Get Certified

Confined Space Rescue

Interested in enhancing your emergency response skillset? Pursue a Confined Space Rescue certification to grow your awareness, operations, and technician-level skills.

A woman in firefighter gear stares at the camera.

1. Complete prerequisites

 

Awareness Level

  • 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 application.
  • CPR and Emergency Medical Services Training – Must complete an approved CPR course and medical care training course (or hold a current EMS certification).

Operations Level

  • PA Confined Space Rescue Operations Training Course
  • Confined Space Rescue Awareness Level
  • Rope Rescue Operations training or certification
  • 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 application.
  • CPR and Emergency Medical Services Training – Must complete an approved CPR course and medical care training course (or hold a current EMS certification).

 Technician Level

  • Technician Level Certification – the candidate must be certified at the Confined Space Rescue Operations level (2021 edition) or be certified to the Confined Space Rescue Technician Level I (2008 or 2013 edition) and meet all other requirements.
  • 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 application.
  • 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 Confined Space Rescue Candidate Handbook (PDF) for details about which certifications and training courses are accepted. Prerequisites are listed on Pages 4 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 Confined Space Rescue Application (PDF).

3. Select when and where you will take your tests

This map above has available testing sites.

Log into the Learning Management System portal to search and register for upcoming certification dates.

Can’t find what you need? Your preferred testing site may add more dates throughout the year. Contact them for more information.

4. Send completed application

Applications must be submitted to your preferred testing site by the deadline they have listed, or by three weeks before the test date.

Skills we're looking for

5. Take written and skills tests

After you have an approved application, your written and skills tests will be on the dates and locations listed by your testing site. Contact them with questions or for assistance.

Once you pass both tests, you will be Confined Space Rescue certified. Congratulations!

Get help

If at any point you need help with the certification process, contact the coordinator listed as the contact for your testing site. You can get help with general questions about the certification process by emailing us at ra-empsfacertprogram@pa.gov, or by calling us at 717-248-1115.