NOTICE: The Delaware Fire School Certification Testing Schedule and Process for some levels will be changing, beginning in September 2023. A notice will be shared on this page with those changes.
The Fall 2023 Testing Dates are:
November 18 – FF 1 & 2 and Driver Operator Challenge Written & Skills – 8am
December 5, December 21
All written testing is done beginning at 9 a.m. on the scheduled date unless otherwise noted.
Certification Testing consists of a written test of 25 to 100 questions depending on the Job Performance Requirements covered and skills evaluations.
The number and types of skills required to be successfully completed vary depending on the level of certification being tested. Some levels may be challenged, while the Delaware State Fire School requires some levels to be taken in conjunction with a class due to the complexity of skills and knowledge required for the cognitive written test.
Note: Outside training may be accepted to be eligible for the prerequisites upon issuance of a waiver or approval of the Director before applying to take a test.
Click the highlighted links below to see the full testing information and prerequisites.
NOTE: ALL written tests not associated specifically with a class, including retests, are held on the scheduled dates of the Testing Center. YOu can see the available dates on the Testing Center Page.
| Certification Levels | Next Skills Testing Date | Levels Being Tested | Registration Deadline |
| NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 | Nov. 18 – KCD (These are the last two dates with written testing on the same day) | Level 1 & 2 | |
| NFPA 1002 Driver Operator | Nov 18 – KCD | Pump, Aerial, Tiller, & Rural Water Supply | |
| NFPA 1006 Rescue Levels | Special Course Scheduling | ||
| NFPA 1021 Officer Levels | Skills due before testing Testing Center Dates (Click to see dates) | Officer 1, 2, 3, & 4 | |
| NFPA 1031 Inspector Levels | To Be Scheduled With Scheduled Courses | Inspector 1 & 2 | |
| NFPA 1041 Instructor Levels | With Scheduled Courses | Instructor 1 & 2 | |
| NFPA 1072 & 472 Hazardous Materials Levels | Testing Center Dates (Click to see dates) | Awareness & Operations | |
| NFPA 1081 Brigade Levels | Special Training Scheduling Required | ||
| NFPA 1091 Traffic Incident Management Personnel | TBD | TIM Personnel | |
| NFPA 1521 Safety Officer | Cancelled | All Hazards Safety Officer | |
| NFPA 2400 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems | With Scheduled Courses | Visual Observer and Pilot-in-Command |
We offer testing in multiple disciplines in one day, if time allows, on testing dates when resources and candidates are available. Multiple tests on one day will be limited to these combinations, and only if candidates meet the prerequisites:
A passing grade on BOTH levels of a standard is required to be issued both levels of the standard in these tests.
Additionally, passing grades on both 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations levels are required to complete the Firefighter 1 & 2 written and skills evaluation process.
All written testing for Certification done on scheduled dates is done in the Delaware Learning Center on-site at the State Fire School. If you do not have an account, go to our Online Learning page to create an account.
Testing will begin transitioning to Scantron ParTest in the second half of 2023. Delaware Learning Center Logins will no longer be needed on tests unless indicated when registering.
Retesting
Candidates who fail a written exam or practical may contact us to schedule a retest, 15 days after the test date but no later than 2 years after. There is no cost for the first retest. Each additional attempt must be made during a regularly scheduled class or challenge date. Practical skills only provided in a class must be done during the next regularly scheduled class. If you are unable to attend a scheduled challenge date for a written examination, you may contact the Certification Manager to work out a special testing date if they are available to do so.
Candidates who do not complete all required skills on a testing date or during the course will need to complete the skills no later than 2 years after the date of successfully passing the written cognitive test. At that time, students will need to restart the process entirely and repeat any necessary testing.
Depending on the state of any pandemic and recommended or mandated precautions, we may restrict seating during testing. We will work with Candidates to schedule throughout the scheduled testing day if needed. Additional dates will be added if the number of Candidates exceeds the available spots throughout the day. Any restrictions or policies, like the wearing of masks or social distancing, will be shared before the actual testing date. Currently, remote proctoring is not an option with DSFS certification testing. Candidates will be notified upon registration if there are any restrictions in place on the date of testing.
The NFPA® is in the process of a multiyear effort to consolidate numerous, similar standards called the Emergency Response and Responder Safety Consolidation Project. This project will affect some of our offered levels of certification testing, but not others. As these standards become consolidated, and curriculums and test banks are developed, we will be working with the Proboard and IFSAC to update within the required timelines, just like any other certification standard update we have done in the past. Notices will be put out and posted on this page as to what standards and chapters have been adopted, and we list and honor whatever guidance any the NFPA for recognition of prerequisites, similar to the NFPA 472 certifications as being equivalent to NFPA 1072 requirements for those levels. More information can be found at the link above.
