Host an International Fire Service Accrediting Congress (IFSAC) certification testing event for your agency in partnership with Fire Service Training (FST). Follow the steps below to request, prepare for and conduct a testing event.
Submit a testing request
Submit both a written exam request and a skills exam request at least 45 days before your preferred testing date.
- A minimum of five candidates is required to schedule a testing event. If you have fewer than five candidates, contact FST to discuss available options.
- After the application deadline, FST will send a tentative roster for your review. Confirm that all candidate information, including names and assigned tests, is accurate.
Confirm candidate eligibility
Each candidate must be endorsed by their training officer. FST will send a verification link directly to the training officers listed on each application. The verification process confirms that candidates meet all requirements for testing.
Coordinate with Fire Service Training
During the week leading up to the event, FST will coordinate with the host, lead evaluator, proctors and evaluators. Hosts are included in all communication and will receive shipping and tracking information for testing materials.
FST assigns all proctors and evaluators. Assignments are based on availability, location and independence from candidate training.
Prepare your site
Facilities and equipment
Provide a safe testing environment that complies with National Fire Protection Association standards. Your site must include the facilities, apparatus and equipment required for all skills being tested.
- Some skills may require an alternate location. FST will work with you in advance to confirm site and equipment needs.
- Provide assistants for skill stations as required.
Site setup requirements
Testing sites must include:
- A monitored staging area with restroom access
- Secure storage for candidate personal protective equipment
- Sufficient separation between testing stations to prevent observation
Establish controlled movement routes between the staging and testing areas. Candidates must not observe or discuss testing stations.
Consider environmental conditions, including weather and rehabilitation needs, when preparing your site.
Confidentiality
Skill sheets are confidential. The host representative and lead evaluator must not share or discuss selected skills before or during the testing event.
Day-of-event responsibilities
Host representative
Provide equipment and support staff, monitor staging areas and coordinate with the lead evaluator.
If the primary host can’t attend, designate a point of contact to fulfill these responsibilities.
Safety
Safety is the top priority. Any participant may stop an activity that presents a risk. All testing must be conducted using safe practices.
Candidate expectations
Testing events may take a full day. Candidates should bring food and drinks. Once testing begins, candidates must remain in the monitored area until they’re released.
After the event
Test results
Written exams are graded after the event. Results are typically returned within two to three weeks.
Results are sent to the training or chief officer listed on the application, who is responsible for distributing them to candidates.
Certification
IFSAC certification is issued after results are finalized. Processing times may vary based on testing volume.
Candidate expectations
Testing events may take a full day. Candidates should bring food and drinks. Once testing begins, candidates must remain in the monitored area until they’re released.
Roles and responsibilities
Lead evaluator
The lead evaluator oversees logistics and safety, ensures consistent testing conditions, reviews evaluator performance, resolves discrepancies and returns all documentation to FST.
Evaluators
Evaluators set up assigned stations, follow testing scenarios and serve as safety officers at each station.
Assistants
Assistants are provided by the host agency. They act as team members or patients as directed, follow candidate instructions and don’t coach or guide candidates.