STATE FIRE TRAINING FIREFIGHTER I & II CERTIFICATION

Firefighter I Application Requirements

Firefighter I (Entry-Level Firefighter)

This is the baseline certification to be recognized as a California State Firefighter. Most departments hire as a probationary firefighter and send you to an academy that covers this curriculum.

Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18

• Education: High school diploma or GED

• Completion of a California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) accredited Firefighter I academy (approximately 400–600 hours)

• Academy must cover NFPA 1001 Firefighter I knowledge and skills

• Pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)

• Hold a current EMT certification (required to be placed on an engine)

• No experience required if you complete an academy; otherwise, you can qualify through three years of documented volunteer or seasonal experience

• Completion of Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations (included in most academies)

Once these are complete, you apply to State Fire Training (SFT) for Firefighter I Certification.

Firefighter II (Advanced Firefighter)

Usually earned after you’re hired and working full-time. Builds on Firefighter I with advanced skills and incident responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Hold valid Firefighter I certification

• Eighteen months of full-time, paid experience as a firefighter (or an equivalent combination of part-time/volunteer experience)

• Completion of the Firefighter II Task Book signed off by your agency

• Pass CSFM-approved Firefighter II skills and written exams

• Training includes advanced rescue, fire control, hazardous materials, fire cause determination, and ICS