Firefighter Certification
Course
Firefighter I
Unit IV
Rules and
Regulations
Essential
Question
How do
individuals gain
the certifications
and knowledge
needed to
become certified
firefighters in the
state of Texas?
TEKS
§130.299(c)
(4)(A)(B)(C)
Prior Student
Learning
None
Estimated Time
3 hours
Rationale
To become a firefighter, applicants must have multiple certifications, meet
strict personal-history requirements, exhibit high physical conditioning with
academic competency, and pass civil-service exams and panel interviews.
The hiring process is very different from other occupations and can be
difficult to understand. Having a clear understanding of this process helps
candidates prepare themselves to gain employment in the fire service and to
build a resume with skills that fire departments desire in new cadets.
Objectives
The students will be able to:
1. Identify the correct laws and rules applicable to basic firefighter
certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
2. Review the requirements for certification as a basic firefighter as
stated in the Standards Manual for Fire Protection Personnel
3. Identify the various levels of firefighter certifications as stated in the
Standards Manual for Fire Protection Personnel
4. Identify the levels of instructor certification by the Texas Commission
on Fire Protection (TCFP) and in the Standards Manual for Fire
Protection Personnel
5. Describe the responsibilities of a firefighter as required by the
National Fire Protection Agency 1500: Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program
Engage
Engage the students in a discussion about the qualifications that they feel a
firefighter should possess. The following questions may be used:
 What do you think are the proper interview techniques you need to
know to become a firefighter?
 What are the proper resume writing skills?
 What does it mean to hold a state certification in structural
firefighting?
 How would you get certified?
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
(Note: If students have no prior knowledge of certifications, lead a
conversation introducing what the following terms mean in fire service:
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF),
Urban Search and Rescue (US&R), Wildland, and Swift Water. The
information in the Key Points section may be used as a resource.)
Key Points
I. The basic steps to becoming a licensed firefighter in Texas (TCFP,
2014)
A. Finish a basic firefighter training program
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B. Show that you can perform basic firefighting skills
C. Pass the state certification test
D. Finish your emergency-medical-responder training
E. Have your fingerprints taken and pass a criminal history background
check
F. Apply for your certification
G. Gain employment (or volunteer) within the fire service
II.
Basic firefighter training programs
A. A “basic structure-fire-suppression-training program” is a school,
course, or academy that teaches everything in the commission’s
curriculum
B. Texas requires a lot of training for its paid firefighters
C. The Texas basic curriculum includes 468 hours of training
D. The curriculum covers
1. Firefighter I/II Curriculum Outline (TCFP, 2010)
a) General introduction
b) Fire department communications
c) Foreground operations
d) Rescue operations
e) Prevention, preparedness, and maintenance
f) Hazardous-materials awareness and operations
2. Hazmat Awareness Curriculum Outline (TCFP, 2010)
a) General HAZMAT introduction
b) Analyzing the incident hazmat
c) Planning the response
d) Implementing the planned response
e) Evaluating progress
f) Terminating the incident
3. Hazmat Materials Curriculum Outline (TCFP, 2010)
a) General hazmat introductions
b) Analyzing the incident
c) Planning the response
d) Implementing the planned response
e) Evaluating progress
f) Terminating the incident
g) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and product control
4. US Department of Homeland Security Courses (FEMA, 2013)
a) Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)
b) ICS for single resources and initial action incidents
c) National Incident Management System (NIMS)
d) National Response Framework, an introduction
III. Qualifications for Texas Firefighters stated in the Standards Manual for
Fire Protection Personnel (Title 37, part 13, chapter 421, rule 421.3 in
the Texas Administrative Code)
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A. Complete a commission-approved course successfully and achieve a
passing score on the written and the performance certification
examinations
B. Must be at least 18 years of age
C. Must have at least a high school diploma (most departments require
some college)
D. Have the ability to communicate verbally, via telephone and radio
equipment
E. Have the ability to lift, carry, drag, and balance the weight equivalent
of the average human
F. Have the ability to interpret in English, written, and oral instructions
G. Have the ability to work effectively in high-stress situations
H. Have the ability to work effectively in an environment with loud noises
and flashing lights
I. Have the ability to function through an entire work shift (which is
usually 24 hours)
J. Have the ability to calculate weight and volume ratios
K. Have the ability to read and understand English-language manuals,
including chemical, medical, and technical terms, and road maps
L. Have the ability to discern accurately street signs and address
numbers
M. Have the ability to document in English all relevant information in a
prescribed format in light of legal ramifications
N. Have the ability to converse in English with coworkers and other
emergency response personnel
O. Have good manual dexterity with the ability to perform all tasks
related to the protection of life and property
P. Have the ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven surfaces
Q. Have the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as
extreme heat, cold, and moisture
R. Have the ability to work in low or no light, confined spaces, elevated
heights and other dangerous environments
IV. Various Levels of Firefighting Certifications
A. Structural firefighter (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master)
1. The following are needed to advance in the levels of certification
(for all of the “specialties” listed below)
a) Amount of time with current certification in the field
b) Educational hours in the content/specialty area
c) Application submitted (with transcripts)
d) $85.00
B. Aircraft (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master)
C. Marine (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master)
D. Fire-Service Instructor (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master)
E. Fire Inspector
F. Fire Investigator
