Qualification Test Scheduling and Information
Qualification Testing provides written and practical test opportunities for firefighter and other instructor qualification credentials. Registration is managed through OSFM 24.
Effective January 1, 2026: All registration for Firefighter Qualification (Previously referred to as Q School) and Written Test Qualification will be found in OSFM 24 under the "Qualification Test Registration" link on the personal records tile. Candidates will select their own qualification test date and time. Seats will be available until all seats in a session are full. Candidates may register for 1 (one) test per session. Once a session is full, a waitlist will be generated for that session. Candidates who are waitlisted for a session may still submit a registration for another open session. Candidates will receive a schedule reminder email at the 15 day out mark with more information. Review the information on this page for more information.
Please Note: RIC Qualification Testing will no longer be offered at the Firefighter Qualification Testing dates. It will be a standalone field delivered qualification.
Before You Register: Instructor Indoctrination (04B0093) course is required before registering for any Qualification Testing or Field-Delivered Qualification, unless you already hold an active qualification in a subject area. Review Instructor Indoctrination requirements below before registering in OSFM 24.
Types of Qualification Tests
04Q0179 - Firefighter I and II (NFPA 1001 2019 edition)
(Written + Practical Skills)
Who this is for: Candidates seeking Firefighter Instructor Qualification. Firefighter Qualification requires both a written test and hands-on practical skills testing.
What to expect:
- Written testing and hands-on practical skills testing
- Practical skills administered after successful completion of the written test
- Required equipment and materials will be outlined in your confirmation email
Important notes:
- Only the Firefighter qualification test is offered at these sessions
- Candidates must pass both the written and practical components to qualify
Scheduled dates:
Daily Testing Flow:
- 10:00 am – Session 1 written testing begins
- 1:00 pm – Practical skills testing begins for Session 1 candidates
- 1:00 pm – Session 2 written testing begins
- 3:00 pm – Practical skills testing begins for Session 2 candidates, or earlier as candidates complete written testing and enter the practical skills queue
Prerequisites
- Firefighter II certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Testing
- Written test: 100 questions, 80% required to pass
- Practical skills testing: Conducted after the written test
- Skills selected at random
- Performance Practical: 70% minimum
- Evaluation Practical: 100% required
Required Equipment
- NFPA-approved full structural firefighting gear
- NFPA-approved SCBA with spare cylinder (current hydro)
- SCBA facepiece
Reference Text
- Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response (4th ed.)
- 2022 Qualification Testing Skills Book Practicals
(No Practical Skills)
OSFM offers Regional Written Only Qualification Testing opportunities throughout the year to provide flexible access across the state.
Who this is for: Candidates seeking instructor qualifications that require written testing only.
How it works:
- Five (5) regions statewide, with at least four (4) written only testing opportunities offered per region each year
- Typically offered quarterly in each region, providing at least 20 written only testing opportunities statewide each year
- Candidates may attend any regional testing offering, regardless of their home region. Candidates are not restricted to testing within their assigned region and may register for the date and location that best fits their schedule.
What to expect:
- Written testing only
- No practical skills testing
Scheduled dates:
Available Written Only Qualification Tests: (Requirements and Test Details)
- Aircraft Rescue Firefighter
- Driver Operator Aerials
- Driver Operator Pumps
- Driver Operator MWS
- Emergency Vehicle Driver
- Fire and Life Safety Educator I, II and III
- Fire Officer I and II
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- Marine Firefighting for Land Based FF
- Rescue Officer
(No Practical Skills) - Seperate from Firefighter Qualification and Regional Written Only Qualification Testing
OSFM offers Instructor I and Instructor II Qualification Testing opportunities throughout the year to provide flexible access across the state. These testing sessions are separate from Regional Written Only Qualification Testing and are scheduled independently with their own dates and times.
Who this is for: Candidates seeking Instructor I or Instructor II Qualification that requires written testing only.
How it works:
- Five (5) regions statewide, with at least one (1) Instructor I and/or Instructor II Qualification Testing opportunity offered per region each year
- Typically offered at least once per year in each region
- Candidates may attend any testing location, regardless of their home region
- Candidates are not restricted to testing within their assigned region and may register for the date and location that best fits their schedule
What to expect:
- Written testing only
- No practical skills testing
Scheduled dates:
Available Written Only Qualification Tests: (Requirements and Test Details)
- Instructor I (04Q0184)
- Instructor 2 (04Q0185)
How to Register
To register for Instructor I and/or Instructor II Qualification Testing:
- Log in to OSFM 24
- Select Fire and Rescue Training Registration under your Personal Records tile
- Verify your contact information
- Choose an available date, time, and location for:
- Instructor I (04Q0184)
- Instructor II (04Q0185)
- Submit your registration
- Please note if you would like to sit for both exams in the same day, you must register for both. There will be a listing for Instructor I Qualification Test and another listing for the Instructor II Qualification Test on the same date/time/location.
