There is no doubt that the role of a firefighter in our communities is both essential and commendable. Firefighters are not only rescuers or lifesavers, they are also the first responders that save neighborhoods from losing valuable property from large inextinguishable fires and sometimes save animals from life-threatening situations.
And as such, this is a demanding task that requires only highly trained professionals to successfully execute. The fire service is a wide field and more often than not, firefighters may have to decide what area of specialty they would like to focus on in their career.
This is where firefighting certifications come in. Firefighters certifications and in many cases, firefighting EMT certifications are very important programs that provide the specialized training you need to become a firefighter but a firefighter that is great at their job.
Certified firefighters also stand better chances to grow in their careers thanks to the specialized training that qualifies them as experts in a fire service area.
And the best way to do that is by pursuing the right firefighters’ certifications which we shall look at later on.
Table of contents
- Why Get A Firefighting Certification?
- What Certifications Do Firefighters Need?
- Do Firefighter Certifications Expire?
- How Much Does A Firefighting Certification Cost?
- How Long Does It Take To Get A Firefighting Certification?
- What Is CSFM Certification?
- What Medical Certifications Do Firefighters Need?
- How To Get A Firefighting Certification
- What Are The Best Firefighter Certifications In 2023?
- #1. Fire Prevention Officer Certificate – Santa Ana College
- #2. Certified Fire Inspector II – National Fire Protection Association
- #3. First Aid Certification – American Red Cross
- #4. Firefighter I certificate – Shasta College
- #5. Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association
- #6. CPR/BLS Core Knowledge – Brainbench
- #7. Fire Inspector 1 Certification – Office of the State Fire Marshal
- #8. Fire Inspector 2 Certfication – Office of the State Fire Marshal
- #9. Medical Assistant – The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
- #10. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor – National Safety Council
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendation
Why Get A Firefighting Certification?
Many looking to join the fire service always wonder what to expect from pursuing a fire certification.
Firefighting like any other profession requires specialized skilling to do what is expected of you with little to no amateur mistakes.
As a certified firefighter, you can present your firefighting certificate(s) to your fire department upon completion for a suitable role. Fire fighting certification equips students with the skills needed at an entry-level in a firefighting department.
You can learn firefighting languages and codes used, basic emergency operations, firefighting organization, and use of tools, and medical responses to injured victims at the scene or in response to a medical emergency.
Far more advanced firefighting certification allows you to perform roles such as community fire mitigation and protection and emergency and disaster incident management, evaluating operational procedures to improve efficiency and enforce the regulation, fire administration, and finance among many others.
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What Certifications Do Firefighters Need?
You may need several firefighter certifications depending on how far you want to advance in the fire service. Here’s an overview of a few for you to consider that’ll help you with your career ambitions.
1. Firefighter I certification
This program focuses on fire department organization, firefighter safety, basic rescue operations, personal protective equipment. They also look at fire control operations and fire behavior and combustion.
To learn the basics of firefighting and medical response, you’ll need this certification with the Fighter II certification.
2. Firefighter II certification
This program typically covers additional training in structural fire control and rescue operations. It also teaches you more about fire and life safety initiatives, preparedness, and maintenance.
It is a great choice to follow up with the Firefighter I certification.
3. Rescue Technician Certification
You can learn techniques for rope and confined space rescues, vehicle and machinery rescues, and trench and structural collapse rescues in this certification program.
It is a series of three certifications; Rescue Technician [the basic certification], Rescue Technician I and II certifications.
4. Fire Inspector I-III Certification
These firefighting certifications put you on the path of a fire inspector who inspects commercial and residential buildings. This ensures compliance with all safety regulations and fire and building codes.
Firefighter I-III inspector certification programs also include sections on federal, state, county, and city fire codes.
The syllabus covers fire prevention techniques, fire protection systems, and fire protection in building construction.
5. Fire Officer I-IV Certification.
Fire Officer I-IV certification programs mostly focus on fire administration and finance, public relations, community fire mitigation, and protection and emergency and disaster incident management.
