Archived News

Archived SFT News and Bulletins

  • 06/2023 - Fire Fighter 1B Cognitive Exam Update
    SFT sought input from test development and validation specialists from California State University Sacramento (CSUS) and from participants of the FF1B: HazMat pilot program. Both recommended increasing the number of question items on the FF1B Cognitive exam to improve reliability and overall performance. SFT will be transitioning to a 25-question FF1B: HazMat Awareness cognitive exam and a 25-question FF1B: HazMat Operations cognitive exam beginning July 1, 2023. This change will increase the total test items for FF1B from 25 to 50 and will require an additional thirty minutes of exam time. Review the Staff Report (PDF) for more details.
  • 06/2023 - Machinery Rescue Technician
    Machinery Rescue Technician is a new course in the SFT catalog that provides the knowledge and skills to prepare an emergency responder to extricate victim(s) from machinery in a safe and effective manner. This curriculum incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications. Review the Implementation Plan (PDF) for more details.
  • 06/2023 - Update to Fire Fighter 1 and 2 (2019) Curriculum
    SFT updated both the Fire Fighter 1B: HazMat FRA/FRO (2017) curriculum to align with NFPA 470: Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders (2022) and the Fire Fighter 1C: Wildland (2020) to align with NFPA 1140: Standard for Wildland Fire Protection (2022). The skills sheets for Fire Fighter 1A: Structure (2019) and Fire Fighter 2A: Structure (2019) have been updated for IFSAC/Pro Board compliance and there has been no change to the existing Fire Fighter 1A: Structure and Fire Fighter 2A: Structure course content. All Accredited Academies shall download and utilize these new skills beginning July 1, 2023. Review the summary of all changes in the Staff Report (PDF).
  • 06/2023 - Fire Fighter Survival (2023) Curriculum Update
    The SFT RIC Operations (2010) curriculum has been updated and the course allows students to recognize and engage in skills necessary to minimize errors on the fire ground and reduce fire fighter injuries and fatalities using timely and relevant information and techniques. The new course was correlated to the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Fire Ground Survival program (currently under development). Review the Implementation Plan (PDF) for more details.
  • 03/2023 - Curriculum Retirement Reminder
    The following courses retire from the State Fire Training (SFT) catalog on June 30, 2023:
    • Rescue Systems 2 (2010) 
    • Rescue Systems 3 (2010) 
    • Trench Rescue Technician (2014) 
    • Vehicle Extrication (2015) 
    • Fire Control 4 (2015)

    As a reminder, Candidates actively pursuing instructor registration for any of the retiring courses listed above must submit all documentation postmarked on or before June 30, 2023. Visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 7/21/2023]

  • 03/2023 - Info Bulletin: Employment Type
    State Fire Training (SFT) has required that the Course Return roster include the student employment type. SFT utilizes this data to gain insight into who is using the SFT System and to steer new curriculum and program improvement projects. Employment type is self-reported by the student and is not required to be verified by the Registered Primary Instructor or Host Agency. Rosters that do not include employment type may be rejected by SFT, potentially causing delays to the issuance of diplomas. Refer to the June 2021 Information Bulletin (PDF) for more information. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 03/2023 - Interim Procedure: Recognized Fire Department
    SFT requires authorized signers to initiate and approve Certification Task Books, in addition to signing Letters of Verification required for instructor and evaluator registration. SFT maintains a record of these authorized signers in a Recognized Fire Agency database. Based upon guidance from the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC), SFT has clarified the qualifications and procedures for recognized fire agencies and authorized signers. Additionally, all California Fire Departments and Fire Districts must prove their authority to SFT by December 31, 2024. SFT will not accept an authorized signer from any fire department or fire agency that has not provided their proof of authority by the deadline. Agencies can submit their proof of authority and update authorized signers via the SFT User Portal webform. Instructions can be viewed at the Information Bulletin (PDF). Please see the Interim Procedure (PDF) for more information. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 03/2023 - Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters (2019) Curriculum and Certification
    The Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters curriculum and certification has been developed to ensure an effective and coordinated response to marine incidents across the state’s waterways. It is aligned with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1005: Professional Qualifications Standards for Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) best practices. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 03/2023 - Incident Safety for Agricultural Lands and Livestock Producers Curriculum
    The Incident Safety for Agricultural Land and Livestock Producers FSTEP course provides information for all qualifying livestock producers or managerial employees, as defined by a California county, who may need to take this course to access agricultural lands during or following a flood, storm, fire, or earthquake. A county agricultural commissioner or other agency designated by the county board of supervisors may administer the course. This course was developed per Assembly Bill AB1103 Agricultural lands: livestock producers: managerial employees: livestock pass program: disaster access to ranch lands. Visit the FSTEP webpage for the course plan (PDF). More information can be found on the Implementation Plan (PDF). [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 03/2023 - Curriculum Retirement Reminder
    The following curriculum retires from the SFT catalog on June 30, 2023:
    • Rescue Systems 2: Advanced Rescue Skills (2010)
    • Rescue Systems 3: Structural Collapse Technician (2012)
    • Vehicle Extrication (2015)

    Both courses have been replaced by new curriculum. Visit the Structural Collapse Specialist (PDF) or Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue (PDF) Implementation Plans or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 7/21/2023]

  • 03/2023 - Fire Marshal Task Book Update
    The Public Information Officer (PIO) course will no longer be required for the Fire Marshal Task Book (PDF) initiation. The PIO course is now a task book corequisite and is required to be completed prior to completing the task book. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 03/2023 - State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss (CARX) Course Updates
    The State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss (CARX) course's maximum class size has been updated from 24 to 30 students, with a matching instructor/student ratio of 1:30 for both lectures and activities. Please see the State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss Course Plan (PDF). [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 03/2023 - ARTP/ALA Accreditation Updates
    San Bernardino County Fire, Chabot College, and Shasta College have been approved for reaccreditation. Congratulations to all of these Accredited Academies! [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 01/2023 - NWCG Course Updates
    In order to align with NWCG standards, State Fire Training has updated the Course Plans for a number of NWCG based courses. This alignment results in lower total class sizes and smaller instructor to student ratios for many of the updated classes. Agencies and Instructors should review the updated course plans available at FSTEP Curriculum (ca.gov) to determine potential agency impacts and scheduling needs. Agencies will be required to comply with the updated course plans effective July 1st, 2023. [Archived 7/21/2023]