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G. Driver Operator/Pumper
H. Fire Officer I, II, III, IV
I. HAZMAT (Tech and Incident Commander)
J. Wildland
K. Incident Safety Officer
V. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1500, Standard on Fire
Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
A. This standard was developed to provide a consensus standard for an
occupational safety and health program for the fire service
B. The intent of this standard is to provide the framework for a safety and
health program for a fire department or any type of organization
providing similar services
1. The fire department shall actively attempt to identify and limit or
prevent the exposure of members to infectious and contagious
diseases in the performance of their assigned duties
2. The fire department shall operate an infection control program that
meets the requirements of NFPA standards. When appropriate,
inoculations, vaccinations, and other treatment shall be made
available
3. When fire department members routinely respond to emergency
medical incidents, the fire department should consult with medical
professionals and agencies on measures to limit the exposure of
members to infectious and contagious diseases. This should
include the provision and maintenance of equipment to avoid or
limit direct physical contact with patients, when feasible
4. Members who perform emergency medical care or otherwise may
be exposed to blood or other body fluids shall be provided with
emergency medical garments, emergency medical face protection
devices, and emergency medical gloves that meet the applicable
requirements of NFPA standards
VI. Training Facilities
A. Several of the state's large fire departments run their own fire
academies
B. These academies are typically open only to the departments’ recruits
C. There are also public and private fire academies put on by community
colleges and private institutions throughout the state
D. Every fire department has its own hiring process. In general, hiring
processes include:
1. A civil-service test
2. A physical-ability test: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
3. A series of interviews
4. A criminal background check
E. Some departments will not accept your application unless you already
have emergency responder medical training, such as a National
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Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - Basic certificate
(NREMT-B) or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic (NREMT-P) certificate
F. The competition for these jobs can be fierce. Some of the state's
larger departments have several hundred applicants for each open
position (i.e. In 2012 the Dallas Fire Department had 1600 applicants
for 60 positions)
G. If you have your heart set on working at a specific department, learn
everything you can about the department and keep an eye on its
human resources website. In general, these departments only hire
once a year, have prerequisites, and clearly state their hiring process
VII. Basic Fire Suppression Written Exam (Administered by the State)
A. You must pass the commission's basic structure-fire suppression
examination, which contains a written section and a performance
skills section
B. In order to pass the exam you must receive a grade of at least 70
percent on the written portion and a pass on the performance skills
test
C. No one can be a firefighter in Texas without this certificate
D. In order to schedule the exam you must contact the Texas
Commission on Fire Protection, and they will mail a packet with a
study guide and the examination schedule
VIII. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Requirement
A. All firefighters in Texas must show proof that they have completed the
Department of State Health Service's (DSHS) emergency care
attendant (ECA) or the American Red Cross Emergency Responder
training
B. Most community colleges, fire departments, and other for-profit
sources provide this training
C. The Department of State Health Service has a list of providers
D. The most common form of required certification is a NREMT-B or
NREMT-P
1. Those departments requiring their firefighters to ride on a Medical
Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and to provide Advanced
Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and advanced medical care
need the higher NREMT-P designation
IX. Governing Body for Credentials, Curriculum, and Accreditation
A. Texas Commission of Fire Protection
1. Phone number: (512) 936-3838
2. Fax number: (512) 936-3808
3. Address: Texas Commission on Fire Protection, PO Box 2286,
Austin, TX 78768-2286
4. Physical Address: 1701 N. Congress, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78701
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Activities
1. Fire Department Hiring Requirements Research – Reiterate to students
the difficulty of becoming a professional firefighter in Texas and
emphasize the importance of applicants knowing the state requirements
and the requirements specific to the department that is hiring. Have the
students select a fire department in the location of their choice (i.e. city,
county, etc.) and conduct research about the specific qualifications
required for a position at that fire department. Have the students use the
Internet to conduct research about the department and answer the
questions in the Fire Department Hiring Requirements Research
handout. (Note: Students should visit/utilize the fire department’s web
page AND the city/county human resources web page.) Use the
Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
2. Texas Firefighter Specialty Certification Paper and Presentation – Have
students select the Texas Firefighter Certifications that most interest
them: HAZMAT, Wildland, Instructor, ARFF, Marine, Fire Investigator, or
Incident Safety Officer. Then have the students conduct research using
the http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/certification/certification_overview.asp to
find the information in the Firefighter Certification Specialties
Paper/Presentation handout. (Note: Students may use additional
sources, as long as the sources are reliable and accurate.) Have
students write a 1-2 page, double-spaced paper summarizing their
research. The paper must include the information on the Firefighter
Certification Specialties Paper/Presentation handout and may include any
additional information that the students find interesting or important. After
the papers are complete have the students create short computer-based
presentations about the specialty certifications. (Note: The presentations
may be changed to a group activity by grouping the students according to
their selected certification.) Use the Writing Rubric and the Presentation
Rubric for assessment.
