42101

Firefighters

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Education, law, social & government services

4 › 42 › 421 › 4210

Definition

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
Administer first aid and other assistance
Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
Prepare written reports on fire incidents
Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
May supervise and coordinate the work of other firefighters
May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.

Example job titles

•airport firefighter
•fire captain
•firefighter
•firefighter lieutenant
•industrial firefighter
•shipboard firefighter

Overview

Under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Firefighters are classified under NOC code 42101 as a TEER 2 occupation. Professionals in this group are responsible for fighting fires, executing rescue operations, responding to medical emergencies, and promoting public fire prevention. They operate specialized emergency vehicles and equipment, administer first aid, and secure disaster scenes. This classification covers structural, airport, and marine firefighters employed by local, provincial, and federal authorities.

Employment requirements for NOC 42101 are highly rigorous and determined at provincial and municipal levels. Generally, candidates must complete secondary school and a recognized firefighting or fire technology program. Most jurisdictions require provincial firefighter certification, adherence to NFPA standards, physical agility and vision testing, and a valid heavy vehicle driver's license with air brake endorsement. Candidates must also demonstrate ongoing training in emergency medical care and first response.

Because NOC 42101 is designated as TEER 2, skilled foreign firefighters may qualify for Canadian permanent residency through federal pathways like the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry, or targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that address local labor shortages. Candidates must satisfy all IRCC admissibility standards, language test benchmarks, and educational credential assessments to be considered.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official immigration guidance, consult a regulated Canadian immigration professional or the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.