Skills Testing

The testing of skills is required for some of SFFMA’s certifications. Skills testing is accomplished at the fire department or training facility level, typically during or following the completion of a training program. The process is initiated by the Certification Coordinator of the department or facility, and implemented by qualified skill evaluators.

Step 1:

The department's Certification Coordinator must contact the Austin office at certification@sffma.org to set up a skills exam session at least three days prior to the desired exam date.

Step 2:

Individuals wishing to serve as a skills examiner must hold SFFMA certification at or above the level at which they will serve as an examiner and satisfy one of the following requirements:

  • meet the SFFMA instructional standards for full department Certification Coordinator; OR

  • complete a Board-approved skills proctor course; OR

  • be a credentialed proctor of an approved emergency services certifying entity.

Step 3:

Austin staff will verify the eligibility of the Exam Coordinator, and e-mail all of the necessary documentation (procedural documents, exam eligibility roster(s), and three random skills per level) to them two days ahead of the scheduled date. Austin staff will also notify the applicable Zone Representative regarding the scheduled skills exam session. This will allow the Zone Representative the opportunity to go onsite and observe the session should they choose to do so.

Step 4:

At the testing session, the Exam Coordinator provides exam documents to the Station Evaluator(s), who then proceed to administer the skills exams.

  • The skill exam for Firefighter I consists of three skills selected from the Firefighter I level of the Certification Program, with one of the skills being from the SCBA objectives.

  • The skill exam for Firefighter II consists of three skills selected from the Firefighter II level of the Certification Program.

  • The skill exam for hazardous materials consists of three skills selected from the Hazardous Materials Curriculum, with one of the skills being from the Awareness level.

Step 5:

When testing is completed, the Exam Coordinator emails all of the documentation to the Austin office to record the grades. Austin staff then reports the exam results to the department, makes a notation of scores on the individual’s record, and retains a digital copy of the exam session documentation.

Firefighter in uniform holding a large orange hose, wearing a helmet and protective gear, with emergency vehicles and equipment in the background.