Get Certified

Hazardous Materials Awareness

Looking to increase your skillset? Pursue a Hazardous Materials Awareness Certification.

image of firefighter equipment hanging on a wall

1. Complete prerequisites

    • Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 14 years old.
    • 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.

    See the Hazardous Materials Awareness candidate handbook (PDF) for details about which certifications and training courses are accepted. Prerequisites are listed on Page 4.

    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 Hazardous Materials Awareness application (PDF).

    3. Select when and where you will take your tests

    This map above has available testing sites.

    Log into the Acadis 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.

    A firefighter carries a child who is holding a stuffed bunny.

    Skills we're looking for

    Here's what we test for in an Hazardous Materials Awareness skill exam. 

    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 Hazardous Materials Awareness 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.