIME FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC TESTING 

APPLICATION

Applications will be available beginning October 5, 2026, at 8:00 A.M. (CST) and must be completed and returned by October 26, 2026, no later than 4:00 P.M. (CST). Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Returned applications will only be accepted in person and only during normal District business hours, Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. (CST). 

 

On October 28, 2026, applicants who meet the qualifications to challenge the written exam will receive an email confirming their attendance at the written exam.

 

PHYSICAL ABILITY

All candidates will be required to show proof of completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test with ladder climb within twelve (12) months of conditional offer of employment.

 

WRITTEN EXAM

The written exam will be held in person on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. (CST) at Antioch Fire Station One, located at 835 Holbek Road, Antioch, IL 60002. Valid photo ID will be required at time of written exam. No other dates will be made available for the written exam. Doors will close at 5:00 P.M. (CST) no late entries will be allowed.

 

The National Firefighter Selection Test–EMS () study guide and practice exam can be ordered at the candidate’s expense directly at https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/ from Stanard and Associates, Inc.

 

A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the written exam. The written exam will account for 30% of the candidate’s overall score.

 

Candidates will receive notice via email of their status following the written test.

 

ORAL INTERVIEW

The schedule for oral interviews will be determined following the written test results and will be held at Antioch Fire Station One, located at 835 Holbek Road, Antioch, IL 60002.

 

A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the oral interview. The oral interview will account for 70% of the candidate’s overall score.

 

Candidates will receive notice via email of their oral interview date and time. Candidates will not be allowed to swap or change their assigned interview date and time. Any Candidate that does not show up for their oral interview will be removed from the testing process.

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INITIAL AND FINAL ELIGIBILITY REGISTER

Following the oral interview, all candidates who receive a minimum score of 70% on the written examination, a minimum score of 70% on the oral interview, and a minimum cumulative score of 70% will be placed on the Initial Eligibility Register. Once the Initial Eligibility Register is posted, each candidate will then have ten (10) days to submit documentation for any Preference Points for which they qualify. After the ten-day period has expired and all eligible Preference Points have been reviewed and applied, the Final Eligibility Register will be established and posted.

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PREFERENCE POINTS

Following the creation of the Initial Eligibility Register, candidates will be given 10 days to request in writing application of preference points. Candidates will be required to make a claim in writing and provide proof of eligibility. Preference points will be awarded for the following:

 

• Veterans Points – 5 Points

  • As outlined by 70 ILCS 705/16.06b.    

• Residency Points – 3 Points

  • Candidates whose primary residency is within the First Fire Protection District of Antioch boundaries/jurisdiction. Proof of current primary residency is required.

• Education Points – 2 Points Max (No Pyramiding)

  • 2 points for bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

  • 1 point for associate’s degree from an accredited university.

• Experience Points – 5 Points Max

  • 1 point for every completed year of employment, current or past, with the First Fire Protection District of Antioch. Past employees will only receive preference points if they terminated employment in good standing with the District.

  • 2 points for candidates who are current contract employees stationed at the First Fire Protection District of Antioch on the date of application return, October 26, 2026.

  • 2 points for candidates who are current employees with the First Fire Protection District of Antioch assigned to the Permanent Part-Time Position on the date of application return, October 26, 2026.

• Additional Points – 5 Points Max  

  • 1 Point Current certified rescue diver from either, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), or Dive Rescue International, or Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI).  

Candidates must have current certification from the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire for the following. No equivalencies will be accepted.  

• 3 points Fire Company Officer.

• 2 points Fire Apparatus Engineer.  

• 1 Point (No Pyramiding)  

  • Hazardous Materials Technician, or Trench Technician, or Structural Collapse Technician, or Confined Space Technician

• 1 Point Fire Investigator.

• 1 Point Advanced Technician Firefighter.

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BACKGROUND CHECK AND ADDITIONAL TESTING

Candidates will undergo a complete and thorough background check, including checks of personal and professional references.

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MEDICAL

Any applicant selected for employment as a probationary firefighter/paramedic will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive medical examination prior to appointment. The examination will include a drug screening and will be conducted only after a conditional offer of employment has been extended.

 

Part-Time Employment 

Build Your Career at Antioch Fire Department

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The Antioch Fire Department is an all-hazards fire and EMS agency serving our community from three fire stations. We are always accepting applications for part-time firefighter positions, with hiring opportunities generally occurring twice each year.

Our part-time firefighter positions provide an important entry point into the fire service. We are committed to supporting individuals who are looking to begin a career in firefighting and providing opportunities to gain the training, experience, and skills needed to succeed in the profession.

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The Department supports qualified applicants in obtaining the certifications necessary to begin their careers in the fire service.

 

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent

• Certified completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) with ladder climb no later than twelve (12) months from date of application of each hiring process.

• All part-time firefighters will be required to obtain certification as an Illinois firefighter and EMT-Basic within the timeframes established by the Department.

 

Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete:

• A drug screening

• A comprehensive medical physical

• A background investigation

• All required pre-employment and onboarding processes

 

If you are looking for an opportunity to enter the fire service, serve your community, and build a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply.

For more information about part-time firefighter opportunities with the Antioch Fire Department, contact us at (847) 395-5511.

The First Fire Protection District of Antioch is an equal-opportunity employer.