The Delaware State Fire School is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) to offer certification in the following:
Click on Test Title and Date to print/download the application or access course/certification information.
Firefighter I & II – November 18, 2023
Written $100 in-state, $200 out-of-state
Must be challenged with Firefighter II
Passing of written testing MUST be successful before scheduling skills evaluation.
Firefighter 1 & 2 Challenge Application
Prerequisite: 16 years of age, DSFS Core Classes of Basic Firefighting Skills, Structural Firefighting Skills, Vehicle Rescue, and HazMat Response Skills (or the equivalent of DSFS Core Classes, must be submitted in writing for approval to test), NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations, Current AHA First Aid (or equivalent) or higher, Current CPR. ICS 100
Candidates requiring current 1st Aid and BLS CPR/AED to meet the EMS Requirements may attend a course held at DSFS KCD on October 2, 9a-5p or November 4, 9a-50. Candidates may do one or both that are needed. Visit our CPR AED Training page for more.
Note: Must challenge both NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II if applying to challenge Firefighter I. Out-of-state equivalencies MUST be approved before being scheduled for testing. Time should be allowed for submission of applicable courses and time for review.
Note: If needed, NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations may be challenged on the same day so long as meeting those prerequisites listed.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th Edition
Firefighter 1 and 2 Skills Guide
Firefighter II – November 18, 2023
Written $100 in-state, $200 out-of-state
Passing of written testing MUST be successful before scheduling skills evaluation.
Firefighter 1 & 2 Challenge Application
Prerequisite: 16 years of age, The training listed above under Firefighter I (or equivalent) or NFPA Firefighter I, NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations, DSFS Vehicle Rescue and DSFS Hazardous Materials Response Skills, Current AHA First Aid (or equivalent) or higher, Current CPR, ICS 100 & 200.
Candidates requiring current 1st Aid and BLS CPR/AED to meet the EMS Requirements may attend a course held at DSFS KCD on October 2, 9a-5p or November 4, 9a-50. Candidates may do one or both that are needed. Visit our CPR AED Training page for more.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th Edition
Firefighter 1 and 2 Skills Guide
NOTE: Candidates must have access and permission to the vehicle for the level being tested and be permitted to drive on normal roads for the road course skill station.
Driver Operator – Pumper
Written $100 in-state, $200 out-of-state
Driver Operator Challenge Application
Prerequisite: 18 Years of Age, MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for level being tested. DSFS Driver Operator Course recommended.
MUST have access to drive and operate a Pumper to be used on the testing date.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
Driver Operator Pumper Skills Sheets (to be added)
Driver/Operator – Aerial
Written $100 in-state, $200 out-of-state
Driver Operator Challenge Application
Prerequisite: NFPA Firefighter I, MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for the level being tested.
MUST have access to drive and operate an apparatus equipped with an Aerial Device to be used on the testing date.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
Driver Operator Aerial Skills Sheets (to be added)
Driver/Operator – Tiller
Written $100 in-state, $200 out-of-state
Driver Operator Challenge Application
Prerequisite: NFPA Firefighter I and NFPA Driver Operator – Aerial (DO Aerial may be tested at the same time). MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of the sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for the level being tested.
MUST have access to drive and operate an aerial apparatus equipped with a Tiller to be used on the testing date.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
Driver Operator Tiller Skills Sheets (to be added)
Driver/Operator – Mobile Water Supply
Written $100 in-state, $200 out-of-state
Driver Operator Challenge Application
Prerequisite: 18 Years of Age, MUST be an Approved driver/driver trainee of sponsoring affiliation’s apparatus for the level being tested. DSFS Driver Operator Course recommended.
MUST have access to drive and operate an apparatus that is capable of mobile water supply (Tanker or Water Tender) to be used on the testing date. The apparatus must have more than 1,500 gallons of water and be capable of drafting and have a quick dump to fill a portable tank.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition
Driver Operator Mobile Water Supply Skills Sheets (to be added)
Rope Rescue Technician Level 1 & 2
Special Class Scheduling Required
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, Current EMR or higher, Current CPR, NFPA Rescue Core Requirements – Available with course
Contact Us
Confined Space Rescue Technician Level 1 & 2
Special Class Scheduling Required
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, Current EMR or higher, Current CPR, NFPA Rescue Core Requirements – Available with course
Contact Us
Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician
Special Class Scheduling Currently Required
Prerequisite: 18 years of age. Completion of DSFS Vehicle Rescue Course (Program since 2021).