  • 12/2022 - SFT Seeking Subject Matter Experts:
    The CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal, State Fire Training Division (SFT) is forming a curriculum development cadre to update the River Flood Rescue Series curriculum utilizing the NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications. The curriculum development cadre will meet in-person to shape the draft curriculum, task books, implementation plan, and other required documents. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on December 18, 2022. Interested persons should review the River Flood Rescue Series Cadre Application. [Archived 1/18/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Info Bulletin: Instructor Trainee Task Books
    This Information Bulletin clarifies the requirements of an Instructor Trainee Task Book and the number of instructor trainees that may be signed off during one course. Review the Instructor Trainee Task Book Informational Bulletin (PDF) for more details. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Trench Rescue Technician Curriculum (2021)
    The Trench Rescue Technician curriculum has been aligned with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications. Current Registered Instructors will be automatically updated in SFT User Portal. Review the Trench Rescue Technician Implementation Plan or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. The Trench Rescue Technician (2014) curriculum will retire on June 30, 2023. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Common Passenger Vehicle Curriculum (2021)
    Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue curriculum has been aligned with the updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006. Current Vehicle Extrication Registered Instructors will be automatically updated in SFT User Portal. Review the Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Implementation Plan or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. Applicants pursuing Vehicle Extrication Instructor registration without an Instructor Task Book must submit all documentation postmarked on or before June 30, 2023. The Vehicle Extrication (2015) curriculum will retire on June 30, 2023. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Heavy Vehicle Rescue Technician Curriculum (2021)
    The new Heavy Vehicle Rescue Technician curriculum is in alignment with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2021 edition. This class is designed to allow students to better prepare for an incident involving heavy vehicles (i.e., semi-trailers, busses) and the unique extrication scenarios that are found with vehicles of this type. The Registered Instructor Heavy Vehicle Rescue Roll-Out Courses will begin in February 2023. More information on registering for the online roll-out course is to come in January 2023. Review the Heavy Vehicle Rescue Technician Implementation Plan or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Fire Control 4 Curriculum (2022)
    The Fire Control 4 Ignitable Liquids and Gases curriculum creates alignment with NFPA 1001. The designation of the senior instructor has been eliminated in the new course, which follows the instructor requirements of other live-fire curricula in the State Fire Training catalog. The course is now divided into two levels of instruction. This allows for more practical applications of live fire skills and drills at the awareness level while separating the more technical (pipeline, fixed facility) instruction into a technician-level course. Review the Fire Control 4 Implementation Plan or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. Applicants pursuing Fire Control 4 (2015) Instructor registration with an Instructor Task Book must submit all documentation postmarked on or before June 30, 2023. The Fire Control 4 (2015) curriculum will retire on June 30, 2023. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Home Ignition Zone- Defensible Space Curriculum
    The Home Ignition Zone / Defensible Space Inspector curriculum provides the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the role of a Home Ignition Zone / Defensible Space Inspector (HIZ/DSI) including roles and responsibilities, wildfire in the natural and built environment, codes and regulations, defensible space, home hardening, and the inspection process. Review the Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector Implementation Plan or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - S-223 Fireline Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
    The S-223 Fireline Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic curriculum is now available as an FSTEP Course. Adoption of this curriculum into the SFT system demonstrates that this course meets the Curriculum Development Guidelines. It identifies instructor requirements, increases the number of potential instructors, and adds a defined process for course registration. Review the S-223 Implementation Plan or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. Historical Recognition for individuals who have been instructing the FIRESCOPE S-223 course prior to SFT adopting this curriculum will be extended to June 30, 2023. [Archived 7/21/2023]
  • 11/2022 - REMINDER: Chief Fire Officer Certification - Associate Degree Requirement:
    Updated: Nov 2022, Sept 2022, Published Dec 2020
    Effective January 1, 2021, State Fire Training started accepting applications for Chief Fire Officer Certification without an associate degree.
    This temporary exception allows applicants to submit the equivalency in a combination of both education and experience. Applicants are required to meet all certification requirements and apply on or before December 31, 2022. There will be no exceptions or further extensions to this requirement. 
    Official transcripts and an experience letter signed by the Fire Chief or Authorized Signer must be submitted in order to provide the information needed to meet the equivalency. Interested persons should review the Chief Fire Officer Certification – Associate Degree Requirement Informational Bulletin (PDF) for further details. [Archived 2/1/23]
  • 11/2022 - Coleman Academy of Excellence Award:
    The Ronny J. Coleman, California Accredited Academy of Excellence Award will be presented annually to an exemplary Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA). State Fire Training seeks to honor an academy that constructively influences its students through leadership while establishing and promoting best practices. This academy will be recognized for developing supportive training and education programs that improve the caliber and quality of the California fire service. This academy will be acknowledged for its ability to collaborate successfully within the vocational education community. To nominate an Accredited Academy, complete the Coleman Award of Excellence Nomination Form (PDF), attach any supplemental documentation, and submit it by December 31, 2022. The award will be presented at the Fresno Training Symposium in March 2023. [Archived 2/1/2023]
  • 11/2022 - Curriculum Retirement Reminder:
    The following curriculum retires from the SFT catalog on December 31, 2022: Confined Space Rescue Awareness (2018), Confined Space Rescue Technician (2008), Rescue Systems 1: Basic Rescue Skills (2010). Visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 2/1/2023]
  • 11/2022 - UPDATE: River and Flood Rescue Boat Technician:
    SFT introduced the River and Flood Boat Rescue Technician (2019) and the River and Flood Rescue Technician (2017) courses on January 1, 2020. At that time, there was no task book requirement to become an SFT Registered Instructor for the course. SFT has since developed an Instructor Task Book and Student Training Record for these courses due to the high-risk activities in the course.
    Applications submitted on or after April 1, 2022, are required to include the Instructor Trainee Task Book. Both documents and an addendum to the original Implementation Plans are now published. Visit the Instructor Registration webpage or the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 2/1/2023]
  • 9/2022 - Structural Collapse Specialist (2021):
    The new Structural Collapse Specialist 1 and Structural Collapse Specialist 2 curriculum has been approved by STEAC and SBFS. These courses align with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications and the FEMA Structural Collapse Specialist Instructor-Led Training (ILT).
    The Registered Instructor Structural Collapse Roll-Out Courses will continue in January 2023. More details to come in December 2022 eNews. Review the Structural Collapse Specialist Implementation Plan (PDF) for more details. [Archived 2/1/2023]
  • 9/2022 - Fire & Emergency Services Instructor:
    Updated: Sept 2022, Published: April 2022
    The Instructor (2012 edition) series curriculum has recently been updated and correlated with NFPA 1041: Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, 2019 Edition. With this 2019 edition update, SFT has revised the certification title from "Instructor" to “Fire and Emergency Services Instructor” to align with the NFPA standard.
    This new NFPA alignment requires those who initiated an Instructor 1 Certification Task Book (2012) to complete a Task Book Update when applying for certification. In 2021, State Fire Training updated the Instructor 1 certification to align with NFPA 1041. This update is for those who initiated an Instructor 1 Certification Task Book (2012). Sign and attach this update to your Task Book when applying for certification. This update is already incorporated into the FESI 1 Task Book, therefore, it is not necessary to download this update if you are initiating the FESI 1 Task Book. The Instructor (2012 edition) series course plans were discontinued on June 30, 2022. Registered Instructors teaching these courses shall use the 2019 course plans. See the FESI Implementation Plan (PDF) for further details or visit the CFSTES Professional Certification webpage . [Archived 2/1/2023]
  • 9/2022 - Introduction to NFIRS 5.0:
    This training is designed to support California fire departments in documenting emergency incidents timely and accurately using the National Fire Indecent Reporting System (NFIRS) standards and guidelines. The training covers how to properly code an incident report, including aid type, which modules to use, and the submittal process. Review the NFIRS Information Bulletin (PDF) for more details. [Archived 2/1/2023]
  • 9/2022 - Rescue System Series Retirement:
    Rescue Systems 1 will retire on December 31, 2022. Rescue Systems 2 and Rescue Systems 3 will retire on June 30, 2023. SFT recognizes that many candidates are vested in the current Rescue Systems tracks and therefore, the existing Rescue Systems curriculum will be available to provide a transition period to the new Structural Collapse Specialist (2021) series. Candidates entering the SFT system should enroll in the new Structural Collapse Specialist (2021) courses and comply with the new requirements. Review the Structural Collapse Specialist Implementation Plan (PDF) for more information. [Archived 11/18/2022]
  • 9/2022 - Camp Cinder: In June 2022, State Fire Training assisted in leading the CAL FIRE Camp Cinder events in Shasta and San Luis Obispo. The five-day Camps introduced female youth (ages 14-18 years) to various career opportunities in the fire service. Through a wide range of training evolutions (extrication, water rescue, hose lays, and ladder operations) they were provided with a safe, interactive, and challenging learning environment. The Campers left the week with a sense of teamwork, empowerment, and confidence, knowing they can find success in any career they choose. SFT continues to participate in youth fire camps including engagement with Camp Cinder, NorCal WFS, Golden State WFS, United Fire Service Women, as well as the many single-agency events held throughout the state. Check out the Camp Cinder Webpage for more information. [Archived 11/18/2022]
  • 9/2022 - Confined Space Rescue Personnel: The Confined Space Rescue curriculum which includes Awareness and Operations/Technician-level courses have been aligned with the updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications. Review the Confined Space Rescue Implementation Plan (PDF) or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details. [Archived 11/18/2022]
  • 4/2022 - Technical Rescue Training Site Requirement Update: State Fire Training and recent technical rescue cadres have identified that the assessment of the technical rescue site requirements including the props and equipment shall be the responsibility of the Registered Instructor. This responsibility is in alignment with other SFT curriculum, such as Fire Control 3, and Structural Fire Fighting. The Registered Instructor is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and is qualified to determine the facilities, equipment, or personnel required to safely deliver the course. This change will relieve SFT from the potential liability associated with industrial injuries that may occur during the delivery of a technical rescue course. For more information regarding this decision review the Change to Technical Rescue Training Site Requirements Staff Report. [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 4/2022 - Fire & Emergency Services Instructor: The Instructor (2012 edition) series curriculum has recently been updated and correlated with NFPA 1041: Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, 2019 Edition. With this 2019 edition update, SFT has revised the certification title from "Instructor" to “Fire and Emergency Services Instructor” to align with the NFPA standard. The Instructor (2012 edition) series course plans will discontinue on June 30, 2022. Registered Instructors teaching courses on or after July 1, 2022, shall use the 2019 course plans. See the Implementation Plan for further details or visit the CFSTES Professional Certification webpage [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 3/2022 - Fire Fighter 1 Skills Sheet Updates: A number of Skill Sheets within the FF1A: Structure and FF1B: HazMat FRO modules were recently updated and published on the Fire Fighter 1 web page. In some cases a performance measure was added, therefore, agencies currently running a Fire Fighter 1 academy should immediately review and download the updated forms. Review the Fire Fighter Skill Sheet Errata for a detailed list of each updated Skill Sheet along with a description of each update. [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 3/2022 - CFSTES Task Book Overview: State Fire Training (SFT) requires Certification Task Books for most certifications. In an effort to clarify questions or confusion surrounding the Task Book process, SFT has published an information bulletin. This bulletin is designed to provide an overview of the various components of a Task Book, such as Task Book initiation, Job Performance Requirements (JPR), and the Task Book completion process. Review the CFSTES Task Book Overview Information Bulletin (PDF) for more information. [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 3/2022 - E-News Update: The SFT Enews subscription service is transitioning hosting services from MailChimp to Constant Contact. This will be the last newsletter on MailChimp and all future broadcasts will be sent via Constant Contact. These platforms are very similar and there is nothing that subscribers need to do. As always, you may update your subscription or contact information at any time by clicking the footer of any email campaign. The Enews sign-up page has also been updated and now includes subscription options to all programs within the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Consider subscribing to other OSFM programs by reviewing the Enews Sign-up web page. [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 2/2022 - Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss Task Books: The CAL FIRE-Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss program is for persons seeking Certification to plan and manage prescribed fire on State or private lands. To become a State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss, candidates must complete the required coursework and complete a Certification Task Book. Task Books are now available via the Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss webpage and information on how to initiate and submit a Task Book is summarized on the Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss Task Book Information Bulletin (PDF). [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 1/2022 - Fire Fighter 1, 2, and Tenured Path (2013) Retired: The 2013 Certification edition of Fire Fighter 1, Fire Fighter 2, and Fire Fighter 2 Tenured Path retired on December 31, 2021. As of January 1, 2022, all applicants must use the new 2019 edition of the Certification. If your payment has been deposited, then State Fire Training has received your application and it is in the queue for review. We ask that you do not contact SFT to confirm receipt of your application as that delays the processing and approval of your application. [Archived 7/6/2022]
  • 1/2022 - Fire Control 3A & 3B (2009) Retired: The Fire Control 3A & 3B (2009) curriculum retired on December 31, 2021. This curriculum has been updated and replaced with Fire Control 3: Structural Fire Fighting (2018) to align with NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2018), FIRESCOPE ICS 500: Structure Fire Operations (2015); FIRESCOPE ICS 910: Fire Fighter Incident Safety and Accountability Guidelines (2013); California Health and Safety Code 41801(b) and Cal/OSHA (Title 8 CCR 3395). As of January 1, 2022, only Fire Control 3: Structural Fire Fighting (2018) is available for course delivery. Registered Instructors delivering the Fire Control 3A or 3B (2009) curriculum who did not apply to meet the new teaching requirements outlined in the Fire Control: Structural Fire Fighting Implementation Plan will not be permitted to teach the new Fire Control 3 (2018) and have now lost their registered Fire Control 3 instructor credential and will need to reapply under the new requirements to instruct this curriculum. [Archived 9/29/2022]
  • 1/2022 - Fire Mechanic 1, 2, and 3 (2014) Retired: The Fire Mechanic 1, 2, and 3 certifications and curriculum retired on December 31, 2021. The Fire Mechanic program has been updated and replaced with the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) program to align with the 2020 edition of NFPA 1071: Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications. As of January 1, 2022, only EVT courses are available for course delivery. [Archived 4/12/2022]
  • 1/2022 - Rope Rescue Technician (2013) Retired: Rope Rescue Technician (2013) curriculum retired on December 31, 2021. This curriculum has been updated and replaced with Rope Rescue Technician (2017) to come into alignment with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. As of January 1, 2022, only the Rope Rescue Technician (2017) edition is available for course delivery. [Archived 4/12/2022]

