The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is proud to announce the successful completion of its latest reaccreditation review through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). The review resulted in the renewal of accreditation for existing certification programs and the addition of new accredited levels, bringing North Carolina's total to 71 internationally accredited fire and rescue certification levels. This achievement builds upon the state's longstanding history of maintaining internationally recognized standards in fire and rescue training and certification.
IFSAC accreditation provides independent validation that certification programs meet internationally recognized professional qualification standards, supporting the credibility and recognition of credentials earned by firefighters and rescue personnel throughout North Carolina.
"Achieving accreditation for 71 certification levels is a tremendous accomplishment for North Carolina and a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the people who support our state's fire and rescue service," said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. "Our firefighters and rescue personnel deserve training and certification programs that meet the highest professional standards. This achievement demonstrates our continued commitment to providing those opportunities and ensuring North Carolina remains a leader in fire and rescue education and certification."
North Carolina's history of internationally recognized fire service accreditation spans more than three decades. Building upon that foundation, OSFM continues to strengthen and expand its certification programs to meet the evolving needs of the state's fire and rescue community.
The accreditation process included a comprehensive review of certification policies, procedures, testing practices, and program administration. Over several months, personnel throughout OSFM's Fire and Rescue Division worked collaboratively to prepare documentation, review processes, and coordinate the site visit while continuing to fulfill their daily responsibilities.
This coordinated effort involved Training, Commission, and RPD staff, along with dedicated committees supporting the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission and Certification Board. The IFSAC site visit team commended the preparation, organization, professionalism, and collaborative approach demonstrated by those involved throughout the review.
"An accomplishment of this magnitude is the result of a tremendous amount of work by people who care deeply about the programs they support and the individuals they serve," said Kevin Gordon, Division Chief of Fire and Rescue Services. "Our staff and committee members spent months preparing for this review while continuing to carry out their everyday responsibilities. The positive feedback from the site visit team speaks volumes about the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished together."
The successful accreditation reflects not only months of preparation but also the ongoing dedication required to develop, administer, evaluate, and continuously improve North Carolina's fire and rescue certification programs. OSFM extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, committee members, Fire and Rescue Commission and Certification Board members, and training partners whose contributions made this achievement possible.
This achievement reinforces North Carolina's longstanding commitment to internationally recognized fire and rescue certification standards and reflects the dedication of the individuals who work every day to support the professional development of the state's firefighters and rescue personnel.