Firefighter Learnerships 2026: How to Join the Service

Key Takeaways: The “Bleep Test” Barrier

The Reality: Firefighting is 10% fighting fires and 90% training, medical aid, and maintenance. It is not like the movies.

The “Big Two” Routes: You can join a Municipality (e.g., City of Joburg/Cape Town) to fight building fires, or Working on Fire (WoF) to fight veld fires. They are completely different career paths.

The Fitness Test: This is where everyone fails. You must be able to run 2.4km in under 11 minutes (males) or 13 minutes (females), do 30+ push-ups in 60 seconds, and carry two 25kg drums over 100m.

The Qualification: A learnership gives you the Further Education and Training Certificate: Fire and Rescue Operations (NQF Level 4).

The Stipend: Municipal learners earn approx R5,000 – R8,000 pm. Working on Fire participants earn a lower EPWP stipend.

In South Africa, becoming a firefighter is not just about applying for a job; it is about surviving a selection process designed to break you.

For every 100 people who apply, only 5 will pass the physical assessment.

If you are claustrophobic (fear of small spaces), acrophobic (fear of heights), or asthmatic, this career is not for you. But if you are disciplined and physically elite, it is one of the most stable and respected government careers available.

Here is the definitive guide to getting into the Fire and Rescue Service in 2026.

1. The Two Types of Firefighters

Before you apply, you must know which army you are joining.

Option A: Structural Firefighters (Municipal)

Employer: City Councils (e.g., City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini).
The Job: Responding to house fires, car accidents, hazardous chemical spills, and cats in trees.
The Goal: To become a permanent “Platoon Commander.”
Pay: High (Unionized municipal salaries + benefits).

Option B: Wildland Firefighters (Working on Fire)

Employer: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) via the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The Job: Fighting massive veld fires in mountains and forests. You hike for kilometres with heavy equipment.
The Goal: To get experience and eventually move to a municipality or conservation agency (SANParks).
Pay: Lower (EPWP Stipend).

2. Minimum Requirements (The Paperwork)

To even be invited to the fitness test, you must meet these non-negotiable criteria.

For Municipal Learnerships:

Education: Grade 12 (Matric).
Subjects: Pure Mathematics and Physical Science are highly preferred. (Maths Lit is often accepted but puts you at a disadvantage).
Age: 18 – 35 years.
Driver’s License: A Code C1 (Code 10) license with PrDP is massive gold. If you have this, you jump to the front of the queue because you can drive the fire truck.
Health: No asthma, no epilepsy, no colour blindness.

For Working on Fire (WoF):

Education: Grade 10 or 12 (varies by base).
Status: Must be currently unemployed.
Fitness: High levels of endurance are prioritized over academic marks.

3. The Physical Assessment (The Filter)

This is the most important part of this article. Do not apply if you cannot pass this.

On the assessment day, you will arrive at a stadium or training centre. You will be tested on the following (standards vary slightly by city, but these are the benchmarks):

The 2.4km Run:
- Males: Must finish under 11:00 minutes.
- Females: Must finish under 13:00 minutes.
- Reality Check: If you walk even once, you are out.
The Strength Test:
- Push-ups: 30 in 60 seconds (Chest must touch floor).
- Sit-ups: 30 in 60 seconds.
- Pull-ups: Often required (minimum 3–5).
The “Farmer’s Walk” (Stamina):
- You must pick up two 25kg water drums (jerry cans) and walk/run 100 meters without dropping them. This tests your grip strength for holding the “Jaws of Life” or hoses.
The Reach Test:
- You must stand flat-footed and reach a height of 1.9 meters with your hands. This ensures you can reach equipment on the truck.
The Claustrophobia Test:
- You are put in a dark room or tunnel with a mask on. If you panic, you go home.
The Acrophobia Test:
- You must climb a 30-meter ladder extension. If you freeze, you go home.

4. Where to Find Applications

Firefighter learnerships are not open all year. They open in specific windows.

City of Cape Town: usually opens for “Firefighter Cadets” in late/early year (Jan/Feb) or mid-year. You apply via the City’s e-Services portal.
City of Joburg (EMS): Advertises via the COJ website.
Ekurhuleni: Famous for large intakes. Watch their social media.
Working on Fire: They recruit continuously based on fire season needs. Visit your local WoF base and ask the Base Manager.
ACSA (Airports): Airports Company SA hires “Airport Rescue Firefighters.” These are elite positions advertised on the ACSA career portal.

5. The Training: What Happens Next?

If you pass the fitness test and interview, you enter the Training Academy (usually for 4–6 months).

The Curriculum:

Firefighter 1 & 2 (Hazmat Awareness & Ops): The international standard for firefighting.
First Aid Level 3: Advanced medical training.
Discipline: It is like the military. You march, you salute, and you inspect your uniform.

The Drop-Out Rate:

Many learners quit in the first month because of the physical intensity. You will run every morning.

6. Stipends and Salaries (2026 Estimates)

Municipal Learner: R5,000 – R8,000 per month (during training).
Qualified Firefighter (Permanent): Starts around R15,000 – R18,000 per month + benefits (Medical Aid, Pension, 13th Cheque).
Working on Fire: Starts around R2,500 – R3,500 per month (EPWP rates).

7. How to Spot a Scam

Warning: There are many fake “Firefighter Job” ads on Facebook.

The Rule: No municipality will EVER ask you to pay for a uniform, medical test, or application form.
The “Uniform Deposit” Scam: Scammers say: “Pay R500 via Pep to secure your uniform.” This is always a lie.
Official Emails: Real jobs come from @capetown.gov.za, @joburg.org.za, or @workingonfire.co.za. Never @gmail.com.

Summary: Start Running Today

You cannot train for this in 2 weeks. You need 3 months of prep.

Action Plan:

Test Yourself: Go to a park today. Run 2.4km. Time it. If you are at 14 minutes, you have work to do.
Get Your License: If you don’t have a driver’s license, get it now. It is the tie-breaker between you and the other candidate.
Check the Portals: Register your profile on the City of Cape Town and City of Joburg career websites so you get email alerts when the ads drop.

Next Step:

If you want to boost your chances, consider doing a First Aid Level 1 course or a Basic Fire Awareness course at a private college beforehand. It shows commitment on your CV.

Read this Article: Short Courses with High Employment Rate in SA

Disclaimer: Fitness standards and stipends vary by municipality. The figures above are averages based on major metro requirements.