    • 12/2021 - Fire Fighter (2013 edition) Retires 12/31/21: The 2013 Certification edition of Fire Fighter 1, Fire Fighter 2, and Fire Fighter 2 Tenured Path retires on December 31, 2021. All application packets must be submitted and postmarked on or before December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, all applicants must use the new 2019 edition of the Certification. Submittal Information: All certification submission requirements, including all task books, must be completed prior to the retirement date to qualify. All application packets must be submitted and postmarked on or before December 31, 2021. No exceptions or extensions will be granted. Exam Results: Candidates who have completed the Fire Fighter 1 (2013 edition) Certification Exam who have not already applied for Fire Fighter 1 (2013) Certification (PDF) must do so before the December 31, 2021 retirement. Exam results from the 2013 edition cannot be transferred to newer editions of the Certification. [Published 6/1/21, Reissued 8/1/21, 10/1/21, 12/1/21, Archived 1/3/22]
    • 11/2021 - We Have Moved!: State Fire Training has moved from Harvard Street in Sacramento to the 9th floor of the new California Natural Resources Agency building in downtown Sacramento at 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. SFT does not have a public counter at this time. Regular mail should still be sent to the PO Box address at PO Box 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460. FedEx, UPS, DHL, and other express-related mail should be addressed to 710 Riverpoint Court, West Sacramento, CA 95691. [Archived 07/06/22]
    • 11/2021 - Seeking Subject Matter Expert Cadre Members: SFT is forming the 2022 curriculum development cadres to update and replace four different courses. The curriculum development cadre will meet in person to shape the draft curriculum, task books, implementation plan, and other required documents. The deadline to apply is November 28, 2021. To apply, complete one of the following applications; Fire Fighter Survival Cadre Application, Rapid Intervention Crew Operations Cadre Application, Trench Rescue Cadre Application, and Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Cadre Application (currently Vehicle Extrication) [Archived 12/22/21]
    • 10/2021 - Fire Mechanic 1, 2, and 3 (2014) Retire 12/31/21: The Fire Mechanic 1, 2, and 3 certifications and curriculum retire on December 31, 2021. The Fire Mechanic program has been updated and replaced with the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) program to align with the 2020 edition of NFPA 1071: Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications. All application packets for Fire Mechanic certification and recertification must be submitted and postmarked on or before December 31, 2021. No exceptions or extensions will be granted. Beginning January 1, 2022, only EVT courses will be available for course delivery. [Archived 1/3/22]
    • 10/2021 - Rope Rescue Technician (2013) Retires 12/31/21: Rope Rescue Technician (2013) curriculum retires on December 31, 2021. This curriculum has been updated and replaced with Rope Rescue Technician (2017) to come into alignment with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. All Registered Instructors and host agencies delivering the Rope Rescue Technician course should review the Rope Rescue Implementation Plan (PDF) to determine how this retirement impacts course delivery and instructor registration. Beginning January 1, 2022, only the Rope Rescue Technician (2017) edition will be available for course delivery. [Archived 1/3/22]
    • 10/2021 - Fire Control 3A & 3B (2009) Retires 12/31/21: The Fire Control 3A & 3B (2009) curriculum retires on December 31, 2021. This curriculum has been updated and replaced with Fire Control 3: Structural Fire Fighting (2018) to align with NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2018), FIRESCOPE ICS 500: Structure Fire Operations (2015); FIRESCOPE ICS 910: Fire Fighter Incident Safety and Accountability Guidelines (2013); California Health and Safety Code 41801(b) and Cal/OSHA (Title 8 CCR 3395).  All Registered Instructors and host agencies delivering the Fire Control 3A or 3B curriculum should review the Fire Control 3: Structural Fire Fighting Implementation Plan (PDF) to determine how this retirement impacts course delivery and instructor registration. Beginning January 1, 2022, only the Fire Control 3: Structural Fire Fighting (2018) will be available for course delivery. [Archived 1/3/22]
    • 08/2021 - Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Curriculum Update: The Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator series including Pumping Apparatus, Aerial Apparatus, Tillered Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Water Tender has received curriculum updates. The six-course, five Certification series update required editorial changes to align with NFPA 1002: Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver Operator Professional Qualifications (2017) and the current job performance requirements (JPR) for Fire Fighters and personnel who drive, operate, and maintain fire apparatus in both emergency and non-emergency situations. See the Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Curriculum Update (PDF) for further details or visit the CFSTES Professional Certification webpage. [Archived 12/22/21]
    • 08/2021 - Updated Course Roster Template: For courses ending on or after July 5, 2021, State Fire Training (SFT) will require the use of the updated Course Roster template that collects information regarding a student's Employment Type. SFT will use the Employment Type data to gain insight on SFT System users and to steer new curriculum and program development. Course Rosters without data in the EMployment Type column will not be processed and diploma issuance may be delayed. See the Course Roster Information Bulletin (PDF) for additional details or download the new template directly from the Course Scheduling webpage. [Published 6/1/21, Reissued 8/1/21, Archived 12/22/21]
    • 08/2021 - Coleman Academy of Excellence Award: The Ronny J. Coleman, California Accredited Academy of Excellence Award will be presented annually to an exemplary Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA). State Fire Training seeks to honor an academy that constructively influences its students through leadership while establishing and promoting best practices. This academy will be recognized for developing supportive training and education programs that improve the caliber and quality of the California fire service. This academy will be acknowledged for its ability to collaborate successfully within the vocational education community. To nominate an Accredited Academy, complete the Coleman Award of Excellence Nomination Form (PDF), attach any supplemental documentation, and submit it by September 30, 2021. The first award will be presented at the 2021 Fresno Symposium. [Archived 10/20/21]
    • 08/2021 - Certification Exam Simulation: The Certification Exam process has been expanded to allow for the simulation of select Fire Fighter 2 (2019) Certification Exam skills. These options allow for immediate Certification Exam evaluation at the conclusion of the respective FSTEP course rather than delaying the Exam until the scheduled Certification Exam date. For information and details regarding which skills qualify see the Certification Exam Simulation Staff Report (PDF). [Archived 12/22/21]
    • 07/2021 - Pilot FF1 (2019) HazMat FRA/FRO Exam: Beginning August 1, State Fire Training is offering an optional pilot program for the HazMat FRA/FRO Cognitive Exam that includes an increased number of questions and time for completion. This will improve the question response reliability and allow candidates to sufficiently demonstrate knowledge of the subject. See the Pilot Fire Fighter 1 (2019) HazMat FRA/FRO Exam Information Bulletin (PDF) for additional details. [Archived 12/22/21]
    • 06/2021 - NWCG Course Updates and Retirements: State Fire Training recently reviewed the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses listed in the Course Information and Required Materials Manual (CIRM). Several courses have now been updated to new editions, and a few were retired by NWCG. See the NWCG Course Updates and Retirements Implementation Plan (PDF) for more information [Archived 10/25/21]
    • 06/2021 - Rope Rescue Updates: The retirement for Rescue Systems 1, 2, and 3 has been postponed until the Structural Collapse courses are implemented. The Rope Rescue Technician (2017)(PDF), River and Flood Rescue Technician (PDF), and River and Flood Rescue Boat Technician (PDF) course prerequisites have been updated to allow students who have legacy LARRO courses or the new Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations. See the Course Plans (listed above) for further details. [Archived 04/14/22]
    • 06/2021 - Structural Collapse Rescue Cadre: State Fire Training is forming a curriculum development cadre to replace the Rescue Systems curriculum with a new Structural Collapse Rescue curriculum utilizing the NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications. The curriculum development cadre will meet in-person to shape the draft curriculum, task books, implementation plan, and other required documents. The deadline to apply is July 2, 2021. To apply, complete the Structural Collapse Rescue Cadre Application (PDF). [Archived 8/20/21]
    • 04/2021 - Annual Report: The State Fire Training Annual Report (PDF) is dedicated to our emergency response professionals statewide. The service you provide to the people of the State of California is vital and we stand with you in our commitment to excellence in education and training. State Fire Training is proud to share this summary of our program improvements, growth, and successes. This report and future annual reports will be published on the Reports and Bulletins web page. [Archived 4/1/21]
    • 04/2021 - NFA Course Call: This NFA Course Call is for 2-day and 6-day off-campus course requests only. During this open Course Call period, applicants must select courses for local delivery from October 1, 2021-March 31, 2022. The deadline to submit the FEMA Coordination Plan is April 28, 2021. More information regarding this Course Call, including contact information if you have questions, can be found on the Available NFA Classes web page from the SFT website. [Archived 6/9/21]
    • 03/2021 - Fire Investigator 1A Corequisite Requirement Update: The Fire Investigator 1A: Basic Fire Investigation Course Plan (PDF) has changed the “fire academy level training” requirement from a prerequisite to a corequisite. This allows students to complete the additional education requirements before or simultaneously with the Fire Investigator 1A courses of study. [Archived 8/20/21]
    • 02/2021 - Title 19 Stakeholder Meeting: The Office of the State Fire Marshal – State Fire Training has scheduled a stakeholder meeting for February 16, 2021, at 1:30 pm regarding proposed modifications to the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 13, related to State Fire Training – 2021 Procedures Manual updates. Meeting information can be found on the Stakeholder Meeting Bulletin (PDF).

