Regional Firefighter Testing

To be eligible to apply for an open position with the listed localities you must complete and pass the written test and physical ability test at the Regional Firefighter Testing event. Upon completion of the two tests, you will receive a certificate via e-mail indicating a numerical score on your written test and a pass/fail on your physical ability test. The certificate will be valid for one year from the testing date. Each locality sets its minimum qualifications for its firefighter positions. As openings occur, the locality will advertise its position as deemed appropriate. To be considered, you must submit the locality's application and a copy of your certificate indicating your test scores. Each locality will then select candidates based on their identified hiring process.

Registration Process

Information and online registration is available on the City of Harrisonburg Employment Website - visit www.harrisonburgva.gov and click on Employment. Online registration must be completed no later than 5:00pm EST on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

The City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department is acting as the central registration point for all the participating localities. EOE.

Testing Process

Testing is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026:

• The test will be administered at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds located at 4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA. Look for the aerial ladder truck at the exhibit hall.
• It is imperative that you be at the Fairgrounds by 7:45 a.m.
• Please bring a picture ID for proper identification.
• The testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.
• No one will be admitted to the test after the starting time of 8:00 a.m.

Comprehensive written firefighter test:

• The written test will take approximately 2 hours to complete.
• The test is validated by PSHRA and will test for reading comprehension, interpreting tables, situational judgment, logical and mathematical reasoning ability, reading gauges, mechanical aptitude, spatial sense, map reading, and vocabulary. No prior training or experience as a firefighter is assumed of candidates taking the test.

Physical ability testing:

• Candidates will be required to attend a practice session for the physical ability test to help acclimate them to the physical requirements and reduce the potential for injury/dehydration on the day of testing. Participants must attend the practice session on Friday, October 23, 2026 between 4:00pm and 7:00pm at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds located at 4808 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA. Look for the aerial ladder truck at the exhibit hall.
• Candidates are not expected to attend all three hours of the practice session. The practice session is structured so that you may come/leave any time from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Information on the physical ability test will be emailed to you after your application has been received and reviewed by the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department.
• Comfortable clothing should be worn, including long pants and footwear with no open heel or toe. A protective helmet and gloves will be provided. Recommended attire is fitness clothing (e.g., t-shirt, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirt, sneakers).

Supplemental Information

NOTE: An Online Entry-Level Firefighter Candidate Study Guide is available for order from Public Safety Compass and details are provided below.

The study guide is designed to help you, as a firefighter candidate, prepare to take the PSHRA entry-level firefighter written test that will be used during this process. Questions regarding the study guide, including online access, should be directed to Public Safety Compass using the ordering link below.

The goal of the study guide is to:

• Help candidates prepare to take the written assessment.
• Understand what the test assesses and the content and types of questions found in the test.
• Provide test-taking tips, a 100-item practice test, and explain the answers to 25 of the practice items.

The online format is structured as a course, to walk you through each section describing the knowledge areas of the test. The full 100-question practice test is integrated and can be taken online at your convenience. You can order online and gain immediate access at: https://www.publicsafetycompass.com/product/entry-level-firefighter-online-study-guide/.

If you have questions after reviewing the information in this advertisement, please contact the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department at 540-432-8920 or by email at Employment@HarrisonburgVA.gov. If your plans change once you have registered and you are unable to participate in the testing, please notify the City of Harrisonburg Human Resources Department at the above phone number or email address as soon as possible.