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Firefighter Certification
The process of obtaining your firefighter certification is different from state to state so you’ll need to be sure that you check into the criteria for your individual states. There are a few criteria that are universal from state to state.
Completion of the Basic Firefighter Certification Program, also known as the Fire Academy.
Completion of basic firefighting and emergency medical technician courses, available at most local and community colleges.
General tests to assess both math and reading levels. Most states require their firefighters to score at least at an eleventh grade level.
A personal interview with potential employers.
A physical assessment test, as detailed below.
Possession of a record clean of any and all felonies.
The basic physical assessment test for firefighters also varies from state to state but listed below are the six steps almost always included in the physical test, regardless of location. The physical assessment test is required for any and all Basic Firefighter Certification Program applicants. Regardless of age, creed or sex.
Step one is a basic stair climbing test. It consists of running up and down a certain number of steps in a certain time limit. The average physical test seems to consist of climbing up five stories and then back down within a four minute time limit.
Step two of the physical assessment test consists of swinging a sledgehammer. It must be swung in a controlled and precise manner at a weighted object. The series of blows must propel said weighted object at least five feet.
Step three of the physical assessment involves some of the most basic firefighting equipment. In this step of the test, an applicant has to pick up a certain length of dry hose complete with nozzle and run with it. The applicant then has to complete a turn and lower him or herself onto one knee as taught at the fire academy.
Step four is the first step that incorporates the full firefighting gear. In this step, the applicant walks a certain length, usually seventy-five feet, turns and comes back to the starting point. It sounds simple until you take the gar into account. Firefighting gear consists of axes, air tank, facemasks and more. Between the firefighting gear, outfit, safety suit and air tank, the average weight is around 120 pounds, 132 pounds when wet. Add to that the firefighters own weight and the load will weigh upwards of 300 to 342 pounds.
Step five is a basic test involving a fire ladder. The applicant must completely extend a twenty-four foot ladder, lock it into place, walk it up to a wall, secure it against the wall and complete one complete climb up and down the ladder using proper technique.
Step six of the physical assessment test makes the Basic Firefighter Certification Program student grasp a dummy securely. They then must drag the dummy around forty feet, make a complete turn and come back to their starting position. The dummy has the same build and weights the same amount as the average adult male, roughly 185-210 pounds.