    • 12/2020 - Chief Fire Officer Certification – Associate Degree Requirement: Effective January 1, 2021, State Fire Training is accepting applications for Chief Fire Officer Certification without an associate degree. This temporary exception allows applicants to submit the equivalency in a combination of both education and experience. Applicants are required to meet all certification requirements and apply on or before December 31, 2022. Interested persons should review the Chief Fire Officer Certification – Associate Degree Requirement Informational Bulletin (PDF) for further details. [Archived 9/29/22]
    • 12/2020 - Certification Exam Eligibility Informational Bulletin: Accredited facilities proctoring certification examinations are now accommodating multiple types of exam candidates ranging from Accredited Academy, Alternate Delivery, Upgrade, and Reciprocity candidates. SFT has published the Certification Exam Candidate Eligibility Information Bulletin (PDF) to outline the exam eligibility requirements for each of the candidate types expounding on what is published in the State Fire Training Procedures Manual (January 2019). [Archived 8/20/21]
    • 12/2020 - Course Adoptions, Updates, and Retirements: SFT is retiring legacy NWCG and SFT courses and adopting new FEMA-NIMS Courses. The proposed course adoptions and updates shall be implemented on January 1, 2021. The course retirements shall be effective on June 30, 2021. All instructors, agencies, and academies delivering courses shall review the Implementation Plan (PDF) for more information. [Archived 8/20/21]
    • 12/2020 - Fire Fighter 1: SFT has issued the FF Certification Options Information Bulletin (PDF) to clarify and guide applicants, training officers, and agencies through the various certification options for Fire Fighter 1 (2013), Fire Fighter 1 (2019), Fire Fighter 2 (2013), Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path, and Fire Fighter 2 (2019).
    • 12/2020 - FF1C Textbook Update: SFT has adopted a second textbook that can be used for the Fire Fighter 1C: Wildland (PDF) course. Wildland instructors and training agencies may now use either the Firefighter's Handbook on Wildland Firefighting: Strategy, Tactics and Safety, Fourth Edition, or the new Wildland Fire Fighter: Principles and Practice, Second Edition. Both textbooks have been correlated to the FF1C: Wildland Certification Examination.
    • 12/2020 - Emergency Vehicle Technician (2020): SFT completed a curriculum and certification update to the EVT program in order to align with the 2020 edition of NFPA 1071: Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications. As a reminder, the legacy Fire Mechanic courses and Certification will retire on December 31, 2021.
    • 12/2020 - Chief Fire Officer & Fire Inspector curriculum update: The Chief Fire Officer 3D: Emergency Service Delivery Responsibilities (2014) and Fire Inspector 2C (2010) curriculum will retire on December 31, 2020. The curriculum has been updated and replaced. Chief Fire Officer 3D was realigned to expand/extend Type 3 incidents to include industry best practices. All Registered Instructors and host agencies delivering these courses will be required to deliver the new Chief Fire Officer 3D: Command of Expanding All-Hazard Incidents (2019) (PDF) and Fire Inspector 2C (2014)(PDF) beginning January 1, 2021. Both versions of the courses will be accepted toward their respective certifications.
    • 10/2020 - Fire Fighter 1 and 2 (2013) Retirement: The Fire Fighter 1 (2013) curriculum retires on December 31, 2020. Beginning January 1, 2021, all course deliveries shall use the new Fire Fighter 1 (2019) curriculum. Candidates who need to finish a retake certification exam under the 2013 curriculum or who have completed the certification exam and not yet applied for certification have until December 31, 2021, to apply for Fire Fighter 1 (2013) Certification. The Fire Fighter 2 (2013) and Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path curriculum and Certification retires December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, all applicants shall be required to use the new Fire Fighter 2 (2019) Curriculum and Certification, which requires Certification Exams and requires Fire Fighter 1 Certification. The Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path is designed for fire fighters who meet and exceed all required prerequisites, education, and training standards set forth by SFT for Fire Fighter 2 certification but do not have an SFT Fire Fighter 1 certification. See the Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path Implementation Plan (PDF) for additional information.
    • 10/2020 - Behavioral Health & Cancer Awareness Curriculum: Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness 1A: Front-Line Responder (2020) (PDF) is an 8-hour course and is the first in the series of courses intended to address the need for creating an Awareness level course (firefighter, crew member). This course is available to be included within the Fire Fighter 1A: Structure (PDF) course plan. Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness 2A: First-Level Supervisor (2020) (PDF) is a 24-hour course intended to provide leadership-level information and best practices for cancer mitigation and behavioral health for the aspiring Company Officer and fire service leaders. Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness 3A: Organizational Leader (2020) (PDF) is a 24-hour course intended to provide chief-officer-level information on developing inclusive cancer prevention and behavioral health and wellness programs. More information on the courses can be found on the Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness Implementation Plan (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Fire Control 3 Curriculum (2018): The Fire Control 3: Structural Firefighting (2018)(PDF) course provides the student the opportunity for learning the basics of fire dynamics, chemistry and physics, structural fire behavior, structural fire attack tactics, and providing the knowledge and the opportunity for demonstrating their skills in locating, controlling, and extinguishing an interior structure fire. The Instructor: Live Fire Training – Fixed Facility (2018)(PDF) course prepares instructors to teach Fire Control 3: Live Fire Fighting (2018). This course provides future instructors an opportunity to learn and demonstrate the skills for instructing fire fighters in locating, controlling, and extinguishing an interior structure fire using a fixed facility. The Instructor: Live Fire Training – Acquired Structure (2018)(PDF) course prepares an instructor to teach Fire Control 3: Live Fire Fighting (2018) using an acquired structure. This course provides the students an opportunity to learn and demonstrate the skills for instructing fire fighters in locating, controlling, and extinguishing an interior structure fire using an acquired structure. Fire Control 3 A/B Structural Fire Fighting (2009) retires on December 31, 2021. Additional information can be found in the Implementation Plan (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations Curriculum: Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations (2017)(PDF) course provides information on low-angle and high-angle rescue, familiarizing participants with the operation of simple, complex, and compound rope rescue systems environments. Rope Rescue Technician (2017)(PDF) course provides information on high-angle rescue, familiarizing participants with the operation of simple, complex, and compound rope rescue systems in the high-angle environment. Rope Rescue Technician (2013) curriculum,  Rescue Systems 1: Rope Rescue (Module 1) curriculum, and Rescue Systems 1: Ladder Rescue Systems (Module 3) will retire on June 30, 2021. Additional information can be found in the Implementation Plan (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Electronic Delivery of SFT Courses: Only Accredited Regional Training Programs (ARTP) and Accredited Local Academies (ALA) may deliver a State Fire Training (SFT) course in a distance learning format (i.e., Canvas, Microsoft Teams, Target Solutions, WebEx, Zoom) per the State Fire Training Procedures Manual, Section 3.7. Learn about distance education options and the application process by reviewing the Electronic Delivery of SFT Courses Information Bulletin (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Upgrade Candidates: SFT has removed the 10-year requirement for candidates who have an existing California Fire Fighter 1 or 2 Certification and seek to add IFSAC or Pro Board seals. Candidates must apply for an upgrade to obtain an exam authorization from State Fire Training before enrolling in the certification exam. See the Fire Fighter 1 and Fire Fighter 2 Upgrade applications for additional information. 
    • 10/2020 - Reciprocity Candidates: Candidates who are seeking Fire Fighter 1 and Fire Fighter 2 reciprocity using out-of-state or Department of Defense IFSACand/or Pro Board Certifications must have certifications issued within the last 10 years. Candidates who hold IFSAC and/or Pro Board seals that are more than 10 years old must take the California Certification exam(s) to qualify for reciprocity. See the Fire Fighter 1 and Fire Fighter 2 Reciprocity applications for additional information.
    • 10/2020 - Psychomotor Skills Exam Changes: SFT has updated the random skills notification process, clarified random skill delivery expectations, and added an option for alternate psychomotor skills evaluation for the Fire Fighter 1 and Fire Fighter 2 Certification Exams. ALAs, ARTPs, Registered Lead Evaluators, and Registered Skills Evaluators should review the process changes. SFT withdrew the changes to the Skill 3-10c for Fire Fighter 1 Certification Exams. ALAs and ARTPs can continue to simulate the skill if a registered Fire Control 3 course is conducted with all candidates. For more information, please see the Information Bulletin (PDF) and Interim Procedure (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Fire Inspector 2C (2016) Implementation Plan: In December 2019, the SBFS approved the Fire Inspector 2 curriculum and Certification update. One of the significant changes was the addition of eight (8) hours to the Fire Inspector 2C (2014) course plan (PDF). The approval by STEAC and SBFS did not include an Implementation Plan (PDF) to show the  Fire Inspector 2C (2010) course retirement. SFT will be retiring the Fire Inspector 2C (2010) on December 31, 2020. All Registered Instructors and host agencies will be required to deliver the Fire Inspector 2C (2014) beginning January 1, 2021.
