NC firefighter certification information

Here is a break down of North Carolina firefighter certification information.

Background

Firefighter certification is voluntary in the state of North Carolina but is vital to life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation. From career to volunteer everyone benefits from training, certification, and qualification.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) Fire and Rescue Commission oversees the state certification system through the Fire and Rescue Certification Board. Accredited certifications are based off of various National Fire Protection Agency performance standard requirements. The certification programs offered in North Carolina are accredited primarily through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) with some through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). 

Education for these programs is administered through state recognized delivery agencies typically community colleges, some high schools, and several fire departments. Current state certified and qualified instructors teach from state lesson plans or from state designated textbook curriculum. Courses are typically conducted in person with several new hybrid courses in evaluation throughout the state. Students are evaluated for course completion and certification through written examinations and skills testing.

NC OSFM additionally supports educational programs from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and National Fire Academy (NFA) within the state through various delivery methods. OSFM works closely with North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (NCAFC) to coordinate the annual NFA NC State Fire Academy Weekend. See our National Fire Academy page for more information and dates.

OSFM sponsors annual state specialty programs sometimes in partnership with with other associations or local colleges with more information on our Special Programs page. Lastly OSFM provides several direct delivery courses with various levels of recognition and certification. 

Certification Information

Certifications and training requirements recently changed for Firefighter and Driver Operator with additional changes rolling out for the Technical Rescuer program by the end of 2024. Please stand by as we prepare this information for sharing. The NC OSFM website has recently been updated and may be missing information. Do not hesitate to reach out to OSFM staff for assistance. Some programs are ending soon and opportunities to complete legacy certification are running out.

NC OSFM Links

OSFM 24 Portal

Fire & Rescue Training and Certification

NC Fire Rescue Certification Training Facebook 

Certification Class Search 

Direct Delivery Training Schedule