Get Hired
Congratulations on wanting to become a part of the FDNY EMS Team. Below are detailed steps that will make it easier for you to learn more about how to become an FDNY EMS member. Paramedic is a promotional opportunity only available to FDNY EMS members.
The filing period for Emergency Medical Specialist – EMT (Exam #6125) and Emergency Medical Specialist Trainee (Exam #6126) is NOW OPEN and will close on August 7, 2026. To file for the exam, you must have an OASys account. If you do not have an OASys account, you will need to go to the DCAS website and create an account. For more information or if you have questions, please contact the FDNY Recruitment Unit Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM at 718-999-FDNY (3369).
Step 1: Meet Eligibility
How to Qualify for FDNY EMT Candidates:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the education and experience requirements for the examination before submitting your application. If you are deemed “Not Qualified”, your application fee will not be refunded, and you will not receive a score.
As per Section 54(2) of the Civil Service Law, the education requirement needed to qualify must be met by August 7, 2027, and the certification requirement needed to qualify must be met by February 28, 2027.
Education and Certification Requirements:
A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent; and
- a valid NYS Department of Health EMT – Basic Certification; or
- a valid NYS Department of Health EMT – Paramedic Certification.
The high school diploma or its educational equivalent must be approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization.
If you were educated outside the United States, you must have your foreign education evaluated to determine its equivalence to education obtained in the United States. This is required only if you need credit for your foreign education in this examination. For more information, see the Foreign Education Evaluation Guide in the Required Information section.
You must also possess the above certificate(s) at the time of your appointment, and they must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
You must Final Submit your Education and Experience Exam in OASys by midnight Eastern time on the last day of the Application Period, and once you Final Submit, no changes can be made.
Failure to click Final Submit by the deadline will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive a score or a refund of the application fee.
Note: If you hold an EMT-P certification, you will be hired to work as an EMT-B until FDNY EMS offers and you apply for the Medic Upgrade Program (MUP).
Driver’s License Requirement:
You must have a motor vehicle driver’s license valid in the State of New York at the time of appointment. If you have moving violations, license suspension(s), or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
How to Qualify for FDNY EMS Trainee Candidates:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the education and experience requirements for the examination before submitting your application. If you are deemed “Not Qualified”, your application fee will not be refunded, and you will not receive a score.
As per Section 54(2) of the Civil Service Law, the education requirement needed to qualify must be met by August 7, 2027, and the experience requirement needed to qualify must be met by the last day of the Application Period August 7, 2026.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent; and one of the following:
- Six months (6) of satisfactory full-time employment demonstrating reliable work habits; or
- Full-time U.S. military service with an honorable discharge; or
- Successful completion of 15 semester credits from an accredited college or university; or
- Graduation after completion of FDNY-approved Emergency Medical Services coursework at a New York City High School or Vocational Training Center.
Note: If you possess a current, valid EMT certificate in any state, you are not eligible for the Emergency Medical Specialist Trainee title.
The high school diploma or its educational equivalent must be approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization.
Age Requirement:
FDNY EMS Trainee candidates must be at least 17 years old by the last day of the application period.
Driver’s License Requirement:
You must have a motor vehicle driver’s license valid in the State of New York at the time of appointment. If you have moving violations, license suspension(s), or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
Step 2: Begin the Hiring Process
When a candidate’s list number is reached, EMT and EMS Trainee candidates will begin the hiring process:
- Physical Ability Test
- Background/Character Investigation
- Medical and Psychological Testing
All candidates must successfully complete all steps of the hiring process to be considered for the EMS Academy.
Step 3: Enter the EMS Academy
Currently both FDNY EMT and FDNY EMS Trainee candidates are required to complete the approximate 17-week EMS Academy which includes:
- Intensive classroom instruction
- Ambulance rotations
- Hazardous Materials Training
- Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)
Benefits and Salary
FDNY EMS members receive an incredible benefits package and a competitive salary.