Important Registration Note
After submitting your registration, candidates must email a copy of their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, and a copy of the Fire and Rescue Instructor Qualification Application to the Certification Specialist conducting the qualification testing. Degree documentation is required to complete the qualification review process and sit for the exam.
If you plan to sit for both Instructor I and Instructor II qualification exams on the same day, you must register separately for each exam.
Each exam will appear as a separate listing in OSFM 24:
- Instructor I (04Q0184) Qualification Test
- Instructor II (04Q0185) Qualification Test
Both listings will reflect the same date and location, but separate registrations are required.
Firefighter or Written Qualification Test Registration
All candidates for Firefighter Qualification or Written Qualification Testing must register through OSFM 24 using the "Qualification Test Registration" link located under the Personal Records tile.
Registration Rules
- Candidates select their own test date and time
- Test sessions remain available until all seats are filled
- Candidates may register for one (1) test per session
- Once a session is full, a waitlist will be generated
- Candidates who are waitlisted may still register for another open session
- All registrations are reviewed and approved based on prerequisites and transcript verification
- Candidates will receive a 15-day reminder email with testing details
How to Register for Firefighter Qualification or Regional Written Only Qualification Testing (See instructional video below)
- Visit OSFM 24
- Select Qualification Test Registration under your Personal Records tile
- Verify that your email address and phone number are correct
- Open the Exam Schedule dropdown to view available testing opportunities
- Select your desired date, time, and location
- Available qualification exams for that session will display in the Exam dropdown
- Select the qualification exam you wish to register for and click Submit Registration
- Review your status under the Registrations List at the top of the page
Registration Status Definitions
- Accepted - You are successfully registered for the selected qualification test. You will receive an email 15 days prior to your test date with exact testing location, arrival time, and required materials or equipment.
- Waitlisted - The selected session is full. You may register for another open session. If a seat opens, you will be notified.
- Denied - You do not meet the required prerequisites. The reason will be listed in OSFM 24.
Cancellation & No-Show Policy
To cancel a qualification test registration, email the instructor listed in your registration confirmation email. Candidates who do not cancel prior to their assigned test time will be disqualified from attending any qualification testing for six (6) months
Testing Procedures
- Student must be in attendance at the time identified in schedule emails sent from staff members. Unexcused tardiness will disqualify the candidate from attempting the test.
- Once registered, candidates have up until their test time to cancel, in order to avoid penalty. If the candidate does not cancel prior to assigned time they will be disqualified from attending any qualification testing for 6 (six) months.
- For Firefighter Qualification instructor candidates, two attempts at successfully completing each practical will be provided. The second attempt will directly follow the failed attempt.
To view the Policies & Procedures, visit the Fire and Rescue Certification Board webpage.
Written Only Qualification Tests
NFPA 1003, 2019 edition
Prerequisites
- Airport Firefighter certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Sixth Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-584-1
NFPA 1002, 2017 Edition
Prerequisites
- Driver Operator – Aerials certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 50 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, Third Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-571-1
Chapters 16–20
NFPA 1002, 2017 Edition
Prerequisites
- Driver Operator – EVD certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 50 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, Third Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-571-1
Chapters 1–4
NFPA 1002, 2017 Edition
Prerequisites
- Driver Operator – EVD certified for three (3) years
- Driver Operator – MWS certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 50 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, Third Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-571-1
Chapters 16–20
NFPA 1002, 2017 Edition
Prerequisites
- Driver Operator – Pumps certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, Third Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-571-1
Chapters 1, 2, and 5–15
NFPA 1041, 2019 Edition
*To schedule a Fire Instructor I Qualification Exam, contact your Certification Specialist.
Prerequisites
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
- One of the following:
- Instructor II certified for five (5) years and an Associate’s Degree, or
- Instructor II certified for three (3) years and a Bachelor’s Degree
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-696-1
NFPA 1041, 2019 Edition
*To schedule a Fire Instructor II Qualification Exam, contact your Certification Specialist.
Prerequisites
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
- Instructor I Qualified
- One of the following:
- Instructor II certified for five (5) years and an Associate’s Degree, or
- Instructor II certified for three (3) years and a Bachelor’s Degree
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-696-1
NFPA 1035, 2015 Edition
Prerequisites
- Fire and Life Safety Educator – Level I certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 75 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire and Life Safety Educator: Principles and Practices, 2nd Edition
Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN: 978-1-284-04197-2
Chapters 1–11
NFPA 1035, 2015 Edition
Prerequisites
- Fire and Life Safety Educator – Level II certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 50 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire and Life Safety Educator: Principles and Practices, 2nd Edition
Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN: 978-1-284-04197-2
Chapters 12–16
NFPA 1035, 2015 Edition
Prerequisites
- Fire and Life Safety Educator – Level III certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 50 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire and Life Safety Educator: Principles and Practices, 2nd Edition
Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN: 978-1-284-04197-2
Chapters 17–19
NFPA 1033 / 921
*To schedule a Fire Investigation Technician Exam, contact your Certification Specialist.