Assessments
Firefighter Certification Quiz and Key
Firefighter Certification Research Questions and Key
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Interview Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Writing Rubric
Materials
Firefighter Certification computer-based presentation
Fire Department Hiring Requirements Research handout
Firefighter Certification Specialties Paper/Presentation handout
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Firefighter Certification Research Questions and Key
Computers with Internet access
Resources
Texas Commission on Fire Protection http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/
 Certification Curriculum Manual, Basic Fire Suppression Curriculum,
NFPA 1001, 2008 Edition
http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/manuals/curriculum_manual/chapter_1.pdf
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Manual for Fire
Protection
 NFPA: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-informationpages?mode=code&code=1001&DocNum=1001
 NFPA 1500: Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and
Health Program http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/documentinformation-pages?mode=code&code=1500
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) http://training.fema.gov/
0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th Edition), International Fire
Service Training Association (IFSTA)
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, have the students conduct research and answer the
Firefighter Certification Research Questions. Use the Firefighter Certification
Research Questions Key for assessment.
For enrichment, have the students conduct mock interviews with one another
(or the instructor) for positions in fire departments. Use the Interview Rubric
for assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.299. Firefighter I (One to Two Credits).
(4)
The student applies laws, ordinances, regulations, and rules as
defined by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Certification Curriculum Manual to perform duties within a set
of rules or protocols. The student is expected to:
(A)
identify the correct laws and rules applicable to basic
firefighter certification by the Texas Commission on Fire
Protection;
(B)
review the requirements for certification as a basic
firefighter as stated in the Standards Manual for Fire
Protection Personnel;
(C)
identify the various levels of firefighter certifications as
stated in the Standards Manual for Fire Protection
Personnel;
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College and Career Readiness Standards
Cross-Disciplinary Standards
II. Foundational Skills
E. Technology
1. Use technology to gather information.
2. Use technology to organize, manage, and analyze information.
3. Use technology to communicate and display findings in a clear and
coherent manner.
4. Use technology appropriately.
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Name________________________________ Date__________________________
Firefighter Certification Quiz
1. ______What is the minimum number of hours required for certification as a firefighter in
Texas?
A. 684
B. 468
C. 486
D. 648
2. ______True or False: Hazmat is a required component of every firefighter curriculum in
Texas.
A. True
B. False
3. ______How many college hours are required to gain employment in the fire service?
A. 0
B. 30
C. 60
D. 90
4. ______True or False: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) is a required component of
all Firefighter I/II curriculums.
A. True
B. False
5. ______What is the age minimum for obtaining a state certification as a firefighter?
A. 16
B. 17
C. 18
D. 21
6. ______True or False: 30 college hours are required in order to obtain certification as a
firefighter in Texas.
A. True
B. False
7. ______How long is the traditional fire service work day?
A. 8 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 48 hours
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8. ______How much does it cost to apply for a certification?
A. $75.00
B. $85.00
C. $95.00
D. None of the above
9. ______In which city is the Texas Commission on Firefighting located?
A. Dallas
B. Houston
C. Austin
D. San Antonio
10. ______What NFPA standard was developed to provide a consensus standard for an
occupational safety and health program for the fire service?
A. 5100
B. 2500
C. 1550
D. 1500
11. ______What is the abbreviation used for the fire service exam that recruits are given to
test their physical rigor?
A. CPAP
B. CTAT
C. PTAC
D. CPAT
12. ______What is the lowest passing grade for the firefighter certification written test?
A. 90%
B. 80%
C. 70%
D. 60%
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Firefighter Certification Quiz Key
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. B
7. C
8. B
9. C
10. D
11. D
12. C
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Fire Department Requirements Research
Directions: Pick a city, county, or location that has its own fire department. Use the Internet to
research the fire department and answer the questions below. (Note: Visit/utilize the fire
department’s web page AND the city/county human resources web page.)



















What is the name of the location (city/county)?
What is the minimum age requirement?
What are the education requirements?
