Certifications

Knowledge objectives are measured by a written test that requires a passing grade of 70% or greater on each unit examination. Any candidate that fails the written test is allowed to retest one time before having to retake the entire class again, but they must do so within 30 days of notification of failure.Test packages are made available to the delivery agency by the Fire & Rescue Commission and should be delivered to the proctor in sealed packages prior to each course, block, or series of instruction.

Skill Books measure the manipulative skills of the candidate and require 100% testing on a pass/fail basis. “Critical” rating, indicated by a red “C”, is assigned to items which, if omitted or performed incorrectly, will result in automatic failure of that skill. If a candidate fails the practical skills exam, he/she will be given one chance to retest. This should be done before the candidate can take the written exam. Skill Books are made available to the delivery agency by the Fire & Rescue Commission prior to each course, block, or series of instruction. 

Reciprocity

Reciprocity or Equivalent Credit will only be granted for certifications that are accredited by either the International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro-Board).

Candidates must meet all pre‐requisite(s) of the certification(s) for which reciprocity is being sought and complete a Reciprocity Packet. The packet will contain the following:

• Reciprocity Application
• Copy of original certificates with accreditation (IFSAC or Pro Board) entity name/statement, seal, number, the level certified and the date of issue.

Incomplete reciprocity requests will not be processed

Once a candidate’s application is received and deemed complete, the candidate will be allowed schedule a certification exam at a regional test site. Candidates will take an exam for each requested certification and must pass with a minimum score of 80%. If a candidate fails on the first attempt, the candidate is allowed a retest at another regional testing site. Any candidate that fails the retest will not be granted reciprocity and must take the NC certification class and pass the certification exam in order to become certified. Upon successful completion of the certification exam, the candidate will receive a North Carolina certification(s).

The North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission accepts certifications accredited by IFSAC or Pro-Board and will recognize these as being equivalent to the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission certification for comparable titled levels. Under this reciprocity provision, eligible candidates, may progress within the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission certification programs using external IFSAC or Pro-Board accredited certifications to meet the prerequisites as identified by each specific program. This provision is applicable without retesting the lower level certifications. The candidate must meet all pre‐requisite(s) of the certification(s) for which equivalent credit is being sought and complete an Equivalent Credit Packet. The packet will contain the following:

• Reciprocity Application
• Copy of original certificates with accreditation (IFSAC or Pro Board) entity name/statement, seal, number, the level certified and the date of issue.

Once processed, a student record will be established and equivalent credit will appear for the approved reciprocity equivalent credit.

• Chief 101
• Emergency Vehicle Driver
• Rescue Officer
• Agriculture Rescue
• Fire Officer (NFPA 1021; level 3 and 4)
• Fire/Rescue Instructor (NFPA 1041; level 3)
• Fire Marshal (NFPA 1037)
• Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033)

The North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission will not grant reciprocity to members of North Carolina Departments for certifications taken through an out‐of‐state delivery agency if those certification programs are offered in NC.

Equivalent credit will not be allowed to satisfy requirements for the Fire/Rescue Instructor qualification process of the various accredited subjects. Candidates must attend Qualification School in order to fulfill North Carolina’s subject qualification requirement.

Proctors

In order to deliver a written certification exam, completion of the Delivery Agency Proctor Qualification (04Q0170) is required. Proctors may be qualified at Regional Qualification locations held across the state.

It is the proctor’s responsibility to make certain that all paperwork for the class is in order before the written test begins i.e. Skill Book grades, and to ensure the test packet remains sealed until the appointed test time. Upon test completion, the proctor shall seal all tests in an envelope and return the envelope to the delivery agency. If more than one room is used for the test, there should be at least one proctor for each room.

Proctor Checklist