North Carolina Weekend – Emmitsburg, Maryland
2-day On-Campus Program at the National Fire Academy (State Weekend)
November 20 - 22, 2026
The 2-Day on-Campus Program (formerly State Weekend Program) is targeted for fire service personnel with a minimum of 3 years’ experience. Most 2-day courses are designed for mid-level officers rather than chief officers or firefighters.
2026 NFA Weekend Schedule
November 20, 2026 - Travel Day
4:00 - 6:00 PM - Registration
5:00 PM - Dinner (campus cafeteria)
6:15 PM - Opening Session (ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY)
7:00 PM - Classes begin
9:00 PM - Classes end for the day
November 21, 2026
8:00 AM - Classes resume
5:00 PM - Classes end for the day
November 22, 2026
8:00 AM - Classes resume
2:00 PM - Classes end
*Anyone entering the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) campus is required to show a REAL ID driver’s license.
Students: Please read and follow the instructions prior to registering.
To apply for a course, you need a FEMA Student Identification Number (SID). This number will be used in place of a Social Security Number on General Admissions Application forms. This includes applications for the 2-day on-campus program (the State Weekend Program). Please click on the link below to obtain your SID. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Eligibility to receive a certificate of completion requires class attendance Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Failure to do so will result in your entire department being banned from State Weekend programs for a period of 3 years. If you have an emergency and must leave the campus, please contact Student Services in Building “C” and ask them to inform Brian Wade.
Registration:
The registration fee is $200.00. This fee covers meals in the Campus Cafeteria - Friday dinner through Sunday lunch (at the campus cafeteria), socials, and a recreational pass required by the National Fire Academy. Lodging and course costs are absorbed by the Academy. Transportation expenses and meals in route and return are the responsibility of the student.
REGISTRATION FEE MUST BE PAID ONLINE
Application Deadline: Online registration and payment is required no later than September 30, 2026. Before an application is eligible for review the online payment and registration must be completed.
Individual applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance or denial into the State Weekend Program. A link to complete the new USFA online class application will be emailed to the applicant on or before October 13th. Please provide a valid email address on your online registration. This must be an individual email and not one that is used for multiple people. It must be specific to the applicant.
Failure to complete the online class application by September 30th will result in your application being denied. You will be denied access to the campus and class.
Refunds will not be issued after October 20, 2026.
FEMA Covid Policy:
The NETC will no longer require vaccination or other proof of vaccination for contractors, visitors, students, and instructors.
Note: The National Fire Academy now requires testing for all classes.
Course Selection:
You will be asked for first, second, and third class choices. Every effort will be made to place you in your first choice however it is not always possible. Please make sure you really wish to take the second and third choices. If a second or third choice is not indicated on your application, you will be placed in a class with the lowest registration numbers.
Please ensure that you meet the selection criteria to ensure that you qualify for the classes you select.
Security:
Due to increased security precautions, students will be required to show photo ID to access the campus. PLEASE HAVE THEM WITH YOU, NOT IN YOUR LUGGAGE! Security checks will delay your registration at the NETC.
Enforcement date: Beginning May 7, 2025 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.
Registration Information
Online NFA Application (Link will be provided upon approval from the state in your email class confirmation.)
Contact Kim Williams via email at kim.williams@ncdoi.gov or Monna Gillespie at monna.gillespie@ncdoi.gov if you have any questions.