Fire Fighter 1

A California Fire Fighter 1 certification contains three levels of Professional Qualifications set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The three levels are:

  • NFPA 1010: Fire Fighter 1
  • NFPA 1140: Wildland Fire Fighter 1
  • NFPA 470: Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations

These qualifications are documented in the Fire Fighter 1 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:

The Fire Fighter 1 Certification in California is the initial certification in the state’s professional Fire Fighter series. The requirements for obtaining this certification are outlined in the SFT Procedures Manual. On July 1, 2025, the 2024 edition of the Fire Fighter standard was implemented. The Fire Fighter (2024 Edition) Implementation Plan (PDF) was developed to explain the transition to this new certification, including timing and process.

Application:

Fire Fighter 1 Certification is automatically issued upon passing the required academic training and certification exam, which includes skills and knowledge assessments. No application is needed. For details on requirements and the process, review the Certification Instructions Handout (PDF)

Certification Exam Candidate Types: 
  • Accredited Academy: If you are currently studying at an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or Accredited Local Academy (ALA), you will be automatically signed up for the certification exam and will receive your certification once you complete the exam successfully. 
  • Alternate Delivery: However, if you finished your training at a non-accredited institution, completed your training before the exam became a requirement, or studied under an old curriculum version, you’re classified as an Alternate Delivery Candidate. In this case, you must register independently with an accredited testing site and pass the certification exam to get your Fire Fighter 1 Certification. Eligibility forms for alternate delivery candidates are listed in the Curriculum & Testing Delivery Information section below.
  • Upgrade: If you already have a Fire Fighter 1 Certification from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal and want to obtain an IFSAC/Pro Board certification, you should apply through the Fire Fighter 1 Upgrade Application (additional details below).
  • Reciprocity: Lastly, if you possess a Fire Fighter 1 certification accredited by IFSAC or Pro Board and want reciprocity with the California Fire Fighter 1 certification, use the Fire Fighter 1 Reciprocity Application (more information below).

Overview: 

The Fire Fighter 1 Reciprocity option is meant for those with a Fire Fighter 1 and Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations certification, accredited by IFSAC and/or Pro Board, and seeking to have these certifications recognized in California. Certificates without the proper seals won’t be accepted. To qualify for this reciprocity in California, you must be certified in all three levels. If you’re not, training and testing for your missing levels will be required. 

Please note that SFT only issues combined IFSAC and Pro Board Certifications. If you already have an IFSAC or Pro Board certification at a certain level, SFT won’t issue a separate certification for that same level.

Application:

All Fire Fighter 1 Reciprocity requirements, reciprocity instructions, and costs can be located on the Fire Fighter 1 Reciprocity Application (2024) (PDF) or Fire Fighter 1 Reciprocity Application (2019) form. Follow the instructions on the form for submission instructions. 
 

Overview: 

The Fire Fighter 1 Upgrade option is meant for those with a Fire Fighter 1 certification from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal who wish to obtain additional certifications accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board. Once the applicant fulfills the requirements, SFT will grant them a Fire Fighter 1, Wildland Fire Fighter 1, and Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations certification.

Application:

All Fire Fighter 1 Upgrade requirements, upgrade instructions, and costs can be located on the Fire Fighter 1 Upgrade Application (2024) (PDF) or Fire Fighter 1 Upgrade Application (2019) (PDF) form. Follow the instructions on the form for submission instructions. 

 

Curriculum & Testing Delivery 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.

Certification Examination

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.