Firefighters compete in the 2023 Fire Olympics hosted by the Valenzuela City government in line with the observance of Fire Prevention Month (PIA-NCR file)

When duty calls to save lives and property, dedicated individuals courageously answer. This Fire Prevention Month, and for those seeking to serve as certified fire officers of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), a passion for protecting communities must be matched with rigorous training, skills and commitment. The path to becoming a certified fire officer begins with conquering a comprehensive examination.

For individuals passionate about firefighting and aspiring to become certified fire officers, the Fire Officer Examination (FOE) serves as the gateway to realizing this honorable career path. Administered biennially by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in collaboration with the BFP, this comprehensive guide provides insights into the upcoming 2024 FOE, including vital information on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and essential requirements.

Understanding the FOE

Valenzuela City firefighters take a pose with their response equipment. (PIA-NCR file)

The FOE, a crucial evaluation tool for aspiring firefighters, aims to assess candidates' knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for effective service within the BFP and related positions. Successful completion of this exam establishes a Register of Eligibles (RoE), from which appointments to second-level ranks in the BFP are made, subject to candidates meeting all qualifications and requirements.

The test assesses candidates for their potential success in the fire service. It consists of two sections: General Ability and Specialized Area.

Exam structure:

Number of items: 160 (150 core questions + 10 personal information items)

Time limit: 3 hours and 5 minutes

Pre-exam briefing: Approximately 1 hour (offered by the Civil Service Commission)

Arrival recommendation: At least 1 hour before the exam start

Exam Coverage:

I. General Ability (25 percent)

This section evaluates your foundational skills in:

• Numerical ability: Interpreting and analyzing numerical data
  
• Verbal ability: Understanding and using language effectively
  
• Analytical ability: Identifying patterns, solving problems, and making sound decisions

II. Specialized Area (75 percent)

This section delves deeper into fire protection and prevention, covering the following key areas:

1. Fire Suppression (30 percent)

• Pre-fire planning strategies
  
• Firefighting techniques and procedures
  
• Familiarity with fire suppression tools, equipment, and apparatus

2. Fire Safety and Prevention (20 percent)

• Comprehensive understanding of the Philippine Fire Code
  
• Knowledge of fire safety-related codes (NFPA standards, Building Code, Electrical Code)
  
• Familiarity with BFP issuances (Citizens Charter, SOPs/MCs on fire safety inspection)

3. Fire Investigation (15 percent)

• Understanding of laws related to arson in the Philippines (Republic Act No. 3019)
  
• Knowledge of the accused's constitutional rights
  
• Ability to identify, preserve, and handle evidence
  
• Awareness of fire and arson investigation procedures and techniques

4. Administrative Matters (10 percent)

• In-depth knowledge of Republic Acts 6975, 9263, and 9592, along with their implementing rules and regulations
  
• Familiarity with Civil Service Commission rules, regulations, and qualification standards
  
• Understanding of relevant BFP memorandum circulars and SOPs on administrative matters

This breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the Fire Officer Exam's structure and content. By thoroughly preparing for each section, you can increase your chances of success and embark on a rewarding career in fire protection.

Step-by-step procedure to apply for the Fire Officer Examination

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Prospective applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including Filipino citizenship, a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution, good moral character, physical and mental fitness, and an age range of 21 to 35 years at the time of application filing. Additionally, applicants must possess a clean criminal record and have not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed from any civilian position in the government.

Step 2: Gather required documents

Candidates must gather all necessary documents to support their application, including a birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), valid government-issued identification cards, official Transcript of Records (TOR) and diploma from a recognized educational institution, Certificate of Eligibility from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) if applicable, Barangay Clearance, Police Clearance, and NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation)

Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a fully accomplished Civil Service Examination Form (CS Form No. 100) through this link: https://csc.gov.ph/?download=1936:civil-service-examination-form-cs-form-no-100-revised-september-2016, four recent passport-size photos, and the non-refundable examination fee of Php 700.00.

Step 3: File your application

Submit your application personally to the designated CSC regional office or field office within the specified application period. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so prompt submission is encouraged.

Step 4: Prepare for the FOE

Engage in thorough preparation for the Fire Officer Exam by enrolling in review classes or self-study programs to enhance your knowledge and familiarity with the exam's content. One smoking-hot tip is to read the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Step 5: Take the FOE

Attend the exam on the scheduled date, arriving early at the designated testing center. The exam comprises multiple-choice questions and may include practical tests to assess firefighting skills.

Here is the tentative schedule of the 2024 Fire Officer Examination (FOE) according to CSC’s Examination Announcement No. 04, s. 2023:

Start of application: March 4, 2024

End of application: April 3, 2024

Date of Exam: June 2, 2024

Target release date of Exam results: July 14, 2024

Acceptance of applications shall be on a first-come, first-served basis and shall be closed any time before the deadline once the CSC Regional/Field Office has already reached the target number of applicants. For more information, please visit this link: https://csc.gov.ph/examination-advisories/exam-announcements-no-04-s-2023

Step 6: Await Exam results

After completing the exam, await the release of results. Successful examinees will be granted the Civil Service Commission (CSC) 2nd Level Eligibility.

Important reminders for Examination day

• Practice social distancing and wear a face mask, if applicable.
  
• Bring a hand sanitizer, black ballpen/s, and the ID used during the application.
  
• Arrive at the testing venue no later than 6:30 a.m. and adhere to the prescribed attire guidelines. Sleeveless shirts or blouses, shorts/short pants, tokong pants, ripped jeans, and slippers are not allowed.
  
• Avoid bringing electronic devices, books, or printed materials to the examination seat.
  
• Lastly, do not bring the test booklet outside the test area.

FOE passing grade and next steps

To pass the exam, achieve a general rating of 80.00. Successful examinees will receive the CSC 2nd Level Eligibility, enabling their application to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Embark on your journey to become a certified fire officer with determination and dedication. Prepare diligently, adhere to all guidelines, and pursue your dream of serving and protecting your community. Good luck on your Fire Officer Examination journey! (JCO/PIA-NCR)