Does the fire department require a specific work history?
Does the fire department require firefighter certification before applying? If yes, which
certifications do they require?
Does the fire department have its own in-house fire academy? If not, where do they
conduct training?
Does the fire department have “special” services (i.e. HAZMAT)?
When does the fire department conduct the hiring process?
What are the physical requirements?
Is there a physical agility test?
Is there a civil-service or other written test required? If so, provide information about the
test.
Does the application require a background check?
Do candidates have to undergo a polygraph test?
What is the work schedule?
What is the starting pay?
What are the benefits of the position (i.e. vacation, insurance, etc.)?
Are candidates required to live within a certain distance of the job?
Do you feel like this position would be a good fit for you? Why or why not?
What are the websites used as resources? Please provide the URL(s).
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Firefighter Certification Specialties Paper/Presentation
Directions: Select one of the following Texas Firefighter Certifications that most interests you:
HAZMAT, Wildland, Instructor, ARFF, Marine, Fire Investigator, or Incident Safety Officer. Then
conduct research about the certification using the list below.
After you have conducted your research, write a 1-2 page, double-spaced, paper summarizing
the information. The information in the list below must be included along with any additional
information that you find important or interesting. Use your final paper to create a short
computer-based presentation about how the certification you selected is obtained.
All of the information below may be found on the Texas Commission of Fire Protection website:
http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/certification/certification_overview.asp. (Note: You may use additional
sources, but please be sure that they are reliable and accurate.)
Information guide:
 The name of the certification chosen
 The reason why this field interests you
 The duties of the job
 The Texas certification prerequisites
 The education/training/classes required
 The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and/or uniform used
 The schools in the area that offer the required training
 The duration of the training
 The cost of the training
 The components of the state test
 Other interesting information
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Name________________________________ Date__________________________
Firefighter Certification Research Questions
1. What is the minimum number of hours required to be a certified firefighter in Texas?
2. Name 4 of the 6 standard requirements needed to gain employment in the fire service.
3. Name 4 of the 6 components (or sections) of the Firefighter I/II curriculum.
4. What is the minimum age required to obtain a state certification as a firefighter?
5. Are 30 college hours required to obtain certification as a firefighter in Texas?
6. How long is the traditional fire-service workday?
7. How much does it cost to apply for a certification?
8. In which city is the Texas Commission on Firefighting located?
9. What NFPA standard was developed to provide a consensus standard for an
occupational safety and health program for the fire service?
10. What is CPAT?
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Firefighter Certification Research Questions Key
1. What is the minimum number of hours required to be a certified firefighter in Texas?
468 hours
2. Name 4 of the 6 standard requirements needed to gain employment in the fire service.
 Finish a basic firefighter training program
 Demonstrate an ability to perform basic firefighting skills
 Pass the state certification skills exam
 Finish the emergency medical responder training
 Apply for certification
 Gain employment (or volunteer) within the fire service
3. Name 4 of the 6 components (or sections) of the Firefighter I/II curriculum.
 General introduction
 Fire department communications
 Foreground operations
 Rescue operations
 Prevention, preparedness, and maintenance
 Hazardous materials awareness and operations
4. What is the minimum age required to obtain a state certification as a firefighter?
18 years of age
5. Are 30 college hours required to obtain certification as a firefighter in Texas?
No
6. How long is the traditional fire-service workday?
24 hours
7. How much does it cost to apply for a certification?
$85.00
8. In which city is the Texas Commission on Firefighting located?
Austin
9. Which NFPA standard was developed to provide a consensus standard for an
occupational safety and health program for the fire service?
NFPA 1500
10. What is CPAT?
Candidate Physical Ability Test, a physical agility test used to asses a candidate’s
ability to handle the physical rigor of the fire service. This test usually happens
during the application phase.
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Interview Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
On time, or 5 to 10 minutes early
Displays confidence with body
language and eye contact; smiles,
and introduces self
Firm, dry hand extended willingly
Dressed appropriately for interview
Responds in a clear, concise,
grammatical, and appropriate
manner to all questions
Prepared to ask questions
Demonstrates awareness of
background of company to which
applying
Picks up interviewer’s closure cues
and responds appropriately
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to
create a professional presentation (transition
and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are
included, using acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the entire
audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are dynamic
and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention and
relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
19
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
The writing has all required parts from
introduction to conclusion in smooth
transition.
The writing is interesting, supportive,
and complete.
The writing demonstrates that the
writer comprehends the writing
process.
Accurate spelling, grammar, and
punctuation
The content of paragraphs
emphasizes appropriate points.
The writer shows an understanding of
sentence structure, paragraphing, and
punctuation.
All sources and references are clearly
and accurately documented.
Total Points (28 pts.)
Comments:
20
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