A fire officer is a firefighter at a senior level who supervises rank-and-file firefighters, evaluates operational procedures to improve efficiency and enforce regulations, and helps plan and carry out fire department training programs.
Fire officers are also identified as fire safety officers.
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Do Firefighter Certifications Expire?
Yes, firefighter certifications are valid for 1 year.
A firefighter certification expires on December 31st and to renew your firefighting certification, you must complete a 24 hour continued training.
A recertification form is sent to the Chief of your Department of record to verify your continued training towards the expiration of your firefighter certification.
It is a requirement for all new firefighters to undergo extensive training that normally lasts between 12 and 16 weeks.
And as for firefighters who have been doing the job for a couple of years, you must do ongoing training to ensure you are familiar with the training and changes that may have been made.
How Much Does A Firefighting Certification Cost?
Ranging from $5,000-$25,000. Depending on the school and what courses you take, a firefighting certification costs somewhere between $5000-$25,000, including other costs.
The tuition cost for all students is about $5000 while other costs include uniforms at $150 and bunker gear purchase or rental from $400 to $1,500.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Firefighting Certification?
It takes 3 weeks to get firefighting certification.
A firefighting certification program on average, takes about 12 to 14 weeks to complete a total of 600 hours of training. The length of firefighter training will vary depending on the department.
After completing the program, it’ll take at least 3 weeks for your certification to be issued.
What Is CSFM Certification?
CSFM stands for California State Fire Marshal.
The California State Fire Marshal certification is the CAL FIRE program that protects life and property by developing and applying fire prevention, engineering, training and education, and enforcement.
The California State Fire Marshal issues all firefighting certifications. This firefighters certification is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.
Once you have fully met the listed requirements and filled in an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect the completion of this certificate.
What Medical Certifications Do Firefighters Need?
Fire departments usually require firefighters to have at least an EMT-Basic certification, however other departments may require paramedic certification.
Today, it is a common requirement in the fire service for firefighters to be EMT certified.
Firefighters today respond to fewer fire alerts as compared to medical emergencies. The best medical certifications for you to pursue are;
- EMT-Basic certification
- Paramedic certification
How To Get A Firefighting Certification
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you successfully acquire a firefighting certification.
- Identify the field of specialty you would like to pursue
- Complete the necessary courses required of you
- Enrol in a fire academy that offers the firefighter certification of your interest
- Once the program is complete, you will be handed your certification by the fire academy
- Volunteer or apply the fire fighting roles of your specialty to get hands on experience
Requirements by most fire academies for a firefighter certification are:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years old
- A valid state driver’s license
You must pass a written exam, physical fitness test, and a medical exam that includes a drug test to become certified after completing the training and may also be required to complete basic first aid and CPR training and certification.
What Are The Best Firefighter Certifications In 2023?
Below are the top firefighter certifications you should pursue to propel your firefighter career further. They provide you with the skills required in various fields in the fire service. Here is a firefighter certifications list of the top 10:
#1. Fire Prevention Officer Certificate – Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College offers this Fire Prevention Officer Certificate.
It is designed to prepare students as Fire Protection Engineering Technicians and as staff assistants to Fire Protection Engineers.
You acquire the skills to enable fire department personnel to upgrade skills in prevention; and to allow architects, engineers, and persons from other disciplines to expand their knowledge of building, life safety, and fire protection.
Through this program, you will be able to identify and evaluate hazardous conditions that are inherent to Fire Prevention.
This firefighting certificate program meets the requirements of the California State Board of Fire Services Certified Firefighter I and college or university preparation.
#2. Certified Fire Inspector II – National Fire Protection Association
Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI-II) is a firefighter program designed to cover the codes and expands the fire inspector certification track to include the NFPA 24 and NFPA 220 standards.
It requires more than two years of education or training after high school and work experience.
The program helps you to demonstrate the written and verbal communication skills required for entry-level Fire Inspector positions.