    • 10/2020 - Fire Marshal Certification & Instructor Registration: The education requirements for Fire Marshal Certification require the completion of the G-290 Basic PIO. SFT will accept S-203 Introduction to Incident Information to meet this education requirement. SFT has clarified the Fire Marshal instructor experience requirements. Instructors are required to demonstrate that they are a subject matter expert for each course topic. For more information, please see the Interim Procedure (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Fire Fighter 1 (2019) - Fire Fighter 1C: Wildland Update: NFPA released the 2020 edition of NFPA 1051: Standard Wildland Firefighting Personnel Professional Qualifications in September 2019. SFT uses NFPA 1051 as a basis for the Fire Fighter 1, Company Officer, and Chief Fire Officer training standards and certification requirements. An administrative review has been conducted to evaluate the changes between the 2016 and 2020 editions of NFPA 1051 for the Wildland Fire Fighter 1 level. There are no substantial changes to Fire Fighter 1 (2019) (in total course hours or cost) to the training standards. Review the Fire Fighter 1 (2019) 1051 Update (PDF) from the STEAC staff report for more information.
    • 10/2020 - Acadis Maintenance: The SFT User Portal, the Testing Portal, and supporting resources such as the Training Catalog, etc. may be unavailable due to routinely scheduled maintenance. Learn about scheduled outages by reviewing the Acadis Portal Maintenance Information Bulletin (PDF).
    • 10/2020 - Fee Report [Updated] - See original post published on 09/2019 for updated language.
    • 05/2020 - Updated: ICS 300/ICS 400 Curriculum and Instructor Requirements. FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) released updated curriculum for ICS 300 and ICS 400, therefore SFT is retiring the old 2013 ICS 300 and ICS 400 curriculum on June 30, 2020. Existing Registered Instructors are required to complete an ICS Instructor Update Web Form on or before June 30, 2020. Instructors who fail to complete the Web Form will lose their instructor status for ICS 300 and/or ICS 400. The Instructor Update can be completed through the SFT User Portal. Once the Web Form is completed, Registered Instructors can teach the new 2019 curriculum. See the Implementation Plan (PDF) for more information.
    • 05/2020 - CSU Humboldt State Bachelor Program. SFT and CSU Humboldt State University are excited to announce a pathway to a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students can now pursue higher education within the California State University system using the Chief Fire Officer courses as elective credit. The CSU Humboldt State Bachelor of Arts degree is 100% online. For more information about the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, review the SFT Information Bulletin (PDF), the SFT's CSU Humboldt State Bachelor Program web page, and visit the CSU Humboldt State website for enrollment information.
    • 05/2020 - The OSFM is providing Notice of Scheduled Public Hearing (PDF) of proposed modifications to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 13, related to State Fire Training – fee increase adjustment to certification and training standards for California fire service personnel.  Pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.8, the OSFM will hold a public hearing on the proposed action on Friday, June 5, 2020, at 1:30 pm to accept oral testimony regarding this proposed regulatory action.
    • 04/2020 - The OSFM is providing Notice of a 45-Day Public Comment Period of proposed modifications to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 13, related to State Fire Training – Fee Increase Adjustment. The Notice (NOPR), Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR), Text of Regulations (ET),  including the “Documents Incorporated by Reference or Relied Upon” and any other materials may be accessed on the State Fire Marshal website under the tab titled (SFT) State Fire Training – Fire Service Training and Certification - Fee Increase. The OSFM will accept written comments regarding this proposed regulatory action for 45 days beginning April 10, 2020, and ending May 25, 2020.
    • 03/2020 - Fire Fighter 1 and 2 (2019) Certification Exam Application. ARTPs and ALAs requesting the Fire Fighter 1 (2019) and/or Fire Fighter 2 (2019) certification exam shall use the Certification Examination (2019) Scheduling Request Application (PDF). Exam requests shall be submitted 6 weeks prior to the first exam through the SFT User Portal, and the Fire Fighter (2019) Academy Roster Template (XLSX) is required to be uploaded at the time of application. ARTPs or ALAs utilizing CSTI or IAFF for Hazardous Material training and certification, need to review the Fire Fighter 1 (2019) CSTI and IAFF Hazardous Material Reciprocity Information Bulletin (PDF) for details on scheduling and returning the Fire Fighter 1 (2019) certification exam. The Fire Fighter Academy Results Template (XLSX) has been updated to include Fire Fighter 2 and will be required to be used when uploading Psychomotor Skills Exam results. The Fire Fighter 1 and 2 (2019) cognitive exams will be delivered through the SFT Testing Portal. Lead Evaluators administering the exams shall review the Cognitive Exam Proctor Instructions (PDF) prior to administering the cognitive exam.
    • 03/2020 - Fire Fighter 2 Skills Evaluator and Lead Evaluator. To be eligible to be a Skills Evaluator and Lead Evaluator for the new Fire Fighter 2 (2019) certification exams, you are required to have an SFT Fire Fighter 2 certification. SFT has completed an administrative review of all current Skills Evaluators and Lead Evaluators who have an SFT Fire Fighter 2 certification listed in their SFT User Portal. All Registered Skill Evaluators and Registered Lead Evaluators with a Fire Fighter 2 certification were issued a Fire Fighter 2 Skills Evaluator and/or Lead Evaluator through the SFT User Portal. If you have an SFT Fire Fighter 2 certification that was not listed, submit a copy of your Fire Fighter 2 Certification with a Registered Skills Evaluator Application (PDF) or Registered Lead Evaluator Application (PDF).
    • 03/2020 - Skills Evaluator Application Requirements Change. Beginning July 1, 2020, all applicants applying to become a Registered Skills Evaluator will be required to have an SFT Instructor 1, Training Instructor 1, or Fire Instructor 1 certification. Additionally, beginning July 1, 2020, all Fire Fighter 1 Skills Evaluator applicants shall possess an SFT Fire Fighter 1 certification. Use the new Registered Skills Evaluator Application (PDF) when applying. Information regarding Skills Evaluator registration can be found on the Evaluator Resources web page.
    • 03/2020 - Chief Fire Officer 3D Course Update. Chief Fire Officer 3D (2019) (PDF) will be phased-in to the California Fire Service Training and Education System. This course has been realigned to include expanding/extended Type 3 incidents, allowing for dual certification with the NWCG S-300 Extended Attack Incident Commander course. S-300 is the base course for CICCS certification as an Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3). Chief Fire Officer 3D (2014) will retire on December 31, 2020. For Chief Fire Officer Certification, an applicant may use the 2014 or 2019 course. The Chief Fire Officer 3D (2019) Implementation Plan (PDF) has additional information regarding these changes.
    • 03/2020 - Fire Fighter 1A: Structure (2019) - Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness. The SBFS and the STEAC have approved two Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness topics to be incorporated into the Fire Fighter 1A: Structure Course Plan (PDF). This will add Topic 2-3: Stress and Resilience and Topic 2-4: Cancer Awareness. These eight-course hours were forecasted and incorporated into the Fire Fighter 1A: Structure Course Plan, so there is no added course time. SFT will be adding stand-alone Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness FSTEP courses to the SFT course catalog later this year.
    • 03/2020 - Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path. The Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path is designed for fire fighters who meet and exceed all required prerequisites, education, and training standards set forth by SFT for Fire Fighter 2 certification but do not have an SFT Fire Fighter 1 certification. The Fire Fighter 2 Tenured Path is for the experienced applicant that has not completed the Fire Fighter 1 Certification Examination and is now seeking continued professional development within the SFT system. Agencies and stakeholders are encouraged to review the Implementation Plan (PDF) and the updated Fire Fighter 2 (2013) web page for more information. Fire Fighter 2 (2013) and Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Tenured Path Certification retires December 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, all applicants shall be required to use the new Fire Fighter 2 (2019) Certification, which requires certification exams.
    • 03/2020 - The River and Flood Water Rescue (1996) course retired on June 30, 2020. Agencies should utilize the River and Flood Rescue Technician (2018) course as a replacement for River and Flood Water Rescue (1996). The River and Flood Rescue Technician (2019) Implementation Plan (PDF) has additional information regarding these changes.
    • 03/2020 - Open certification task books have modified the application process for professional certification. All applications for certification have been updated to reflect the open task book changes and certification checklists have been retired due to the improvements in the application forms.
    • 03/2020 - The Course Roster Template had been updated. The updated template now includes student phone numbers. 
    • 03/2020 - COVID-19 Update Information. Public Counter: As the global effect of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, the CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has closed most of the public counters statewide effective immediately. During this time, no State Fire Training applications will be accepted in person. Take a moment to review the Information Bulletin 20-001 (PDF) regarding front counter closures. Course Delivery: Registered Instructors, Registered Lead Evaluators, Accredited and Host Facilities shall review the COVID-19 and the Delivery of SFT Courses or Certification Exams Information Bulletin (PDF) regarding course deliveries and administration of certification exams. [Archived 11/15/2021]
    • 01/2020 - NEW Fire Fighter (2019). Effective January 1, 2020, the new Fire Fighter 1 (2019) and Fire Fighter 2 (2019) Certifications and Curriculum are available! The Certification Training Standards along with four new Course Plans have been developed based on current NFPA Professional Qualifications and are approved by the STEAC and the SBFS. Agencies and stakeholders are encouraged to review the Implementation Plan (PDF) and the new Fire Fighter 1 (2019) and Fire Fighter 2 (2019) webpages for more information. 

