The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is providing information regarding upcoming changes to Proctor Qualification requirements, Instructor Indoctrination credit, Delivery Agency oversight, and School Director responsibilities.
These changes are intended to support consistent administration of certification examinations, strengthen oversight of approved Delivery Agencies, and improve communication and accountability throughout North Carolina's fire and rescue certification system.
Qualified instructors, proctors, school directors, and delivery agencies are encouraged to review the following information and prepare for applicable changes beginning in 2027.
Proctor Qualification Changes Beginning January 1, 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals holding North Carolina Fire Instructor I certification will have a pathway to become qualified proctors for written certification examinations.
Previously, Proctor Qualification was associated with Fire Instructor II. The updated requirements expand eligibility to individuals holding Fire Instructor I certification.
Individuals serving as proctors must also remain independent of the classes for which they administer certification examinations. A proctor cannot have participated as an instructor in the class they are assigned to proctor.
Individuals holding Fire Instructor I certification must also complete the required Instructor Indoctrination training and satisfy all applicable qualification requirements before becoming qualified proctors.
These changes are intended to increase the availability of qualified proctors while maintaining the integrity and security of North Carolina's certification examination process.
Revised Proctor Checklist for Testing
OSFM has released an updated Proctor Checklist for Testing, providing revised guidance for individuals administering written certification examinations.
The checklist is intended to promote consistency in examination administration and ensure candidates receive appropriate instructions before and during testing.
Updates include:
- Additional guidance for maintaining an appropriate testing environment.
- Clarification of proctor responsibilities for verifying candidate identification and completed Skills Checkoff Sheets.
- A clearly identified section of instructions to be read aloud to candidates.
- Instructions for candidates who need to leave the testing area for a restroom break or other break.
- Updated wording throughout the checklist to clarify existing written examination procedures.
All qualified proctors and delivery agencies should review the updated checklist and ensure the current version is being used when administering certification examinations.
The revised checklist is available on the OSFM website at https://ncosfm.gov/proctor-checklist-testing/
Delivery Agency Moratorium and Application Updates
The North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission has approved a phased framework for lifting the existing moratorium on new Delivery Agency approvals.
Under this framework, certain categories of organizations will become eligible to apply for Delivery Agency approval beginning in January of 2027. The phased approach is intended to provide a structured application and approval process while allowing OSFM to evaluate the qualifications and capabilities of prospective Delivery Agencies.
Phased Implementation
The approved framework establishes four categories of prospective Delivery Agencies:
- Tier 1 — Community Colleges
- Tier 2 — Metropolitan Fire Departments: Fire departments serving populations greater than 50,000.
- Tier 3 — Suburban Fire Departments: Fire departments serving populations greater than 25,000 but fewer than 50,000.
- Tier 4 — Rural Fire Departments: Fire departments serving populations below 25,000.
Implementation is expected to begin in 2027, with additional phases anticipated as the application process progresses.
Eligibility to submit an application does not guarantee approval. All applicants must satisfy applicable Certification Board requirements and complete the established review and approval process.
Additional information regarding application procedures, eligibility requirements, and implementation details will be provided as the phased reopening process is finalized.
School Director Annual Updates Beginning in 2027
OSFM is developing a new School Director Annual Update program to support individuals responsible for administering Fire & Rescue Commission certification programs at approved Delivery Agencies.
Beginning in 2027, School Directors must participate in annual updates addressing important changes to certification policies, procedures, administrative responsibilities, and program requirements.
The annual updates are intended to strengthen communication between OSFM and Delivery Agencies while helping School Directors remain informed of changes affecting certification course delivery and administration.
Statewide Update Opportunities
OSFM anticipates offering eight School Director Annual Update opportunities statewide each year, including six regional sessions, one session at the SAFRE Conference, and one at the Mid-Winter Chiefs Conference. Additional information regarding dates, locations, registration, and completion requirements will be provided as the program is finalized.
Changes to Delivery Agency Oversight
OSFM is also preparing changes to its ongoing oversight and support of approved Delivery Agencies.
These changes are intended to strengthen communication, promote compliance with certification policies, and provide more consistent support to agencies administering Fire & Rescue Commission certification programs.
Annual Certification Specialist Meetings
Certification Specialists will conduct annual meetings with their assigned Delivery Agencies.
These meetings will provide opportunities to review certification procedures, discuss program changes, address administrative concerns, and identify areas where additional support or corrective action may be needed.
Delivery Agency Site Visits
The Delivery Agency site visit cycle is planned to change from five years to three years.
More frequent visits will allow OSFM to review program administration, records, facilities, and compliance with applicable certification requirements on a more regular basis.
Review of Approved Certification Subjects and Levels
OSFM will also review the certification subjects and levels for which Delivery Agencies are approved.
These reviews are intended to ensure agencies maintain the resources, personnel, and administrative capabilities necessary to support the certification programs they are authorized to deliver.
Additional guidance regarding the implementation of these oversight changes will be provided to Delivery Agencies.
Staying Informed
OSFM will continue to provide updates regarding Proctor Qualification requirements, Delivery Agency applications and oversight, and the implementation of the School Director Annual Update program.
Qualified instructors, proctors, school directors, and delivery agencies should maintain accurate personnel and qualification records in OSFM 24 and review future communications for additional guidance.
For questions regarding certification administration, qualification requirements, or Delivery Agency responsibilities, please contact your assigned OSFM Certification Specialist.