1. Complete prerequisites
-
Hazardous Materials Operations Training or Certification
Must show proof of a completed hazardous materials operations training or certificate within one year of the date of applying to get certified as a Firefighter I. -
Interior Structural Fire Attack
Must have demonstrated the ability to attack and extinguish an interior structural fire operating as a member of the team. -
CPR and Emergency Medical Services Training
Must complete an approved CPR course and medical care training course (or hold a current EMS certification)
See the Firefighter I Candidate Handbook (PDF) for details about which certifications and training courses are accepted. Prerequisites are listed on pages 3 to 5.
2. Fill out an application
First, you will need a FEMA Student Identification Number to apply. Find your FEMA student ID or register for one.
Next, download, digitally complete, and save the Firefighter I application (PDF).
Use this map or the Acadis portal to find a testing site. Open dates for certification exams and application deadlines are below.
Exam Site | Application Deadline | Written Exam | Skill Exam | Email Your Application To: |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fayette County Fire School | Sept. 6, 2024 | Oct. 18, 2024 | Oct. 20, 2024 | Jim Eley, sitecoordinatorfcfa@gmail.com |
Indiana County Public Safety Training Academy | Sept. 13, 2024 | Oct. 4, 2024 | Oct. 5, 2024 | Thomas Stutzman, ispsa@indianacounty.org |
Schuylkill County Fire School | Sept. 20, 2024 | Oct. 11, 2024 | Oct. 12, 2024 | Jim Misstishin Jr., firechief@pottsvillepa.gov |
Harrisburg Area Community College | Sept. 26, 2024 | Oct. 17, 2024 | Oct. 19, 2024 | Tina Cook, tmcook@hacc.edu |
Cambria County Fire School | Sept. 27, 2024 | Oct. 18, 2024 | Oct. 19, 2024 | Frank Hribar, firechief82@gmail.com |
Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center | Oct. 7, 2024 | Oct. 23, 2024 | Oct. 26, 2024 | Ken Weber, kweber@lancastercountypa.com |
Pike County Training Center | Oct. 8, 2024 | Nov. 8, 2024 | Nov. 9, 2024 | Timothy Knapp Sr., tknapp@pikepa.org |
Berks County Public Safety Training Center | Oct. 11, 2024 | Nov. 1, 2024 | Nov. 2, 2024 | John DeMarco, jdemarco@countyofberks.com |
Monroe County Fire School | Oct. 11, 2024 | Nov. 1, 2024 | Nov. 2, 2024 | William Edinger, wedinger@monroecountypa.gov |
Lycoming County Public Safety | Oct. 18, 2024 | Oct. 30, 2024 | Nov. 2, 2024 | Matthew Oldt, mattoldt@verizon.net |
Allegheny County Fire Academy | Oct. 23, 2024 | Nov. 14, 2024 | Nov. 17, 2024 | Michael Krzeminski, Michael.Krzeminski@AlleghenyCounty.us |
Chester County Emergency Services Training | Oct. 24, 2024 | Nov. 14, 2024 | Nov. 16, 2024 | Maureen McCormick, firecert@chesco.org |
Delaware County Fire School | Nov. 1, 2024 | Dec. 3, 2024 | Dec. 4, 2024 | Kerby Kerber, kkerber@delcoestc.org |
Luzerne County Community College Public Safety Training | Nov. 5, 2024 | Nov. 22, 2024 | Nov. 23, 2024 | Brian Bloom, bbloom@luzerne.edu |
Harrisburg Area Community College | Nov. 14, 2024 | Dec. 5, 2024 | Dec. 7, 2024 | Tina Cook, tmcook@hacc.edu |
Butler County Community College | Nov. 15, 2024 | Dec. 6, 2024 | Dec. 7, 2024 | Jason Braguiner, jason.bragunier@bc3.edu |
Butler County Community College | Nov. 15, 2024 | Dec. 6, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | Jason Braguiner, jason.bragunier@bc3.edu |
Westmoreland County Community College | Dec. 6, 2024 | Dec. 20, 2024 | Dec. 21, 2024 | Marc Jackson, jacksonmarc@westmoreland.edu |
Can’t find what you need? Your preferred testing site may add more dates throughout the year. Contact them for more information.
▶ Download a PDF version of the certifications exam schedule.