STUDY MATERIALS:
Jones and Bartlett Vehicle Rescue and Extrication: Principles and Practice, 2nd Second Edition
Contact Us
Fire Officer I
Written $150 in-state, $300 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Firefighter II, NFPA Instructor I
Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Company Office, 6th Edition
Fire Officer I Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 1 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook
Fire Officer II
Written $150 in-state, $300 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Fire Officer I, ICS-300
Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Company Office, 6th Edition
Fire Officer II Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 2 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook
Fire Officer III
Written $150 in-state, $300 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Fire Officer II
Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Chief Officer, 4th Edition
Fire Officer III Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 3 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook
Fire Officer IV
Written $150 in-state, $300 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Fire Officer III
Submission of written skills IS REQUIRED before scheduling written testing.
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Chief Officer, 4th Edition
Fire Officer IV Candidate Skills Packet – Fire Officer 4 Written Skills Portion of Challenge Handbook
Fire Inspector I –
Scheduled NFPA Class @ DSFS – Check Training Calendar for Availability
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, High School Graduate or Equivalent, NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness
Note: Testing will be separate to be scheduled by the Candidate through the NFPA at a Prometric Testing Center
Fire Inspector II –
Scheduled NFPA Class @ DSFS – Check Training Calendar for Availability
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, Current NFPA Fire Inspector I
Note: Testing will be separate to be scheduled by the Candidate through the NFPA at a Prometric Testing Center
Fire Instructor I
Scheduled DSFS Class only, See Course Catalog
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, DSFS Fire Instructor 1 Course, High School Graduate or Equivalent
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition
Fire Instructor II
Scheduled DSFS Class only – Begins September 16, 2023 – KCD See Course Catalog
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, DSFS Fire Instructor 2 Course, NFPA Fire Instructor I
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition
Hazardous Materials – Awareness
Written $25 in-state, $50 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 14 years of age, DSFS Hazardous Materials Awareness Class or NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness Course (accepted upon approval by Director).
Testing is also offered during our Basic Firefighting Skills and EMT classes
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th Edition or IFSTA Hazardous Materials for the First Responder 6th Edition
Hazardous Materials – Operations
Written $25 in-state, $50 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 15 years of age, DSFS HazMat Response Skills or NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations Course (accepted upon approval by Director) *See Note Below
STUDY MATERIALS:
IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 7th Edition or IFSTA Hazardous Materials for the First Responder 6th Edition
Hazardous Materials – Awareness and Operations
Written $50 in-state, $100 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Hazardous Materials – Incident Commander
Scheduled DSFS testing only
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations Certification *See Note Below
Contact Us
STUDY MATERIALS:
Jones and Bartlett Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, 4th Edition
Hazardous Materials Branch Officer – Contact Us
Special DSFS Class or In-service
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Technician *See Note Below
Hazardous Materials Safety Officer – Contact Us
Special DSFS Class or In-service
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Officer, NFPA Incident Safety Officer
*See Note Below
Incipient Brigade
Special Class Scheduling Required
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Hazardous Materials Awareness, Industrial Brigade Employee (Special Class)
Contact Us
Advanced Exterior Brigade
Special Class Scheduling Required
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Incipient Brigade, Industrial Brigade Employee (Special Class)
Contact Us
Traffic Incident Management Personnel (with TIMS course)
Free to in-state and out-of-state
Prerequisite: At least 14 years of age, attendance of Traffic Incident Management course
Incident Safety Officer
$150 in-state, $300 out-of-state/unaffiliated
Prerequisite: 18 years of age, NFPA Fire Officer I, current First Aid or higher EMS Certification and CPR Cards
STUDY MATERIALS:
Jones and Bartlett Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, 3rd Edition
IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Safety Officer, 2nd Edition
Incident Safety Officer Candidate Skills Packet (to be added)
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Visual Observer
May 6 & 7, 2023 (with Qualification Course) See Course Catalog
Prerequisite: At least 14 years of age
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Remote Pilot In Command
May 6 & 7, 2023 (with Qualification Course) See Course Catalog
Prerequisite: At least 14 years of age
*The Delaware State Fire School is accredited to new NFPA 1072-2017 Standards for Hazardous Materials for Awareness, Operations, and Technician. Any candidates attempting to sign up to test but holds national certification at the 472 level are allowed to sit for testing.
The Branch Officer and Branch Safety Officer shall remain NFPA 472, with both NFPA 472 and NFPA 1072 as allowable prerequisites to sit for testing.
Related Topics: Certification Testing, Classes, Courses, Delaware State Fire School
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