1. Complete prerequisites
- Level I & II Technician Prerequisite (General CORE Requirements)
To certify as a Trench Rescue Technician, the candidate must be certified at the General Requirements level. Any of the following are acceptable proof of meeting the CORE requirement:
a) Certification Certificate (state or training agency issued Pro-Board or IFSAC).
b) Official transcript from an approved training agency showing successful completion of certification.
c) Rescue Technician national certification (IFSAC or Pro Board) within a specialty area (e.g., vehicle, rope, trench, etc.). Level II Technician Prerequisite Technician Level I Certification: The candidate MUST be certified at the Trench Rescue Technician I level and meet all other requirements. Attach a copy of the 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).
See the Trench 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 Trench Rescue application (PDF).
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.