Becoming a State Fire Training Instructor (California)
This pathway is for active California firefighters who want to start teaching SFT curriculum courses and move into an instructional role.
The California State Fire Marshal’s State Fire Training (SFT) system uses three instructor levels:
Instructor I (FESI 1) – entry level; teaches topics or modules under supervision
Instructor II (FESI 2) – develops and delivers full courses independently
Instructor III (FESI 3) – manages training programs and supervises other instructors
Most firefighters begin with Instructor I (FESI 1), then progress to higher levels as they gain experience teaching.
Official SFT Pages:
Checklist: Becoming an SFT Instructor
Step 1 – Complete the Required Instructor Course
For Instructor I: complete the Instructional Methodology course
For Instructor II: complete the Instructional Development course
For Instructor III: complete the Training Program Management course
Step 2 – Open and Complete Your Task Book
Download the appropriate FESI Task Book from the SFT website.
Start the task book before you begin delivering instruction.
Complete all required activities and have them signed off by an approved evaluator.
Confirm with Checklist you have everything complete.
Step 3 – Apply for Instructor Certification
Submit your completed application packet to State Fire Training.
Include:
Proof of course completion
Completed task book
Once approved, you will be issued your Instructor I, II, or III certification.
Step 4 – Register as an Instructor
Once certified, apply for Instructor Registration through SFT.
Registration authorizes you to teach specific SFT curriculum courses (e.g., Fire Control 3, RIC, HazMat, Rescue Systems, etc.).
You’ll need an SFT ID number and affiliation with a sponsoring agency or regional training program to register.
Step 5 – Maintain Your Instructor Status
Keep your contact and agency information current in your SFT profile
Follow SFT policies for course delivery, documentation, and roster submission
Retain copies of rosters and course records as required by SFT