New Basic FF Certifications

[jboczek]

So by now all the departments should have gotten the new Basic FF Certification guidelines, etc. from OSFM. Looks like we can still teach the old FFII for 5 years, but after that it gets a lot more complicated.
Will the [I]require[I]that all FFs get certified and then do continuing ed to keep the certifications? Might not be a bad idea.

[FyrnResQ]

My understanding is that the only "new requirements" for the II/Basic are:

4. Completion of a new "Module D," which will consist of the following:
. 4a. Certification at the level of Hazardous Materials Awareness
. 4b. Certification at the level of Technical Rescue Awareness
. 4c. Completion of the classroom portion of Fire Service Vehicle Operator
. 4d. Completion of IS-100 and IS-700 (ICS and NIMS)
. 4e. Completion of basic CPR, and a basic first-aid course

Since 4a was already required, 4b makes perfect sense, 4c is a pretty good idea, 4d is pretty much required for the checks from uncle Sam, and 4e is covered under Mod B... I don't see a huge change to the basic. For most active firefighter II's, these new standards shouldn't be to hard to complete, if they aren't already done. Are there other things they are requiring?

[jboczek]

That's pretty much it except, unless I read it wrong, hazmat operations is required instead of awareness. The whole program is 180 hours, and there is a requirement to pass a "state" practical test. I don't know if that will be administered by the OSFM like the written test is, or if instructors will be able to certify the practicals like they do now. I didn't see a "module d", just a,b,c like the old FFII plus the other requirements. I agree that current FFIIs should have no problem getting the new certification.
There's also a Courage To Be Safe class that has to be completed.

[FyrnResQ]

Interesting. From the FFIII thread a few links down, it appears Ops is for the Advanced and Awareness for the basic. Eitherway, doesn't look like much will change. What will happen to those who get their FFII's in the next five years? Will they need to "catch up" or are they grandfathered in?

[JuniorAFPD]

Does anyone know is the Advanced going to go into affect the same time the Basic is?

[jboczek]

If us "old" FFIIs want Basic Operations Certification, we'll have to take the extra classes and apply for the certification then. Shouldn't be a problem for most people. I didn't hear anything about advanced, but then again we're only a FFII academy so we may not have gotten that if it is ready.

[downstate_firefighter]

The details of these proposed new requirements came out just as I was starting my FFII course. I flat out asked the instructors at IFSI if I was wasting my time. What I was told is that anyone currently possessing FFII or FFIII will have 5 years to challenge the exam for the equivalent certification (whenever they become official) without having to take any new courses. After 5 years, you'll have to take the ENTIRE course again.

[FyrnResQ]

I wonder if that means taking just the written exam... or the practicals too. Sounds like they better start scheduling some more seats at exam sites in about four years.

[downstate_firefighter]

I wonder if that means taking just the written exam... or the practicals too. Sounds like they better start scheduling some more seats at exam sites in about four years.

Written exam only, as I understand it.

[trainer]

OK from my understanding for us "old farts" we will just have to show certs in the new classes, no testing. The only thing I need is FSVO, my CDL ought to count for something.

[jboczek]

Trainer, I think you're right about only needing to show the new course completions. I looked at the outline for the FFII and it's not much different than the old one, just rearranged a little in the modules. We should be good as long as we complete the new classes. I need FSVO, too, but I took the first class IFSI taught and somebody didn't get all the paperwork in so it doesn't count anymore. Oh, well, I'll just take it over and then I should be done.

[wcfpd2601]

I literally just hung up the phone with OSFM. If you are currently Certified FFII all you have to do is meet the additional requirements and apply for Basic Certification.