Trench Rescue

1. Complete prerequisites

Awareness Level

• Incident Command System Course
• National Fire Academy, Incident Command System Course
• NIMS ICS for the Fire Service, OR
• Incident Command System and Resource Management for the Fire Service
• NIMS ICS for EMS
• NFA IS-100 AND IS-200 (Independent Study or Facilitated Courses)
  
  
• 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

• Trench Rescue Operations Level training, Trench Rescue Awareness Certification Level (2021 edition) and Rope Rescue Awareness Level Certification (2021 edition) or comparable training.
  
  
• Incident Command System
• National Fire Academy, Incident Command System Course
• NIMS ICS for the Fire Service, OR
• Incident Command System and Resource Management for the Fire Service
• NIMS ICS for EMS
• NFA IS-100 AND IS-200 (Independent Study or Facilitated Courses)
  
  
• 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

• Trench Rescue Technician Level training, Trench Rescue Awareness Certification 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)

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).

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.

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 Trench Rescue certified. Congratulations!