FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Application

Q: How do I apply for a the position of Firefighter Trainee with the OCFA?

A: When a recruitment opens, candidates should visit www.ocfa.org to apply directly.

Eligibility List

Q: If I applied before and am currently on the eligibility list, will I need to reapply?

A: Yes, once a new recruitment opens, candidates on a previous eligibility list will not be considered. In order to be considered for future employment an applicant must successfully complete the current selection process.

EMT License Date

Q: I won’t have my EMT license until after the recruitment period ends. Will I still be able to participate in the selection process?

A: Applicants must possess and submit one of the following valid licenses in order to move forward in the selection process:

  • A valid, current California or National Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification

  • A valid, current California Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic License (issued by the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority - "blue-card") in lieu of a valid California or National Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification

Biddle

Q: If I have a current Biddle Certificate will I have to participate in the Biddle Exam for this recruitment?

A: Yes, applicants must complete the Biddle exam that will be hosted by the OCFA as part of the current recruitment process.

Forgot Username or Password

Q: I forgot my username or password to log into my governmentjobs.com account. What do I do?

A: Go to the Governmentjobs.com website, click ‘Sign In’ in the upper right hand side of the page. You will see two options below the sign in box, Forgot Username? or Reset Password. Choose the option that you need. If you forgot your username, it will ask you for the email address you used to sign up. Enter your email and the system will send your username to your email address. If you need to reset your password, click ‘Reset Password’. The system will prompt you for your email address. Enter your email address, click ‘Reset Password’ and instructions will be sent to your email to help you reset your password.

EMT License

Q: How do I get an EMT License?

A: To obtain an EMT-I (Basic) certification, an individual must complete an EMT-I training course. Individuals may attend an EMT-I training program anywhere in the State of California. Listed below are the approved training programs in Orange County.

A candidate with an EMT-I certification from outside the State of California or currently a registered nurse, physician assistant, or MD who wishes to challenge the EMT-I examination, may contact the OCFA’s EMS Section to discuss this option at (714) 573-6072.

ORANGE COUNTY EMT-I TRAINING PROGRAMS

Training programs and testing for Orange County EMT-I certifications are available at the following locations:

Central County Regional Occupational Program

Career Education Center

250 S. Yorba

Orange, CA 92869

(714) 997-6066

Capistrano-Laguna Beach Regional Occupational Program

31522 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949) 496-3118

Coastline Regional Occupational Program

1001 Presidio Square

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1584

(714) 979-1955

Central County Regional Occupational Program - Chapman Hettinga Education Center

11852 Knott Street

Garden Grove, CA 92841

(714) 663-6546

Orange Coast College

2701 Fairview Road

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 432-0202

North Orange County Regional Occupational Program

385 N. Muller Street

Anaheim, CA 92801

(714) 502-5858

Santa Ana College

1530 W. 17th Street

Santa Ana, CA 92706

(714) 564-6000

Saddleback College

28000 Marguerite Parkway

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

(949) 528-4500

Automatic Disqualifiers

Q: Does the OCFA have employment disqualifications?

A: No. As provided for in the California Fair Chance Act (AB 1008), the OCFA must perform an individualized assessment regarding an applicant’s background including criminal history. The OCFA cannot outright deny the applicant employment solely or partially based on their criminal history until it has performed the individualized assessment. In performing the individualized assessment, OCFA considers the following factors:

  • The nature and gravity of the offense;

  • The time passed since the offense or sentence completion;

  • The nature of the job held or sought; and

  • Any mitigating circumstances