      NEW: The Fire Fighter 2 (2019) Certification is now nationally accredited by IFSAC and is in the final stages of Pro Board accreditation! As a result, SFT has a Certification Upgrade Process (PDF) for those who already have an SFT Fire Fighter 2 Certification and wish to upgrade. Additionally, SFT now has a Reciprocity Process (PDF) for those with an IFSAC and/or Pro Board Fire Fighter 2 Certification from another State. Visit the Fire Fighter 2 (2019) web page for application information and more. UPDATED: SFT aligned the Fire Fighter 1 (2013) Certification requirements with the Fire Fighter 1 (2019) Certification. This means that the Fire Fighter 1 Certification Task Book (2013) (PDF) will no longer be required for Fire Fighter 1 (2013) Certification; however, a completed Fire Fighter 1 Certification Task Book (2013) will be required to be on file with SFT for applicants to obtain Fire Fighter 2 (2013) Certification. The Fire Fighter (2019) Implementation Plan (PDF) has additional information regarding these changes.

    • 01/2020 - NEW Skills Coach Instructor type. This new Skills Coach Instructor type can be used to assist the Registered Primary Instructor or Fire Fighter Instructor. 
    • 01/2020 - Digital Certification Certificates are now available through the SFT User Portal.
    • 01/2020 - Fire Inspector 2 curriculum and certification. The Fire Inspector 2 curriculum and certification have been updated to align with the 2014 edition of NFPA 1031.
    • 01/2020 - Fire Investigator updates. Following the April 12, 2019, Statewide Training and Advisory Committee (STEAC) Meeting, the recommended administrative changes were made to the Fire Investigator Application and Certification Checklist and the curriculum and certification have been updated to align with the 2014 edition of NFPA 1031.
    • 01/2020 - CFSTES Course Prerequisites. CSFTES course prerequisites for most mid-career CFSTES courses will be updated throughout 2020 to allow career experience to substitute fulfillment. 
    • 01/2020 - Course Reciprocity for eligible Pro Board and/or IFSAC. Effective January 1, 2020, SFT will now accept Pro Board and/or IFSAC Certifications as course reciprocity; however, some certification tracks will still require that the candidate complete additional SFT courses to ensure that the student has specific knowledge for working in California. 

