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How do I transfer my certification training?

Below, we highlight how to transfer your Fire Fighter I or Volunteer Fire Fighter certification training from other states or entities.

Jump to Volunteer Fire Fighter

Transfer Fire Fighter I Certification Training from Another Entity/State

For training meeting NFPA 1001 Level I (II)

Please note: To work in the State of Alabama as a career/paid firefighter, an individual must meet the training hour requirements (400 hours per State law) and the certification requirements. Download the requirements here.

Step 1

Apply for Reciprocity

Submit the Application for Certification to the chief officer of the fire department that is considering employment.

Step 2

Forward Application Package

The chief officer will forward the candidate’s completed application package, signed by the chief officer of a municipal, county, or state firefighting agency within the State of Alabama to the Alabama Fire College Certification Office.

Step 3

Approved Application (may take 6-8 weeks)

The chief officer will be notified by the Certification Office of the candidate’s status. The candidate may be required to perform additional training.

Approved Applications:

  • The candidate will be required to sit for the Fire Fighter I (& II, if applicable) Challenge Exam; please note that skills testing may also be required.
  • Challenge Exam is 75 questions per level (FFI and FFII). Questions are validated to the current Instructional Manual and the current textbook, IFSTA’s, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th edition.

Additional Steps:

POINTS TO CONSIDER

  • Candidate must not have been separated from the fire service for a period greater than five (5) years immediately preceding the application.
  • Firefighter training hours must meet or exceed 360 hours in the Job Performance requirements listed in NFPA 1001.
  • The Application for Certification submitted by a department is in no way binding either for the employer or employee as a basis for employment.

Transfer Volunteer Firefighter Certification from Another Entity/State

(For training meeting NFPA 1001 Level I)

Please note: This equivalency recognition can only result in Volunteer Fire Fighter Certification in the State of Alabama.

Alabama Administrative Code Requirements

Step 1

Apply for Reciprocity

Submit an Application for Certification to the chief officer of your volunteer/combination fire department.

Step 2

Forward Application Package

The chief officer will forward the candidate’s completed application package, signed by the chief officer of a volunteer, municipal, county or state firefighting agency within the State of Alabama to the Alabama Fire College Certification Office.

Step 3

Approved Application (may take 6-8 weeks)

The chief officer will be notified by the Certification Office of the candidate’s status. The candidate may be required to perform additional training.

Approved Applications:

  • The candidate will be required to sit for the Volunteer Fire Fighter Challenge Exam; please note that skills testing may also be required.
  • Challenge Exam is 75 questions. Questions are validated to the current Instructional Manual and the current textbook, IFSTA’s, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th edition.

Additional Steps:

  • Physical Statement must be on file with the Certification Office prior to certification.

POINTS TO CONSIDER

  • Candidate must not have been separated from the fire service for a period greater than five (5) years immediately preceding the application.
  • Firefighter training hours must meet or exceed 160 hours in the Job Performance requirements listed in NFPA 1001.

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