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Fire School

Certification Testing



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2024 Written Testing Date

Month1st Date2nd Date3rd Date
JanuaryTuesday, Jan. 9Tuesday, Jan. 23N/A
FebruaryTuesday, Feb. 6 Tuesday, Feb. 20N/A
MarchTuesday, March 5Tuesday, March 19N/A
AprilTuesday, April 2Tuesday, April 16Friday, April 19
(Firefighter 1 & 2 and Driver Operator Skills)
MayTuesday, May 7Saturday, May 18
(Firefighter 1 & 2 and Driver Operator Skills)
Tuesday, May 21
JuneTuesday, June 4Tuesday, June 29N/A
JulyTuesday, July 9Tuesday, July 23N/A
AugustTuesday, Aug. 6Friday, Aug. 16Saturday, Aug. 24
SeptemberTuesday, Sep. 3Tuesday, Sep. 17Friday, Sep. 20
(Firefighter 1 & 2 and Driver Operator Skills)
OctoberTuesday, Oct. 1Tuesday, Oct. 15Saturday, Oct. 19
(Firefighter 1 & 2 and Driver Operator Skills)
NovemberTuesday, Nov. 12Tuesday, Nov. 26N/A
DecemberTuesday, Dec. 10Tuesday, Dec. 17thN/A

Challenges with Written and Skills Dates with NO Open Written Testing available:
Incident Safety Officer – Oct. 12 and Traffic Incident Management Personnel – Sep. 28 (with TIMS class)
Dates noted with Firefighter 1 & 2 and Driver Operator skills, will have written testing for challenges first, then any open testing will be held afterward. FF 1 & 2 Candidates needing Haz Mat may challenge that test the same day.

All written testing is done beginning at 9 a.m. on the scheduled date unless otherwise noted.

  • For Firefighter I & II and Driver Operator levels, practical skills testing will return to following written testing on the same day.
    – Any possible Firefighter I & II written skills will have to be submitted by the date of skills testing.
  • Fire Officer Candidate Skills Packet(s) submission will be required before registering for written testing.
  • Incident Safety Officer, Traffic Incident Management, and sUAS Visual Observer and Pilot in Command written testing will be done the same day of skills testing unless otherwise noted.

    The Incident Safety Officer test will have written skills to be submitted by the date of skills testing.
    Any other scheduled ISO courses with certification are stand-alone courses unless otherwise noted.
  • Make-up tests and retests will be allowed on those testing dates using the application available below under retesting.

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 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 LevelsNext Skills
Testing Date
Levels Being TestedRegistration Deadline
NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2April 18 – KCDLevel 1 & 2
NFPA 1002 Driver Operator
April 18 – KCD
Pump, Aerial, Tiller, & Rural Water Supply
NFPA 1006 Rescue LevelsSpecial Course Scheduling
NFPA 1021 Officer LevelsSee above dates
NOTE: Skills due before testing

(Click to see dates)
Officer 1, 2, 3, & 4
NFPA 1030 Inspector LevelsTo Be Scheduled
With Scheduled Courses
Inspector 1 & 2
NFPA 1041 Instructor LevelsWith Scheduled CoursesInstructor 1 & 2
NFPA 1072 & 472 Hazardous Materials LevelsTesting Center Dates
(Click to see dates)
Awareness & Operations
NFPA 1081 Brigade LevelsSpecial Training Scheduling Required
NFPA 1091 Traffic Incident Management PersonnelSeptember 28 – KCD
with full TIMS class
TIM Personnel
NFPA 1521 Safety OfficerOctober 21 – KCDAll Hazards Safety Officer
NFPA 2400 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems With Scheduled CoursesVisual 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:

  • NFPA 1072 Awareness & Operations
  • NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2
  • NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 1 & 2
  • NFPA 1002 Driver Operator Aerial & Tiller
  • NFPA 1006 Vehicle Technical Rescuer Awareness, Operations & Technician

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. Delaware Learning Center Logins will no longer be needed on tests once in place 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.

Completion of Certification Process

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 and so long it is verified the course was the current version of the standard that the Fire School is accredited. After that time, students will need to restart the process entirely and repeat any necessary testing.

Once students have completed a prerequisite certification, may apply for those certifications for the course that contained certification testing. Click HERE for the Prerequisite for Certification application to have your request reviewed.

Pandemic Precautions During Scheduled Challenge Dates

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.

NFPA Standard Consolidation Updates

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 if available.

NFPA 10012019

Firefighter I & II – April 19 OR May 18, 2024
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 – April 19 OR May 18, 2024
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

NFPA 10022017

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 – April 19 or May 18
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 – April 19 or May 18
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 – April 19 or May 18
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 – April 19 or May 18
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)

NFPA 10062013

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

NFPA 1006-2021

Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician
Included in DSFS Vehicle Rescue Course
Prerequisite:   18 years of age. Completion of DSFS Vehicle Rescue Course (Program since Fall 2023).
STUDY MATERIALS:
Jones and Bartlett Vehicle Rescue and Extrication: Principles and Practice, 2nd Second Edition
Contact Us

NFPA 1021 – 2020

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

NFPA 1031-2014

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

NFPA 1041 – 2019

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 onlyBegins 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

NFPA 1072-2017*

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, DSFS Hazardous Materiuals Awareness and Operations Course, 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

NFPA 472-2018*

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

NFPA 1081-2018

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

NFPA 1091-2019

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

NFPA 1521-2020

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)

NFPA 2400-2019

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.


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