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Fire Service Training (FST) provides training and certification for Idaho firefighters in partnership with fire agencies statewide. You’ll build the knowledge and skills needed to meet national standards and support safe, effective emergency response.

FST serves as Idaho’s official accrediting agency for firefighter certification through the International Fire Service Accrediting Congress (IFSAC).

FST offers in-person testing and approved online testing for specific certification levels and skills. Refer to the current Standard Operating Guidelines for the most up-to-date and detailed information. 

What do you need to do?

1

Review certification requirements

Review eligibility, prerequisites and testing requirements for each certification level. Prerequisites are required to issue IFSAC certification but not to test.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 470, 2022 ed., Chapter 5 (formerly NFPA 1072), JPRs 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4
Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 470, 2022 ed., Chapter 5 (formerly NFPA 1072)
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters
Prerequisites
  • None
Written exam
  • 25 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on one randomly selected skill sheet
NFPA 470, 2022 ed., Chapter 7 (formerly NFPA 1072), JPRs 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6
AHJ verification
  • The AHJ must verify that the candidate:
  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 470, 2022 ed., Chapter 7 (formerly NFPA 1072)
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
Written exam
  • 50 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on one randomly selected skill sheet
NFPA 470, 2022 ed., Chapter 9 (formerly NFPA 1072), JPRs 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 9.6

Each mission-specific area is tested and certified separately:

  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Mass Decontamination (9.3)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Technical Decontamination (9.4)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 470, 2022 ed., Chapter 9 (formerly NFPA 1072)
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
Written exam
  • 20 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on one randomly selected skill sheet
NFPA 1010, 2024 ed., Chapter 6 (formerly NFPA 1001) JPRs 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 1010, 2024 ed., Chapter 6 (formerly NFPA 1001)
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters 
  • Has completed Live Fire 1400 Training (also referred to as 1403) 
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
Written exam
  • 100 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 90-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on six randomly selected skill sheets

Must include skill sheets from self-contained breathing apparatus, hose and ladders categories

NFPA 1001, 2019 ed., Chapter 7, JPRs 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in  NFPA 1001, 2024 ed., Chapter 7 
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters 
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
Written exam
  • 100 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 90-minute time limit
Skills exam

100% competency on four randomly selected skill sheets

NFPA 1041, 2019 ed., Chapter 4, JPRs 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 1041, 2019 ed., Chapter 4
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
Written exam
  • 100 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 90-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on three skill sheets
    • Includes Objective 4.4.3: Presentation (Skill Sheet 5), where the candidate presents a prepared lesson on a topic of their choice
    • Includes two additional randomly selected skill sheets from Skill Sheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9
NFPA 1002, 2024 ed., Chapter 11, JPRs 11.2, 11.3
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 1002, 2024 ed., Chapter 11
  • Is aware that the fire department driver/operator is subject to periodic medical evaluations in accordance with NFPA 1002, Section 4.2, Medical Requirements, to determine that the driver/operator is medically fit to perform the duties of a fire department vehicle driver/operator in accordance with AHJ policies
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters 
  • Holds a valid driver’s license for all vehicles they are expected to operate
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
Written exam
  • 40 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on one required skill sheet
    • One random skill sheet: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
    • Fixed Systems and Equipment Operations Skill Sheet 8, one (1) fixed system and scenario will be chosen at random
NFPA 1002, 2024 ed., Chapter 12, JPRs 12.2, 12.3, 12.4
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 1002, 2024 ed., Chapter 12

  • Is aware that the fire department driver/operator is subject to periodic medical evaluations in accordance with NFPA 1002, Section 4.2, Medical Requirements, to determine that the driver/operator is medically fit to perform the duties of a fire department vehicle driver/operator in accordance with AHJ policies.

