DoD Firefighter Certification System

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DoD Firefighter Certification System

• An overview of the workings of the
• FFCS

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FFCSBeginnings

• 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.

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FFCSGrandfathering

• 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.

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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.

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FFCSReciprocity (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.

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FFCSHaz-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

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FFCSRegulations 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

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FFCSComponents

• Extension Course Institute (ECI)
• IFSTA Manuals
• Lesson Plans, Videos, Hands-on Training
• CerTest
• Performance Testing
• AFCESA
• IFSAC

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FFCSExtension Course Institute

• Provides the materials needed to guide the
  firefighter through the level of training.
• These materials are-
• Instructor Guide Sheets
• Performance Test Supplement

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FFCSECI- 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)

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FFCSInstructor 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.

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FFCSIFSTA 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.

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FFCSLesson 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.

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FFCSVideos

• 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

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FFCSTraining

• 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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FFCSTraining

• 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.

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FFCSCerTest

• 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-ROMs to assist the
  program Manager.

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FFCSCerTest

• 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.

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Training Library and Testing Lab
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FFCSCerTest

• 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

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FFCSCerTest

• 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)

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FFCSCerTest

• 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.

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FFCSCertification 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.

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FFCSPerformance 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

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FFCSPerformance 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.

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FFCSSkills 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

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FFCSPerformance 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.

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Multi -Task Trainer
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Forcible Entry Area and Ventilation
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FFCSPerformance 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

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Southeast Region MAFTD
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View from the Operators Control Panel
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MAFTD Cargo Area Fire
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NS Mayport MAFTD Motley Crew
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FFCSPackage 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.

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FFCSCertification

• 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.