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Next Entrance Exam Will Be April 24, 2010

Thank you for your interest in the Waltham Fire Department. The next state civil service firefighter test will be held Saturday April 24, 2010. The Massachusetts Human Resources Division (HRD) application deadline is March 16, 2010 for the entry level firefighter exam. The current list will expire this fall and the new list based on this 2010 examination will go into effect and exist for two years.

The following information will serve as a guide in pursuing a career with the Waltham Fire Department.

To apply to take the next entrance examination, contact the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Human Resources Division at 617-878-9895 or outside the Boston area call: 1-800-392-6178 and request an application. Their office hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Recorded information can be accessed any time, 24-hours a day. You can also visit their website and apply online at www.mass.gov/civilservice.

Entrance Examination

The entrance examination is administrated by the State of Massachusetts. This examination is given approximately every two years at various locations throughout the State. The State charges a fee of $100.00 to take the written examination. Applications received after the March 16, 2010 deadline will be charged an additional $50.00 processing fee. No applications will be accepted after April 1, 2010. The examination itself is a general aptitude test. A study guide is given to each applicant to assist in preparation for the examination. To find out more about the next examination, visit or write to the following:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Human Resources Division
Customer Services Center
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108

You can also visit the Human Resources Division Web site.

Applicants who pass the written examination will then be notified for the Physical Abilities test. There will also be a fee of $100 charged for this test.

Qualifications for the City of Waltham at the time of the test

  • You must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of the application cutoff deadline of April 1, 2010.
  • You must be a resident of the City of Waltham at least one (1) year prior to the examination date to qualify for residency preference.  Applicants who have resided in the City of Waltham for an entire twelve month period immediately preceding the date of examination are entitled to be placed on the eligible list for Waltham ahead of any non-residents.


Qualifications for the City of Waltham for appointment

  • Pass a written test for Fire Fighter administered by the State.
  • Pass a Physical Abilities test administered by the State.
  • Pass a character background investigation.
  • Meet medical fitness requirements.
  • Have a valid Massachusetts driver's license

General information

The Waltham Fire Department hires varying numbers of Fire Fighters from year to year. These numbers are based on attrition rates of the Department. The number of hirings may also be impacted by the Department’s budget in any given year.

Once appointed, Fire Fighters begin a one (1) year probation period during which they must complete an eleven (11) week course of study the Massachusetts Fire Academy. After graduation, Fire Fighters on Probation are assigned to Engine or Ladder companies throughout the City.

The City of Waltham is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women and minorties to apply for careers as fire fighters.

Note: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 101a: Prohibits all Firefighters appointed subsequent to January 1, 1988 from smoking tobacco products.