Quick Links
2023 Certification Exams
For the past few years Certification examinations has been administered utilizing two separate schedules; one for the written component and a second for the practical skills component. After receiving feedback from several candidates, fire department administration, and instructors; the Bureau has decided to change this process. Starting in January 2023, both the written and practical skills components will be offered together at the scheduled regional examination sites. This will hopefully streamline the registration process as well since there will now only be one form to complete for registration. A new quick link will be added to the Bureau’s Certification website for the “2023 Exam Registration Form”. A drop-down menu will enable candidates to select if this is their first time taking the examination(s) or if they are retaking an exam. For any additional questions regarding this change in process, please contact Gary Howard, Certification & Accreditation Manager at ghoward@dps.state.ia.us or 515.608.2270.
Certification / Accreditation Program
Gary Howard
Certification/Accreditation Manager
ghoward@dps.state.ia.us
fstbcert@dps.state.ia.us
Phone: 515.608.2270 or 515.727.3426
The Accreditation/Certification Program is responsible for maintaining the Bureau’s accreditation status with the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard®) accreditation requirements. In addition, this program schedules both written and practical examinations across the state and issues multiple nationally accredited fire service certifications that assist in demonstrating a candidate’s minimum level of competency in a particular area of training, and that their training conforms to recognized national standards.
Certification Examinations
Exam registrations will be closed approximately two (2) weeks prior to the exam date or sooner if the location receives 24 registrations.
2023 Written & Practical Skills Exams Schedule / Registration Form
Certification Levels
NEW Certification Policy & Procedures Manual
Specific details on each certification level's requirements can be found in the below links to the Procedures Guides.
These guides also include the Local Documentation Forms which are required to complete the following levels:
HazMat Awareness & Operations
Fire Fighter I & II
Driver/Operator Pumper & Aerial
Procedures Guides and Practical Evaluation Skill Sheets
- Hazardous Materials Awareness
- Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- Driver Operator - Aerial
- Driver Operator - Pumper
- Fire Officer I
- Fire Officer II
- Instructor I
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Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I Procedures Guide 01-23
- Instructor II
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Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II Procedures Guide 01-23
- Inspector I
- Investigator