Testing and certification information
The following information is to help fire and rescue personnel to stay abreast of the certification policies for the State of Alabama.
Certification expiration policy:
Did you know that your Fire Fighter I and Volunteer Fire Fighter certification expires one (1) year after leaving the fire service (your date of termination)? You may be eligible for certification upon re-entry into the fire service. Please consult the Policies, Procedures, and Regulations of the Commission for more information.
Please read the information provided in the following links
Student Information Sheet on Testing and Certification
Certification and Retest Policies
Forms for Firefighter Licenses Plate Request
Students' Top Ten FAQs of Certification
Pro Board Application and Registry Notice
Docmentation of New Personnel
Equivalency certification memo for out of state transfers
To: Out-of-state fire fighters desiring Alabama Fire Fighter I certification
From: The Certification Division, Alabama Fire College
Subject: Fire Fighter I equivalency, Requirements to qualify for the challenge examination,
Chief of Department or Chief Officer equivalency
Reciprocity can only be requested by the Alabama Fire Chief from the agency where employment is being sought. Consideration for reciprocity begins with an Application for Certification signed by the Alabama fire chief. Official notification of equivalency shall not be determined until you become an employee of an Alabama fire department.
If our evaluation confirms an equivalency, you will be awarded the opportunity to challenge the Firefighter I and if required the certification exam for Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.
Reciprocity applications shall be judged upon the following criteria:
· ProBoard or IFSAC accreditation for Firefighter I and all prerequisites
· Proper documentation by the training facility where the certification was earned
· Total number of hours of training
· Hours spent in each area of training
Documented coverage of the JPRs required by NFPA 1001 and prerequisites
Documentation of the above training must include a signed letter from a Pro Board (NationalBoard on Fire Service Professional Qualifications) or IFSAC-accredited agency on official letterhead attesting to the hours and subjects of instruction received (official program syllabus). Documentation will be verified by the Certification Officer.
Should any candidate for reciprocity fail any challenge exam, the candidate will be required to meet the training requirements as stated in Alabama Code 360-X-1.-01(8)(a)(1)(ii).
|
Orientation and Safety
|
8
|
| Fire Behavior |
8
|
| Building Construction |
8
|
| Personal Protective Equipment |
40
|
| Portable Extinguishers |
8
|
| Ropes and Knots |
8
|
| Rescue and Extrication |
8
|
| Forcible Entry |
8
|
| Ladders |
24
|
| Ventilation |
16
|
| Water Supply |
8
|
| Fire Hose |
24
|
| Fire Streams |
16
|
| Fire Control |
32
|
| Sprinkler and Alarm Systems |
8
|
| Loss Control |
16
|
| Fire Department Communications |
8
|
| Prevention and Public Education |
8
|
| Hazardous Materials |
24
|
| First Responder |
40
|
| |
|
| Total hours required |
320
|
Chief Officer transfers
Alabama law requires the same Fire Fighter I certification for anyone beginning employment with an Alabama fire department. At times a fire department may hire a chief of department or chief officer from outside of Alabama who does not have the required certification training. With an understanding of the broad experience and long years of service necessary for someone to qualify for employment as a fire chief, the Certification Division will consider equivalency issues for chief officer transfers on a case-by-case basis.
An out-of-state transfer at the chief officer level must submit written credentials and proof of experience and training as with other Fire Fighter I equivalency applicants. Official determination of equivalency is done only after an individual becomes an employee of an Alabama fire department. Any transferring chief officer with demonstrated broad experience will receive full and cooperative consideration.
If you become employed by an Alabama fire department, state law requires certification as Fire Fighter I by the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission within one year. If you were previously certified as a Fire Fighter I in another state, and if that instruction meets all of the Alabama requirements, you may be considered for equivalency certification.