  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters

  • Holds a valid driver’s license for all vehicles they are expected to operate

Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
  • Driver Operator—General
Written exam
  • 45 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on three skill sheets
    • Preventative Maintenance Skills Sheet 2
    • One random Skill Sheet: 1 or 3
    • One random Skill Sheet: 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
NFPA 1002, 2024 ed., Chapter 13, JPRs 13.2, 13.3 AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 1002, 2024 ed., Chapter 13
  • Is aware that the fire department driver/operator is subject to periodic medical evaluations in accordance with NFPA 1002, Section 4.2, Medical Requirements, to determine that the driver/operator is medically fit to perform the duties of a fire department vehicle driver/operator in accordance with AHJ policies.
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters
  • Holds a valid driver’s license for all vehicles they are expected to operate
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
  • Driver Operator—General
Written exam
  • 40 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on two skill sheets
    • One random Skill Sheet 1 or 2
    • One random Skill Sheet 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
NFPA 1002, 2017 ed., Chapter 10, JPRs 10.1 and 10.2
AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Has demonstrated the knowledge and skills competencies defined in NFPA 1002, 2017 ed., Chapter 10
  • Is aware that the fire department driver/operator is subject to periodic medical evaluations in accordance with NFPA 1002, Section 4.2, Medical Requirements, to determine that the driver/operator is medically fit to perform the duties of a fire department vehicle driver/operator in accordance with AHJ policies.
  • Meets medical and physical fitness requirements established by the AHJ and NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters
  • Holds a valid driver’s license for all vehicles they are expected to operate
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
  • Driver Operator—General
Written exam
  • 40 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 60-minute time limit
Skills exam
  • 100% competency on two skill sheet
    • One random Skill Sheet 1 or
    • Preventive Maintenance Skill Sheet 3
    • One random Skill Sheet 4, 5, or 6

NFPA 1021, 2025 ed., Chapter 9, JPRs 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 and 9.7

AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Fire Officer I Certification Application (2 separate applications)
    • Written Application
      • Successfully completed an approved Fire Officer I training program (instructor led or self-study) and has demonstrated the required knowledge competencies contained in NFPA 1021, Chapter 9, 2025 ed.
    • Skills Application
      • Successfully completed all required Fire Officer I skill station preparation activities.
      • Successfully completed all assigned scenario preparation.
      • Demonstrated the required knowledge and skills to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
      • Submitted all required prerequisite documentation
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I
Written exam
  • 100 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 90-minute time limit
Scenario-Based Practical Skills Examination
  • Candidates shall:
    • Develop responses using their AHJs SOPs, SOGs, policies, and administrative procedures. (If the candidate’s department does not maintain a required policy, the candidate may utilize another Idaho AHJ policy and shall identify its source during the examination.)
    • Be prepared to explain how department policies support their decisions.
    • Present and defend their solution during the practical examination.
    • Defend their decisions using accepted fire service practices.
    • Provide any outside policies utilized during testing.
  • Achieve 100% competency of four random Skills Sheets 1-22

NFPA 1021, 2025 ed., Chapter 10, JPRs 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7

AHJ verification

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Fire Officer II Certification Application (2 separate applications)
    • Written Application
      • Successfully completed an approved Fire Officer I training program (instructor led or self-study) and has demonstrated the required knowledge competencies contained in NFPA 1021, Chapter 10, 2025 ed.
    • Skills Application
      • Successfully completed all required Fire Officer II skill station preparation activities.
      • Successfully completed all assigned scenario preparation.
      • Demonstrated the required knowledge and skills to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
      • Submitted all required prerequisite documentation
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I
  • Fire Officer I
Written exam
  • 100 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 90-minute time limit
Scenario-Based Practical Skills Examination
  • Candidates shall:
    • Develop responses using their AHJs SOPs, SOGs, policies, and administrative procedures. (If the candidate’s department does not maintain a required policy, the candidate may utilize another Idaho AHJ policy and shall identify its source during the examination.)
    • Be prepared to explain how department policies support their decisions.
    • Present and defend their solution during the practical examination.
    • Defend their decisions using accepted fire service practices.
    • Provide any outside policies utilized during testing.
  • Achieve 100% competency of four random Skills Sheets 1-17

NFPA 1021, 2025 ed., Chapter 11, JPRs 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8

The AHJ must verify that the candidate:

