Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 2

The Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (FESI) 2 Certification utilizes NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications to provide the qualifications for State Fire Training’s Fire and Emergency Services Instructor certification. These qualifications are documented in the Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 2 Certification Training Standards (CTS). State Fire Training coordinated the development of the CTS guide, certification, and associated curriculum. The Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) and the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) recommended these standards and qualifications for adoption by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

Certification Information

Overview:

FESI 2 is the second certification in the state’s professional Fire and Emergency Services Instructor series. The requirements for obtaining this certification are outlined in the SFT Procedures Manual. On July 1, 2025, the option for national accreditation was added to this certification series. The FESI Implementation Plan (PDF) was developed to explain the transition to this edition certification, including timing and process. To apply for this certification, please review and complete the documentation below.

FESI 2 Certification offers two options for Instructor Certification: a California Recognized certification or a Nationally Recognized certification (California recognized + IFSAC/Pro Board seals). The California Recognized pathway requires completion of the Instructional Development course and the FESI 2 Task Book, but does not include a certification exam. The Nationally Recognized option includes the same coursework but replaces the task book with a proctored certification exam and grants IFSAC and Pro Board accreditation, providing greater portability and recognition across states. Additionally, certified California instructors may pursue the Upgrade path to obtain national accreditation by passing the FESI 2 certification exam. Out-of-state instructors already certified through IFSAC or Pro Board may apply for Reciprocity to have their credentials recognized in California.

Certification Options

California Recognized:

The California OSFM Certification pathway for FESI 2 maintains the requirements established by State Fire Training (SFT), with no certification exam. Candidates follow the legacy structure—completing the FESI 2 course, fulfilling the FESI 2 Task Book (including the experience requirement), and applying through the standard state process. No exam or nationally recognized seals are issued. Importantly, those opting for State Certification retain the ability to pursue the nationally accredited option later, should they decide to take the certification exam. 

Application:

To obtain a California FESI 2 Certification, first complete all required prerequisites and educational components. Next, download the FESI 2 Task Book and initiate it according to the instructions provided inside. Once you’ve successfully fulfilled all tasks, download the FESI 2 Application and follow the included submission guidelines to complete your certification process.

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Nationally Recognized: 

The Nationally Accredited Certification option offers the California OSFM FESI 2 Certification along with IFSAC and Pro Board accreditation. Candidates must complete the FESI 1 course and pass a certification exam (instead of the FESI Task Book and experience requirement). Certification is automatically issued once the exam results have been processed. This pathway provides national portability and broader recognition for instructors seeking certification. 

Application:

To obtain a Nationally Accredited FESI 2 Certification, complete all prerequisites and educational requirements. Then, locate and register for a FESI 2 Certification Exam directly with the testing site of your choosing. FESI Certification Examinations are only available at Accredited Academies. A list of Accredited Academies can be found on the Accredited Academies webpage of the SFT website. Some courses delivered at an Accredited Academy may automatically include the certification exam; therefore, inquire with the site before course registration to see if this is an option. Otherwise, you may need to register separately for the certification exam. Lastly, download & complete the FESI 2 Experience Verification and have your Fire Chief or authorized signatory sign it. Once all requirements, including the experience requirement, are completed, upload the experience documentation to the FESI Experience Verification web form located in the SFT User Portal. SFT will review the web form submission and, if eligible, will issue certification and notify the applicant. For more details on requirements and the process, review the FESI Certification Instructions Handout (PDF).

Forms:

Overview: 

The FESI 2 Upgrade option is for those already certified by California OSFM who wish to earn additional accreditation by IFSAC and Pro Board. 

Application:

To obtain a FESI 2 Upgrade, confirm completion of the upgrade requirements from the Certification Instructions Handout document below. Then, locate and register for a FESI 2 Certification Exam directly with the testing site of your choosing. FESI Certification Examinations are only available at Accredited Academies. A list of Accredited Academies can be found on the Accredited Academies webpage of the SFT website. Bring all required documentation to the testing site as proof of eligibility for successful exam registration. After successfully completing the certification exam, SFT will automatically issue a digital certificate via the SFT User Portal and notify all candidates of their results. For more details on requirements and the process, review the FESI Certification Instructions Handout (PDF).

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Overview:

The FESI 2 Reciprocity Application is for applicants with an IFSAC and/or Pro Board-accredited FESI 2 certification seeking a California OSFM Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 2 Certification through reciprocity.

State Fire Training (SFT) will reject certifications that do not bear the appropriate IFSAC and/or Pro Board seals. Refer to the options below for reciprocity requirements and instructions. Additionally, SFT only issues combined IFSAC/Pro Board certifications. SFT will not issue a standalone IFSAC or Pro Board certification to an applicant who already holds a certification from only one of the two organizations.

Application:

To obtain a FESI 2 Reciprocity, all requirements, instructions, and costs can be located on the FESI 2 Reciprocity Application form. Applicants will also need to download and complete the FESI 2 Task Book. Once completed, follow the instructions on the reciprocity form for submission instructions. 

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Curriculum Information

Training Documentation

This section provides essential resources, including downloadable training records, skill sheets, guidance for alternate delivery candidates, and remedial training procedures. These materials are designed to help candidates meet the requirements of this certification level. 

Course Plan & Resources

 

Skill Sheets/Scoring Rubrics

Task Book

Certification Examination

The certification exam is for those who wish to have their certification nationally recognized by IFSAC and Pro Board. This section outlines essential components and details the requirements for cognitive and skill assessments, including procedures for the certification examination. It also provides guidance on scheduling exams through accredited academies and offers resources for evaluators and agencies to ensure a standardized and effective testing process.

Exam Request
Exam Delivery 
Exam Returns