    • 12-2018 - Title 19 Regulation Notice – Notice of a 45-Day Public Comment Period
    • 12-2018 - Seeking Rope Rescue Operational and Rope Rescue Technician Development Cadre Members (CLOSED)
    • 11-2018 - Digital Course Returns Informational Bulletin
    • 11-2018 - SFT User Portal Accounts have been turned on. More information can be found within the RMS Online User Portal Information Bulletin or the this SFT E-News announcement.
    • 10-2018 - Fire Fighter 1 & 2 Historical Recognition Bulletin
    • 10-2018 - Fire Investigator I / Fire Investigator II Retirement Reminder
    • 10-2018 - Chief Officer Retirement Reminder
    • 10-2018 - SFT Seeking Command of Expanding All-Hazard Incidents Cadre Members (CLOSED)
    • 10-2018 - Fire Fighter 1 Certification Exam Requirement will be effective January 1, 2019 for all FF applicants. If you are considering applying for FF 1 without completing the certification exam, all applications must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2018. 
    • 10-2018 - SFT Seeking Fire Fighter I/II Curriculum Update and Test Bank Development Cadre Members (CLOSED)
    • 09-2018 - New Damage Inspection Specialist and Damage Inspection Manager FSTEP Courses
    • 09-2018 - Certified Fire Chief Gregory Barton
    • 08-2018 - Effective January 1, 2019 the instructor registration requirements will change significantly. The Instructor Changes Informational Bulletin aims to address and clarify the changes to the instructor requirements.
    • 08-2018 - New Fire Marshal (2016) Certification available. Fire Marshal (1997) will retire on 12-31-2019 (PDF).
    • 08-2018 - Many Certifications will retire this year including Chief Officer, Fire Investigator I and Fire Investigator II. Additionally, Fire Marshal and Fire Mechanic I, II, and III all retire on 12-31-2019.
    • 08-2018 - The State Fire Training (SFT) online Instructor Database web page has been revamped and once again contains current information regarding instructor registration.
    • 08-2018 - Confined Space Rescue Awareness Course has been updated to the 2018 edition. Visit the CSRA implementation plan for more information
    • 08-2018 - Incident Safety Awareness for Hired Vendors Course has been updated to the 2018 edition. Visit the ISAHV implementation plan for more information.
    • 08-2018 - Certified Fire Chief Lorenzo Gigliotti
    • 08-2018 - New Accredited Local Academies: Glendale FD, Vallejo FD, Contra Costa Co. FPD and Cosumnes FD
    • 06-2018 - SFT has moved to a new location! Now located at 2251 Harvard Street, Suite 400, Sacramento CA 95815
    • 03-2018 - Confined Space Rescue Awareness Course Update. Visit the CSRA implementation plan for more information.
    • 03-2018 -  SFT Seeking Aircraft Rescue And Fire Fighting Awareness Cadre Members
    • 02-2018 -  AH-330 officially replaced the S-330 & AR-330 courses
    • 02-2018 - Chief Fire Officer & Company Officer Curriculum Information Bulletin
    • 02-2018 -  SFT Seeking Ethical Leadership in The Classroom Course Update Cadre Members
    • 02-2018 - SFT Seeking Water Rescue Cadre Members