Prerequisites
- Fire Investigation Technician certified for five (5) years
- Instructor Level II certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice to NFPA 921 and 1033, Sixth Edition
Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN: 978-1-284-24705-3
NFPA 1021, 2020 Edition
Prerequisites
- Fire Officer I certified for five (5) years
- Instructor Level II certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire & Emergency Services Company Officer, Sixth Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-650-3
NFPA 1021, 2020 Edition
Prerequisites
- Fire Officer II certified for five (5) years
- Instructor Level II certified
- Must hold Fire Officer – Level I (04Q0197)
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fire & Emergency Services Company Officer, Sixth Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-650-3
NFPA 1072, 2017 Edition
Prerequisites
- Hazardous Materials Level I / Hazardous Materials Operations certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 100 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response, Fourth Edition
ISBN: 978-1-284-15133-6 | © 2019
OR
Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Third Edition
ISBN: 978-1-284-14070-5 | © 2019
NFPA 1005, 2019 Edition
Prerequisites
- Marine Firefighter certified for three (3) years
- Instructor Level I certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 50 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Firefighters, Third Edition
IFSTA
ISBN: 978-0-87939-641-1
Prerequisites
- Rescue Officer certified for five (5) years
- Instructor Level II certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test: 75 questions
- Passing score: 80%
- No practical skills testing required
Reference Text
North Carolina Lesson Plans
Prerequisites
- Completion of the applicable National Fire Academy (NFA) course
- Instructor Level II certified
- Completion of Instructor Indoctrination
Qualification Testing
- Written test only
- Number of questions varies by qualification
- Passing score: 80%
Reference Text
NFA course materials
Qualification Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Instructor Indoctrination (04B0093) is required before registering for any Qualification Testing or Field-Delivered Qualification.
The Instructor Indoctrination course introduces new instructors to the North Carolina Fire/Rescue certification delivery system and the instructor qualification process. It covers North Carolina statutes and regulatory agencies, NC Fire and Rescue Commission policies and procedures, lesson plan and practical skills requirements, instructional expectations, and case studies. The course also qualifies Instructor II personnel to serve as proctors.
This is a Direct Delivery course and may be requested by approved Delivery Agencies. Registration is completed through OSFM 24 under Fire and Rescue Training Registration, with available offerings listed on the Training Schedule.
Registration for Firefighter Qualification or Regional Written Only Qualification Testing is completed through OSFM 24 using the Qualification Test Registration link under your Personal Records tile.
Registration for Instructor I or Instructor II Qualification Testing is completed through OSFM 24 using the Fire and Rescue Training Registration link under your Personal Records tile.
Your registration status will appear in OSFM 24 as:
- Accepted – You are registered
- Waitlisted – The session is full
- Denied – You do not meet prerequisites
If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email. You will also receive another email approximately 15 days prior to your test date with additional details.
- Approved/Accepted: You meet the requirements for qualification and your registration has been secured.
- Denied/Not Accepted: You do not meet the requirements for qualification and your registration has not been accepted. The reason for the denial will be provided in the registration status message.
- Denied/Waitlisted: You meet the requirements for qualification but the session that you selected is already full and you have been added to the waitlist. You may sign up for another open session or see if a future cancellation results in your status being updated to approved. If you are waitlisted, please do not report for that session. We will not be able to accommodate you.
No. Candidates may only register for one (1) qualification test per session.
No. Candidates may attend any Regional Written Only Qualification Testing session statewide, regardless of their home region.
Once a session reaches capacity, a waitlist is automatically generated. Candidates who are waitlisted may still register for another open session.
If you do not meet the required prerequisites, your registration will be denied, and the reason will be listed in OSFM 24.
Yes. To cancel, email the instructor listed in your registration confirmation email prior to your scheduled test time.
Candidates who fail to cancel before their scheduled test time will be disqualified from attending any qualification testing for six (6) months.
Arrival times, reporting instructions, and required materials or equipment will be provided in the email confirmation you will receive approximately 15 days out from your scheduled test day.
Yes. Firefighter Qualification Testing includes a written test followed by practical skills testing. Regional Written Only Qualification Testing does not include practical skills.
If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact:
Ben Smith, Region 4 Certification Specialist
ben.smith@ncdoi.gov
Chris Decker, Region 5 Certification Specialist
chris.decker@ncdoi.gov
No. RIC Qualification Testing is no longer offered during Firefighter Qualification Testing sessions and is now delivered as a standalone, field-delivered qualification.