Skip to Main Content

Wildland Firefighters

Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements

Certification or Licensing

Wildland firefighters do not typically need to be certified before they are hired, but certification is recommended. Certification is typically offered through a state's fire academy, fire-service training board, fire-service certification board, or other agency that regulates fire and public safety personnel. Certification programs are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, which provides a listing of states offering the Firefighter I and Firefighter II designations. To become certified, candidates must pass practical and written tests.

Applicants must pass a medical exam and a work capacity test (also known as a pack test), which assesses their physical ability to do the work. Those who pass this test receive an incident qualification card, which they present to potential employers to prove that they are qualified for the position.

Related Professions