Fire Fighter 2

Fire Fighter 2 utilizes NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications to provide the qualifications for State Fire Training’s Fire Fighter 2 certification. These qualifications are documented in the Fire Fighter 2 Certification Training Standards (2024) (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 2 Certification in California is the second 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 (2024 Edition):

To receive the Fire Fighter 2 Certification, candidates must complete the Fire Fighter 2 academic training, pass certification exams, including skills and knowledge-based assessments, complete the Fire Fighter Taskbook 2024 Ed. (PDF), and upload it to the Fire Fighter 2 Application for Certification webform in the SFT User Portal. For details on requirements and the process, review the Certification Instructions Handout (PDF)

Application (2019 Edition):

To receive the Fire Fighter 2 Certification, candidates must complete the Fire Fighter 2 academic training, pass certification exams, including skills and knowledge-based assessments, complete the Fire Fighter Taskbook 2019 Ed. (PDF), and mail it in alongside the completed Fire Fighter 2 Application (2019).

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 2 Reciprocity option is meant for those with a Fire Fighter 2, accredited by IFSAC and/or Pro Board, and seeking to have this certification recognized in California. Certificates without the proper seals won’t be accepted. To qualify for this reciprocity in California, you must be certified as an OSFM California Fire Fighter 1. Visit the Fire Fighter 1 webpage for more information on how to become certified in Fire Fighter 1. 
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 2 Reciprocity requirements, reciprocity instructions, and costs can be located on the Fire Fighter 2 Reciprocity Application form. Applicants will also need to download and complete the Fire Fighter Task Book. Once completed, follow the instructions on the reciprocity form for submission instructions.

Overview: 

The Fire Fighter 2 Upgrade option is meant for those with a Fire Fighter 2 certification from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal who wish to obtain additional certification accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board. Once the candidate fulfills the requirements, SFT will issue them a Fire Fighter 2 IFSAC/Pro Board accredited certification.

Application (2024) Edition:

Those with a California OSFM Fire Fighter 2 Certification without IFSAC/Pro Board seals who wish to upgrade do not need to apply. Instead, they should register directly as an Upgrade Candidate at an accredited testing site for the certification exam. Certification will be issued automatically upon successful exam completion. 

Application (2019) Edition:

Complete and mail in the Fire Fighter 2 Upgrade Application (PDF) per the instructions on the application form.

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. 
 

Course Plan & Training Record
Skill Sheets
Alternate Delivery
Taskbook

Course Plan & Training Record
Skill Sheets
Alternate Delivery
Taskbook

 

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.