- Over 20 different health plans with family and domestic partner
- Overtime, shift differential and meal money
- Five-year pension vesting with full pension benefits after 25 years of service, deferred compensation and 401K plans available
- Excellent promotional opportunities
- Veterans’ credits for those who meet the requirements
*Base salary does not include overtime and other benefits. Salary and vacation time are subject to change.
EMT Salary Information:
| Number of Years | Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $43,932 – $49,816 |
| After 1 Year | $46,207 – $52,092 |
| After 2 Years | $47,349 – $53,568 |
| After 3 Years | $55,840 – $62,169 |
| After 5 Years | $68,700 – $76,028 |
EMS Trainee Salary Information:
| Number of Years | Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting up to 3 months | $36,330 |
| 3 months up to 1st Year | $43,932 – $49,816 |
| After 1 Year | $46,207 – $52,092 |
| After 2 Years | $47,349 – $53,568 |
| After 3 Years | $55,840 – $62,169 |
| After 5 Years | $68,700 – $76,028 |
Paramedic Salary Information:
| Number of Years | Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $58,088 – $63,974 |
| After 1 Year | $63,705 – $69,924 |
| After 2 Years | $66,508 – $72,837 |
| After 3 Years | $74,514 – $81,843 |
| After 5 Years | $86,348 – $95,243 |
Exam
The civil service exam for EMTs and EMS Trainees is offered about once a year. It is scored based on education and experience. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will contact each applicant regarding their official score and list number. Applicants will be put on the appropriate civil service list in list number order.
Learn More About Upcoming Civil Service Exams
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People in New York City depend on the quick reaction and attentive care of the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). They respond to thousands of emergencies each day, providing medical assistance to anyone in need.
Each day is different than the next - but never boring. EMTs can respond to emergencies ranging from automobile accidents to major fires. When they arrive at an emergency, they quickly determine the nature and extent of the patient’s condition. They provide emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient to a local medical facility.
EMTs are trained to provide basic life support (BLS) services in a pre-hospital setting, ranging from CPR to spinal immobilization.
Members typically are dispatched by a 911 operator and work closely with police officers and firefighters at the scene of an emergency.
The EMT exam is designed for those who already possess a valid NYS DOH EMT card. The EMS Trainee title is for those who do not possess a current valid EMT certificate in any state. EMS Trainees obtain a NYS EMT certificate during academy training. These titles are divided into different academy classes. Upon graduation, every successful member is an FDNY EMT, operating in the same fashion with the same salary.
No, all EMTs are required to possess a New York State EMT-B or EMT-P certification. If you possess an out-of-state certification you must file for reciprocity with the NYS DOH (Department of Health). You can begin the process by contacting the Reciprocity Unit of NYS DOH at 518-402-0996 or visit www.health.ny.gov
No, FDNY EMTs are not required to live in New York as there is no residency requirements.
All candidates must be 17 by the end of the application period to begin the hiring process. There is no maximum age for FDNY EMS.
No, however, you must have a Social Security number.
No, FDNY EMS candidates are not required to have college credits.
Yes, they are represented by Local #2507 of District Council 37.
No, as long as you remain an active FDNY EMS member, you will receive all training materials, uniforms, equipment, and refresher training at no cost.
Promotion to FDNY Paramedic - After completing the EMT-B probationary period you may be eligible to file for the next available civil service promotional exam to Paramedic.
Promotion to EMS Lieutenant – After 3 years in title as an EMT, you are eligible to take the civil service exam for Lieutenant. * You must promote to Paramedic to be appointed to EMS Lieutenant
Eligible EMTs can take the “promotional” exam for NYC Firefighter. FDNY EMS members must meet all eligibility requirements for the Firefighter title.
No, all FDNY EMS employees work a full-time schedule.
No. FDNY EMS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Assignments are based on Department needs.
If you filed for the most recent EMS exam you can get your results on the DCAS Online Application System by visiting https://data.cityofnewyork.us/widgets/vx8i-nprf or you can wait to receive your official results in the mail from DCAS. *You can also call the DCAS automated phone system at 212-669-1357.
*You will be asked for your social security number and 4-digit exam number.
E-mail: Recruitment@fdny.nyc.gov
Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays*