DoD Firefighter
Certification System
An overview of the workings of the
FFCS
FFCS
Beginnings
• DoD recognized the need for a standard
program for the training and certification of
firefighters within the various branches,
Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines.
• The Air Force was tasked with developing
the program from their existing CDC
program.
FFCS
Grandfathering
• Between 1993 and 1994 all Fire Chiefs
were to submit their personnel to The Air
Force Civil Engineering Support Agency
(AFCESA) for Grandfathering into the
positions at which they were holding.
• Example: a Firefighter on a base with a
flying activity was grandfathered into F/F II
and Airport Firefighter.
FFCS
Reciprocity
• After the Grandfathering phase, personnel could
submit other levels for reciprocity.
• Training curriculums for those levels had to meet
NFPA standards.
• Training also had to be recognized by an
accrediting agency such as IFSAC or NPQS.
• Some states, such as Florida, were not accredited
therefore reciprocity was not granted.
FFCS
Reciprocity (1997)
• The DoD recognized the NFPA Fire Officer
III and IV standard and issued certification
for all those in the Assistant Chief and Fire
Chief ranks.
• Also covered were Fire Service Instructor I
& II, although no certifications were issued.
• There has been some confusion as to
personnel certifications with this standard.
FFCS
Haz-Mat
• Haz-Mat was not originally targeted for
grandfathering, nor was reciprocity granted.
• Only after successfully challenging the
CerTest Haz-Mat tests for those levels were
certificates awarded.
• Only after concerns from Firefighters in
accredited states, meeting NFPA 472
requirements for Haz-Mat Training, was
reciprocity granted for Haz-Mat Training
FFCS
Regulations Governing the Process
• DoD 6055.6M: DoD Fire and Emergency
Services Certification Program
• AFM 32-4002: Hazardous Material
Emergency Planning and Response Program
• AFI 32-2003: Firefighter Certification
Program
• 29CFR 1910.120 Haz-Mat Waste
Operations and Emergency Response
FFCS
Components
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Extension Course Institute (ECI)
IFSTA Manuals
Lesson Plans, Videos, Hands-on Training
CerTest
Performance Testing
AFCESA
IFSAC
FFCS
Extension Course Institute
• Provides the materials needed to guide the
firefighter through the level of training.
• These materials are• Instructor Guide Sheets
• Performance Test Supplement
FFCS
ECI- Instructor Guide Sheets
• Provides requirements for training based on
applicable NFPA 1000 series for that level.
• NFPA standards are given to show what the
learning objective is trying to obtain.
• The Learning Objectives LO/OBJ numbers
correspond to sections of the CerTest
Certification Course Review Exercise
(CCRE)
DOD FIRE FIGHTER CERTIFICATION SYSTEM
INSTRUCTOR GUIDE SHEET
Personnel Classification: Hazardous Materials - Awareness
Unit 1:
General
Objectives:
NFPA Standard 472, Chapter 2, para. 2-1.1
LO/OBJ
001.
2-1.1
2-1.2
2-1.3
CONTENT
General Competencies
1.
REFERENCE
Hazardous Materials
Response Handbook
Introduction
Student Study Guide
2.
Definition
3.
Goal
a)
Analyze
b)
Implement
FFCS
Instructor Guide Sheets
• References shows all publications used for
that unit of training.
• Additional Information show videos or
other media used for training that section.
• By utilizing the referenced material,
Firefighter should be able to study all
information to prepare him for the Post test.
FFCS
IFSTA Manuals
• All training will follow IFSTA Manuals for
informational content.
• ECI and AFCESA, unfortunately, are not
changing as fast as IFSTA is.
• Some newer manuals have changed from
the ECI course material.
• If IFSTA is referenced then that is where
you will find the information.
FFCS
Lesson Plans
• Lesson plans should follow the course
content as much as possible.
• The Air Force Reserve has been tasked to
create lesson plans for the FFCS.
• They can be found at www.afres.af.mil/
• Daily training should follow the lesson plan
as much as possible.
FFCS
Videos
• Videos were produced by Action Training
Systems, Inc.
• They follow the IFSTA manual very well.
• Most information found on post tests can be seen
on the applicable video.
• Unfortunately, videos were only made for the F/F
I & II, D/O Pumper & Aerial, and Haz-Mat.
• Other videos can be found made by other
companies
FFCS
Training
• By following the DoD Firefighter
Certification System the training
requirements are set.
• For personnel on up-grade training the daily
training should meet the objectives of the
FFCS as much as possible.
• F/F I and F/F II objectives are the Basic
training for all firefighters.
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FFCS
Training
• Computerized training tracking programs
should be used to track the progress of
training.
• There are various types of programs
available.
• Individual Files should be keep on each
firefighter to track his training.
• Personnel taking CerTest should keep a
floppy disc of their progress.
FFCS
CerTest
• Is the interactive computer based program
designed to test, evaluate, and certify a
firefighters’ knowledge of a subject.
• All bases should be using the 3.0 version of
CerTest.
• A How-Do-I guide and Procedural Manual
are included on all CerTest CD-ROM’s to
assist the program Manager.
FFCS
CerTest
• Computers where CerTest is loaded should
be in a ‘test control facility’.
• ALL CerTest Test are to be proctored by a
firefighter with that level of training being
tested or higher.
• AFCESA and IFSAC will periodically
inspect test sites for compliance.
Training Library and Testing Lab
FFCS
CerTest
• Types of tests available on CerTest• Pre tests-assess knowledge level
• Post tests: Used to check the students
knowledge of a unit.
• CCRE: Used of gauge a students under
standing of the course.
• Haz-Mat level CerTest
FFCS
CerTest
• Haz-Mat Tests: Used to gauge the students
knowledge of Haz-Mat level Taught by a
Train-the-Trainer. or:
• To allow the student to challenge a level
which he already has through an appropriate
school. or:
• To gauge the students understanding of the
Multi-media content (Awareness or
Operations)
FFCS
CerTest
•
•
•
•
Site Specific tests:
Made by the program managers
Can be created for unique base needs. Or:
For additional help in certain subjects, such
as Haz-Mat.
• Can be used as a testing program for
various subjects (EMT, Paramedic, EVOC)
• May be taken as many times as needed.
FFCS
Certification Examination
•
•
•
•
To be taken in a proctored environment.
Fire Stations should not be test sites.
Multiple GUESS questions.
Questions will be similar to CerTest
Questions
• After passing the CE the program Manager
will set the Performance test date 10 day
notice via the internet with AFCESA.
FFCS
Performance Test
• Performance Test supplements were
prepared with help from IFSTA.
• Firefighter should have been trained to
perform all the task in the performance test
supplement before the test is done.
• Test are broken down into Stations.
• NFPA objectives are sited.
• Task are described
FFCS
Performance Test
• Evaluator will have the certification level
being graded.
• Evaluator should not be the person who
trained the Student.
• All task should be carried out unless there is
a Student or evaluator option stated.
• If the task is not carried out at the Base,
then the task can be omitted with
explanation.
FFCS
Skills Test
• Will state for which personnel classification, I.e.
Firefighter I
• Will show the NFPA objective.
• The Task.
• The Setting, such as fireground, classroom, burn
area.
• Tools/equipment
• Attainment Standard, I.e. 10 min.
• Elements/Steps
COLLECTING HAZARD INFORMATION
Performance Evaluation Items
Personnel Classification:
Hazardous Materials - Awareness
REFERENCE:
NFPA Standard 472, Chapter 2, Para. 2-2.3, 2-2.3-1,
2-2.3.2, 2-4.1.1, 2-4.1.2, 2-4.1.4, 2-4-1.4.1, 2-4.1.4.2,
2-4.1.4.3, 2-4.1.4.4, 2-4.1.4.5, 2-4.1.4.6, 2-4.1.5, 2-4.1.6,
and 2-4.2
OBJECTIVE:
PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION:
SETTING:
Given the identity of various hazardous materials (name, UN/NA
identification number, or type placard), identify the fire, explosion,
health hazard information, protective action, and scene control for
each material by using the current edition of the North American
Emergency Response Guidebook, local emergency response plan,
and the organization's standard operating procedures successfully
complete a minimum of 28 of the 35 checklist items within 60
minutes utilizing performance test criteria established in DoD
6055.6-M.
COLLECTING HAZARD AND RESPONSE
INFORMATION
Classroom
EVALUATOR GUIDANCE: Using one placard, one UN/NA identification number, and
one specific product name have the student complete the enclosed worksheet using the
North American Emergency Response Guidebook (NAERG), local emergency response
plan and the organization’s standard operating procedure provided by the authority having
jurisdiction.
ATTAINMENT STANDARD: Successful completion of this performance test is
obtained if the candidate correctly completes a minimum of 28 or the 35 listed
CHECKLIST items within the allotted 60 minutes.
FFCS
Performance Testing
• If there is not a qualified evaluator in your
department, you may use a municipal fire
department.
• Municipal Departments may also be used if
you do not have equipment to perform a
task.
• Area burn buildings an instructors may be
used.
Multi -Task Trainer
Forcible Entry Area and Ventilation
FFCS
Performance Testing-MAFTD
• The Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training
Device or MAFTD has been evaluated by
AFCESA and meets the requirements for
aircraft burn testing for the Airport
Firefighter Cert.
• The MAFTD also can be used for Structural
Burn training/testing.
• Call Asst. Chief Bruce Grimes, NS Mayport
DSN 960-5335
Southeast Region MAFTD
View from the Operator’s Control Panel
MAFTD Cargo Area Fire
NS Mayport MAFTD Motley Crew
FFCS
Package To AFCESA
• Once the firefighter successfully completes
the performance testing the paperwork
needs to be sent to AFCESA.
• The AFRES website provides a download
of sample Firefighter Certification
Packages.
• The package will be evaluated by the
AFCESA staff.
FFCS
Certification
• After the AFCESA staff evaluates the
package, a DoD Firefighter Certification
Program Cert will be sent.
• The Certification will have an IFSAC seal
with a cert number.
• A copy of the Certification and number
should be placed in the students’ file and an
e-mail to ECI will enroll the firefighter in
the next level.