How does the system work?

[leonspan]

Hi, i am a firefighter in greece and i am doing a research on how does the system work in other countries. I mean what kind of training u have, what do u have to do to become an officer or chief etc,are there any fire academies...
For example here in greece u have to pass some tests to enter the fire academy and become a firefighter(4 months) Then if u want to become an officer u give exams and u enter the fire academy for 3 years.
Please if anyone from us,england,germany or other countries knows help me out!

[PineyPower]

Well, in the United States, everywhere is different so you won't get any one answer. One department might require just getting Firefighter I while another may require having Firefighter I, II, Hazardous Materials Technician, etc.

[FireEeyore]

Here in Texas, you must go through an approved fire academy, pass a state test, and get medically trained. ( This includes FF1, FF2, Haz Mat and Awareness)

This could include ECA ( first responder), or EMT-B ( The standard).

Of course, there are many volunteer departments around this area who are not state certified and only require FF1 ( Fire fighter 1) , but that is not the the norm.