Clarification of High School Requirements for Volunteer 160
Article by Julie Coffman

Under the current Code of Alabama, certification for Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations requires a high school diploma or GED; certification as a Volunteer 160 does not. However, all candidates for certification for Volunteer 160 must take the Hazardous Materials A&O course and pass the course exam to demonstrate competency as required by NFPA 1001.

 Individuals holding a high school diploma or GED certificate may receive both Volunteer 160 and Hazardous Materials A&O certification. Individuals who do not have a high school diploma or GED may be certified as a Volunteer Fire Fighter but will not receive Hazardous Materials A&O certification unless they provide documentation of either a high school diploma or GED to the AFC Certification Office within one year of the completion of the A&O course.