Become a firefighter
What's stopping you from joining us and helping to keep the Brussels Capital Region safe? Family, friends, community: we are there for them!
Do you like sports, your district, or just helping others? Your passion and commitment are what we need.
You can register for the CAF (Cadre de base) tests in Brussels until 4 March 2023. Inscris-toi ici !
Subscribe to our newsletter and we will let you know about our next recruitments!
What is it like to work here?
The first thing to know is that ambulance work accounts for 85% of our operations! And in the remaining 15%, we are not just putting out fires. Is someone stuck in a lift? Is a tree threatening to fall over? Is a wasps' nest causing a problem? We get the job done.
Secondly, working with us is a way of life, as you work for 24 hours straight, then rest for 72 hours. All year round, regardless of weekends or public holidays. You work, eat and sleep alongside your colleagues... This is an important point: unlike many other places in Belgium, in Brussels all firefighters are professionals, and there are no volunteers.
Lastly, working with us is not just a job, it's a vocation and a career. You can move up the ranks as you are promoted, and you can also diversify into diving, mountaineering, animal rescue, dangerous products, attacks, etc. So, by putting in the effort, you can regularly gain responsibility. A few other advantages
- a comfortable salary based on operational status salary scales, plus an operational bonus (38%) and specialisation bonuses (variable);
- 35 days' leave per year, plus compensatory leave depending on working hours;
- full reimbursement for public transport, meal vouchers, healthcare and hospitalisation insurance (can be extended to cover your family), etc.
Do you want to know more about the job?
Attend one of our information sessions. In 1.5 hours, we will tell you all about the profession, career opportunities and selection tests, with some free coaching as a bonus. These information sessions are not part of the recruitment process, but they are very useful 😉. To register for a session: https://brusafe.brussels/nl/or/
Do I Have the Right Profile?
No matter your gender, background, or qualifications… None of that matters, only your qualities count!
The only entry requirements are:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be Belgian or from the European Economic Area or Switzerland
- Hold a Category B driving license
And in terms of skills?
There are no specific qualifications required to become a firefighter. However, it’s a demanding job that encompasses a wide range of skills.
The essentials:
- A positive attitude. You work to help and protect. It’s a contact-based job where empathy and a strong ethical foundation are essential.
- Team spirit. You never work solo, and your colleagues rely on you. This requires discipline and good communication skills.
- Good stress resistance. You often face difficult situations. You need to keep a cool head, show courage, and be resourceful.
- Good physical fitness. You regularly exercise. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a good level of physical fitness throughout your career.
And for women?
This is not just a man’s job. The only thing that matters is your qualities. There are still few women in this profession, but that is changing!
Our fire stations are modernizing with specific facilities for women (bedrooms, changing rooms, bathrooms, nursing rooms…). Temporary career adjustments are also available for pregnant firefighters. The job also offers a good work-life balance with 3 days of rest after each shift.
Got questions? Come talk with female firefighters at one of our info sessions.
Got what it takes? 👍
Our selection process involves several steps. Here’s what to expect: selection process
Selection process
There are several steps to take. Here’s what to expect...
- Federal Certificate of Qualification
- Information session
- Exams
- Physical tests
- Interview and personality test
- Stage
1. Federal Certificate of Qualification
Before you can apply to an emergency zone in Belgium, you must obtain the Federal Certificate of Aptitude (CAF). All information is available on the website: pompier.be
Only with the CAF in your pocket will you be able to take the next steps. One exception: if you already work in another emergency zone, the CAF is optional.
For the next steps, we must wait for the launch of a recruitment campaign. To make sure you don’t miss out, sign up for our newsletter !
Warning, the tests change with each recruitment. Below, we give you an overview of the events during the last recruitments. Even if the goal is always to assess your qualities and abilities, the details of the tests can change.
2. Presentation
The tests begin with a presentation. We cover all aspects of the job and give you more details about the selection procedure and the tests. Your attendance at this session is mandatory.
3. Tests
Then, there are two tests:
- A computer-based test to assess your technical reasoning skills in different situations;
- a multiple choice questionnaire on Brussels institutions, technology (construction, electricity, etc.), topography of the Brussels-Capital Region, mathematics (arithmetic formulas and basic geometry, volume calculations, etc.).
4. Physical tests
There are four events, spread over three different days:
- Running on foot (track),
- Swimming (swimming pool),
- Agility course (room),
- Resistance to stress in a confined environment.
You will find here all the details regarding these tests (PDF).
The agility course is probably the most demanding test. We show you how? Choose your character!
5. Interview and personality test
Firefighter is a contact work, with people. It is essential to have the right mentality!
The last test is an interview to assess your skills and affinities for the job. The interview is preceded by a written test.
6. Stage
Did you go through all the steps? Then you integrate a recruitment reserve where candidates are ranked according to their results in the tests above. Depending on this ranking, you may be able to access the internship that will last one year.
And the key, if you succeed your internship: you can finally become a firefighter, or firefighter 😉, in Brussels!