  • Fire Officer II Certification Application (2 separate applications)
    • Written Application
      • Successfully completed an approved Fire Officer I training program (instructor led or self-study) and has demonstrated the required knowledge competencies contained in NFPA 1021, Chapter 11, 2025 ed.
    • Skills Application
      • Successfully completed all required Fire Officer II skill station preparation activities.
      • Successfully completed all assigned scenario preparation.
      • Demonstrated the required knowledge and skills to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
      • Submitted all required prerequisite documentation
Prerequisites
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Personal Protective Equipment (9.2)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Product Control (9.6)
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I
  • Fire Officer I
  • Fire Officer II
Written exam
  • 100 questions
  • 70% passing score
  • 90-minute time limit
Scenario-Based Practical Skills Examination
  • Candidates shall:
    • Develop responses using their AHJs SOPs, SOGs, policies, and administrative procedures. (If the candidate’s department does not maintain a required policy, the candidate may utilize another Idaho AHJ policy and shall identify its source during the examination.)
    • Be prepared to explain how department policies support their decisions.
    • Present and defend their solution during the practical examination.
    • Defend their decisions using accepted fire service practices.
    • Provide any outside policies utilized during testing.
  • Achieve 100% competency of five random Skills Sheets 1-22
2

Prepare for testing

Skill sheets

Skill sheets are used to evaluate a candidate’s ability to perform required skills during IFSAC testing. Each sheet outlines the steps, conditions and performance criteria aligned with NFPA job performance requirements. Evaluators use skill sheets to ensure testing is consistent, objective and aligned with national standards. Candidates must demonstrate 100% competency by completing all required steps as written.

3

Find and apply for a testing event

Use the FST testing event calendar to find and apply for a testing event.

If your department is hosting a testing event, your training or chief officer will provide a direct registration link.

4

Know what to expect on test day

  • Present a valid ID at the start of each testing day.
  • Electronic devices aren’t allowed once testing begins. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, pagers and radios. The lead evaluator or proctor will designate a secure area for devices. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Remain in the staging or testing area while actively participating in skills or written exams. Plan to bring food, drinks and any other items you’ll need for the duration of the testing day.
  • You’ll need to arrive early to ensure that you are ready to start promptly at each start time.
  • You’ll need full PPE and SCBA for Hazmat, Firefighter 1 and 2.
  • You’ll need full PPE for Driver Operator.  
  • Report to the designated staging area until you’re called and escorted to each testing station.
  • Fire Instructor and Fire Officer candidates should come prepared to present or instruct their materials.  
  • Don’t discuss testing stations or use study materials during the testing process. Candidates observed doing so will be dismissed.
  • At each station, the evaluator will read the skill and explain the conditions. You’ll have a brief opportunity to review the skill sheet instructions. Ask any questions before testing begins. Evaluators can’t provide guidance that would help you complete the skill. Once testing starts, no questions are allowed.
  • You’ll receive one attempt per skill station. Evaluators won’t indicate whether you’ve passed or failed during testing. Results are provided after all candidates complete their first attempt.
  • If you don’t pass a skill station, you may complete a second attempt the same day with a different evaluator or chose to retest at a later date. No feedback is provided between attempts. Retesting begins after all initial attempts are complete.
  • After all attempts are complete, you may review your skills packet and evaluator feedback. If you don’t pass the retest, you’ll be asked to sign the skill sheet acknowledging receipt of the feedback and required improvements.
  • A third attempt must be completed at a future testing event. Third attempts aren’t permitted on the same day.
  • At the conclusion of testing, you’ll sign your skills packet to confirm you had an opportunity to review your results. Skills packets are returned to FST and aren’t provided to candidates.
  • Cheating results in immediate dismissal.
  • Talking isn’t permitted during the exam.
  • Only one candidate may leave the room at a time. All testing materials must be turned in to the proctor before leaving.
  • Don’t forget to indicate what version of the exam you are taking.
  • Don’t write in the exam booklet.
  • FST provides pencils, calculators, Emergency Response Guides and a DOT 17, if needed.
  • Each exam has a set time limit based on certification level. Additional time is available only if a testing accommodation request is submitted and approved before the testing event.
Time limits by certification
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness: 60 minutes
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—CORE: 90 minutes
  • Hazardous Materials Operations—Mission Specific: 60 minutes
  • Firefighter I and II: 90 minutes
  • Driver Operator—General, Aerial, Water Supply: 60 minutes
  • Driver Operator—Pumper: 90 minutes
  • Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I: 90 minutes
  • Fire Officer I, II and III: 90 minutes
Testing accommodations