    • 12-2017 - State Fire Training proposed new instructor requirements and terminology. Review the Instructor Registration Requirement Bulletin for more information
    • 12-2017 - Starting Oct. 1, 2017 all Fire Fighter 1 (2013) Certification certificates with Pro Board & IFSAC seals will be issued individually per NFPA standard
    • 12-2017 - Retiring Certifications Reminder (FF I/II/Volunteer (2001), Training Instructor (2010), Plans Examiner (1997) will retire on 12/31/17)
    • 12-2017 - Retiring Certifications Reminder (Chief Officer and Fire Investigator I/II will retire on 12/31/18)
    • 12-2017 - NEW FSTEP Instructor curriculum has been made available from legacy instructor curriculum: Techniques of Evaluation, Group Dynamics/Problem Solving and Employing Audiovisual Aids
    • 12-2017 - NEW AH-330 Strike Team/Task Force Leader Curriculum (2017) will replace S-330 (2005) and S-330 All Risk (2002) after 12/31/17
    • 12-2017 - NEW FSTEP Incident Management curriculum has been made available from legacy command curriculum;  Incident Management of High Rise Fires, Incident Management of the Fire Fighter Emergencyand Incident Management of Major Fires
    • 12-2017 - Fire Service Labor/Relations Management Instructor registration procedure has received a small rank/experience requirement update
    • 09-2017 - ICS-300 & ICS-400 curriculum has been added to the SFT Curriculum web page
    • 09-2017 - NEW State Fire Training Division Chief, Andrew Henning
    • 09-2017 - Certified Fire Chief John Binaski
    • 09-2017 - NEW Accredited Local Academies Livermore-Pleasanton FD, Clovis FD, and Sacramento FD
    • 09-2017 - Certified Fire Chief Christian Tubbs
    • 09-2017 - Fire Fighter I (2001) Certification Retirement Reminder effective December 31, 2017
    • 09-2017 - Command and Control of The Ric Deployment Retirement Reminder effective July 1, 2017
    • 09-2017 - Hybrid/Online Training Procedures have been updated information regarding hybrid delivery can be found on the accredited academies webpage
    • 09-2017 - Instructor Update Classes Are Back! See course flyer
    • 08-2017 - INFO Bulletin – Task Book Updates
    • 08-2017 - Info Bulletin – Fire Investigator II Update
    • 06-2017 - SFT’s has a new database and  all available SFT training can now be found on the new Available SFT Classes web page.
    • 06-2017 - Certified Fire Chief Lance Calkins
    • 06-2017 - Fire Investigator I and II will retire December 31, 2018
    • 06-2017 - Update to Course Evaluation
    • 03-2017 - NEW Accredited Regional Local Academy (ALA) Hayward Fire Department
    • 03-2017 - Evaluator Training is available for the first half of 2017 
    • 02-2017 - Retired Certifications reminder: Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, Volunteer FF, Training Instructor (2010), and Plans Examiner all retired on 1/1/18
    • 01-2017 - As of January 1, 2017 Fire Instructor II & III, Fire Officer, Driver/Operator I and Public Education Officer certifications were retired
    • 01-2017 - As of January 1, 2017 Auto Ex., Fire Control 4 (’97), 4A, 4B, D/O Aerial/Tiller, D/O 1A & 1B, Training Inst. 1A-1C, Fire Inst. 2A-2C, Prv. 1, Mgt 1-2E courses were retired
    • 01-2017 - California Fire Fighter 1 Reciprocity/Upgrade program is now available

    • 12-2016 - Instructor Registration did not retire on 12/31/16. See info bulletin for clarification.
    • 12-2016 - Fire Officer Certification Retirement FAQ
    • 11-2016 - Training Instructor Certification retirement has been extended from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017
    • 11-2016 - Chief Officer Certification retirement has been extended from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2018.
    • 11-2016 - Many Certifications will retire this year including Fire Inst. II, III, Fire Officer, D/O I and Pub. Ed. I
    • 11-2016 - Vehicle Extrication activities have been updated
    • 08-2016 - FF I Implementation Timeline
    • 07-2016 - The Fire Arson Detection course is now retired.
    • 07-2016 - NFA Class Schedule Fed FY 2016
    • 04-2016 - FF I Skills Sheet Updates
    • 04-2016 - SFT’s Deputy State Fire Marshal Mike Garcia retires
    • 04-2016 - Certified Fire Chief Eric Nickels
    • 03-2016 - Community Risk Educator course prerequisite update
    • 03-2016 - Reminder: A number of Certifications & related courses will retire this year (TI, Ins II, Ins III, FO, DAO I, Pub Ed I)
    • 03-2016 - NEW SFT Division Chief: Welcome Chief Mathisen
    • 02-2016 - FF I (2013) Certification FAQ
    • 02-2016 - Fire Control 4 Course Plan Update
    • 02-2016 - Certification Track briefing in Castroville, CA

    • 12-2015 - Reminder: Fire Fighter I (2001) Curriculum will retire December 31, 2015
    • 12-2015 - NEW Accredited Regional Local Academy (ALA) Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department
    • 12-2015 - Auto Extrication (1997) curriculum retires 12/31/16 and replaced with Vehicle Extrication (2015)
    • 12-2015 - NEW Fire Control 4 Curriculum Available
    • 11-2015 - RIO Extension
    • 11-2015 - NEW Certification & Curriculum Available (ECFO, PE, INSIII, CR, D/O)
    • 09-2015 - NEW Instructor Registration Procedures 
    • 09-2015 - New ARTP – Columbia College
    • 09-2015 - Updated Implementation Plans – Chief Fire Officerand Instructor
    • 10-2015 - Certification Track briefing in Concord, CA
    • 08-2015 - Certification Track briefing in San Marcos, CA
    • 07-2015 - Command 1A (2012) Prerequisite
    • 07-2015 - Certification Track briefing in Redding, CA
    • 06-2015 - Certified Fire Mechanics record authorization bulletin
    • 05-2015 - Instructor Update Courses are now available
    • 03-2015 -New Online Class Evaluation Form
    • 03-2015 -Trench Instructor Rollout Courses
    • 02-2015 - Trench Rescue Tech resources bulletin
    • 02-2015 - Certification Track briefing in Windsor, CA

    • 12-2014 - ICS Changes for ICS 200-300-400 Instructors
    • 06-2014 - Update to the Command 1A Prerequisite
    • 06-2014 - Last chance to take an Instructor Update Class.
    • 06-2014 - Clarification on Certification and Course Requirements for Existing Fire Officer
    • 05-2014 - Need an Instructor Update Course? Take our Survey
    • 03-2014 - CICCS Historical Recognition for NIMS Instructors
    • 01-2014 - Repost-Clarification on Requirement for Fire Chief's Signature

    • 03-2013 - Elimination of Shipping SFT Manuals & Supplements Bulletin
    • 03-2013 - Traffic Incident Management Responder Training Program
    • 10-2013 - Fire Prevention 1: Instructor Rollout Course Survey
    • 10-2013 - Fire Inspector II Curriculum Now Available
    • 10-2013 - IAFF Fire Ground Survival Program Equivalency
    • 09-2013 - Fire Chief Reciprocity
    • 09-2013 - NEW Instructor Update Courses Now Available
    • 08-2013 - Master Instructors - Introducing Terminal and Enabling learning objectives
    • 07-2013 - NIST Report on Highrise Firefighting
    • 06-2013 - Fire Inspector Certification Implementation
    • 05-2013 - Pipeline Safety Training for First Responders
    • 02-2013 - Updating an Authorized Chief or Signatory
    • 01-2013 - Fire Prevention I Instructor ROLLOUT Course Flyer

    • 04-2012 - Curriculum Changes - Eff. Jan. 2013
    • 11-2012 - Nov 27 SFT Postcard - Registered Instructor Mass Mailing!
    • 11-2012 - MEMO Fire Officer & Fire Inspector
    • 10-2012 - MEMO Prevention I ROLLOUT
    • 09-2012 - Prevention I ROLLOUT Course Flyer
    • 05-2012 - SFT Registered Instructor Update Course flyer
    • 01-2012 - Training Instructor Capstone Task Book Process

  • 11-2011 - Elimination of State Fire Training provided Course Exams
  • 06-2011 - Instructor Registration deadline for using old Fire Instructor 1A & 1B is Dec. 31, 2011
  • 03-2011 - Training Instructor Courses Transition Timeline
  • 01-2011 - Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A (2008) Course Updates

    • 12-2010 - Fireline Safety Awareness for Hired Vendors Release Letter.
    • 12-2010 - Training Instructor Curriculum Addendum
    • 10-2010 - Fire Fighter Survival Primary Instructor Trainee Task Book
    • 02-2010 - Training Instructor Courses FAQ's
    • 01-2010 - EMT-I Training and Certification Program to Terminate.

    • 06-2009 - Summative Test Changes