National Fire Protection Association offers it.
#3. First Aid Certification – American Red Cross
This certification is designed for individuals with a duty to respond to emergencies.
The First Aid Certification program provides training that is vital in a life-threatening situation in which first aid could save a life and/or help reduce the damage/injury.
First Aid certification program combines discussions, video, and hands-on training and with real-life rescue scenarios to reinforce decision-making skills.
The program focuses on how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over.
American Red Cross offers it.
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#4. Firefighter I certificate – Shasta College
Shasta College offers this certification. Firefighter 1 certificate is an intense program that provides training in rigorous physical conditioning.
The Firefighter 1 certificate program includes what is necessary for you to learn the essential skills and obtain the required knowledge in firefighting.
It gives you the ability to perform at the entry-level in a volunteer or paid fire department as a firefighter in the State of California.
The English are designed for firefighters as well as classroom and field training with the same tools and appliances used by the fire service.
#5. Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association
The Basic Life Support (BLS) program is offered by American Heart Association for Healthcare Providers.
The program is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals with the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effectively.
The Basic Life Support program is a key certification for you if you want to pursue more medical-related certification to strengthen your firefighting EMT qualification.
Many certified firefighters have taken up medical certifications due to the rise in medical emergencies compared to fire alerts.
#6. CPR/BLS Core Knowledge – Brainbench
This program focuses on Adult CPR-Single Rescuer, Adult CPR-Two Rescuer, Airway, Cardiopulmonary Arrest, Child CPR, Choking, Circulation, Infant CPR, Medicolegal/Ethical Considerations, and Personal Protection/Universal Precautions.
It is designed for all healthcare professionals to and measures their knowledge of the core Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Basic Life-Saving techniques.
This test will verify an individual’s knowledge of the concepts and subjects tested.
The results of this test do not imply that the individual possesses the necessary skills to perform a specific procedure nor treatment, nor is licensed, nor authorized, to practice any health care profession under any applicable laws.
#7. Fire Inspector 1 Certification – Office of the State Fire Marshal
Fire Inspector 1 is a program that provides professional training to fire officers to identify and mitigate fire risks and safety hazards in buildings to ensure they meet fire codes.
Officers can take actions to ensure properties are in compliance with regulations and locate fire violations. You can also provide organizational support to fire departments and firefighters as a certified fire inspector.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal offers it. The Fire Inspector 1 certification program is usually followed up with a Fire Inspector 2 certification by most firefighters.
#8. Fire Inspector 2 Certfication – Office of the State Fire Marshal
This is an OFSM program designed to utilize NFPA 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner (2014).
The Fire Inspector 2 certification program provides you with the necessary training in fire management, risk assessment and supervision of firefighters.
You also receive classroom instruction in identifying and handling hazardous materials, such as flammables and explosives.
The Fire Inspector 2 certification is a great program for you to pursue after completing the Fire Inspector 1 certification program.
#9. Medical Assistant – The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician. The roles expected of one vary depending on the employer’s needs. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians offers this Medical Assistant program.
The roles usually expected of you include updating and filling medical records, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services. It is not entirely inclined towards firefighting but it is a good take to develop stronger skills in the medical function of the fire service.
#10. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor – National Safety Council
Offered by National Safety Council, this firefighting certification program teaches you how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency and this is one of the most important skills you can possess.
The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course is a tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures.
The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience. This First Aid, CPR and AED program meets the OSHA requirements.
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Conclusion
Certifications in a fire service career are developmental and educational for firefighters. They help firefighters develop and pursue the specialty in which they would like to grow their careers.
Many hiring departments give superiority to certifications when it comes to specialty roles because of the high level of skill it requires.
You must also pursue medical certifications as a firefighter today as the roles are getting broader and much more involved in medical emergencies.
The list is put together based on the impact of the certification in a firefighter’s career and compiled to help guide you in your career growth decisions as a firefighter.
Thinking of getting a firefighter certification or you already have one? Share your experience with our community in the comments.