FST provides reasonable accommodations for written IFSAC exams to qualified candidates. Accommodation requests must be submitted and approved in advance using the ADA Testing Accommodation Form. The form must be completed and signed by the candidate’s chief or training officer.

Accommodations apply to written exams only. The AHJ is responsible for determining and verifying medical and physical fitness requirements for skills testing.

5

After the exam

Skills results are provided on the day of testing. Written results are sent to the candidate’s training or chief officer within two to three weeks.

A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the written exam. Skills testing is graded on a pass-or-fail basis, with 100% competency required.

IFSAC certification is issued upon successful completion of all requirements.

Candidates have one year to complete all testing requirements, including written and skills exams.

Up to three attempts are allowed for each component. After three failed attempts, a six-month waiting period is required before restarting the testing process.

If a candidate does not pass the written exam, they may retake the exam at a future testing event or submit a written appeal within 30 days of receiving their score. Appeals must be submitted to the FST Program Director and must be specific.

6

Online exams

Online skills testing is limited to Fire and Emergency Services Instructor and Fire Officer certification levels. Online skills testing provides an alternative method for completing applicable scenario-based practical skills when the required Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) can be adequately demonstrated, observed, and evaluated through a live online format. 

Online skills certification examinations shall only be administered under the coordination through an AHJ and FST. 

Online testing is intended to supplement, not replace, traditional FST written testing events.

Online written certification testing is intended for the following situations:

  • Retesting for any Idaho FST IFSAC written certification examination.
  • Initial certification testing for scheduled examinations involving fewer than four candidates and there are no scheduled exams in a 30-mile radius within 30 days.
  • Initial certification testing for the following certification programs regardless of class size, when approved by Idaho Fire Service Training:
    • Fire Instructor I
    • Fire Officer I, II, and II
    • Driver/Operator – General, Pumper, Aerial, Mobile Water Supply

Online written certification examinations shall only be administered under the coordination through an AHJ and FST.

Online skills testing is limited to Fire and Emergency Services Instructor and Fire Officer certification levels. Online skills testing provides an alternative method for completing applicable scenario-based practical skills when the required Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) can be adequately demonstrated, observed, and evaluated through a live online format. 

Online skills certification examinations shall only be administered under the coordination through an AHJ and FST. 

Online skills testing is limited to Fire and Emergency Services Instructor and Fire Officer certification levels. Online skills testing provides an alternative method for completing applicable scenario-based practical skills when the required Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) can be adequately demonstrated, observed, and evaluated through a live online format. 

Online skills certification examinations shall only be administered under the coordination through an AHJ and FST. 

7

Driver/Operator specifics 

Driver/Operator certification skills evaluation events may be conducted as closed testing events at the discretion of the host AHJ.  

  • Participation shall be limited to candidates from the host AHJ.  
  • Driver Operator shall be limited to 10 testing skills candidates per testing event. Candidates can test all four Driver Operator skills exams.
  • Outside AHJs may participate only if they provide the apparatus required for the certification being tested.  
  • Candidates from outside agencies shall not use apparatus owned, leased, or operated by another AHJ for certification testing.  
  • The host AHJ shall not be required to provide apparatus for candidates from other agencies.  
  • All apparatus used during certification testing shall meet the applicable NFPA standards, Idaho FST testing requirements, and be approved by the Lead Evaluator prior to the start of testing.  
  • The host AHJ retains the authority to determine whether the testing event will be open to outside agencies or conducted as a closed event. 

Resources

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Standard Operating Guidelines

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