You will also have to get an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Certificate to become a firefighter in the Illinois. Most fire departments require at least an EMT certification as a prerequisite to test. Many nearby colleges offer EMT Certificate programs. Please contact the following for more information on their programs:

McHenry County Community College: 815-455-8690         

 College of Lake County: 847-543-2000          

Harper College: 847-925-6700

If you already are an EMT, you may want to consider pursuing your paramedic certification.  This certification is highly desired in the fire service. Many area fire departments offer preference points during the testing process for paramedics and some fire departments require paramedic certification upon hire.