Certifications

[csapp92]

Hi guys, I am new to this forum and to the fire service. I am 19 and recently got on to an all volunteer department. I am wanting to turn fire fighting into a career and I know there a bunch of classes out there that you can take but I am a little overwhelmed on what ones i need to take and what ones I do not need to take. I am trying to get into technical rescue when I am older and would love suggestions for certifications would be good for technical rescue and also certifications that would be good to have in general. Thanks for all the help.

[fire49]

What state are you in??

What is the minimum requirements/ certifications required to apply in your state/ cities??




get paramedic first

[N2DFire]

Again - it's going to depend on your state requirements first, but here in VA everything revolves around the basics - even the Technical Service Branch (aka HTR)

So I would suggest first checking with your state's fire service governing body and second plan on getting your Firefighter I/II, Haz-Mat (at least to the Operations Level), and your EMT-B as your platform to build from.

As for Paramedic, yes it will give you "preference" in a lot of jobs / areas but it's not something to take "because you have to" - you have to "want to".

Good luck in your career!

[csapp92]

I am in California, yeah the volunteer department I am with takes me throught my firefighter 1 and 2, and I am getting my emt next semester and then paramedic after i graduate college. The other certifications I am planning are getting are low angle rope rescue, high angle rope rescue, auto x, rescue systems 1 and 2, swift water rescue, confined space, haz-mat, and maybe trench rescue all at the tech level or maybe the specialist level because i want to become a rescue specialist and work on a heavy rescue unit.

[fire49]

Start applying and testing as soon as you can

[csapp92]

Start applying and testing as soon as you can

can i start applying even thought i have no experience and little training?

[fire49]

If you meet the minimum requirements on the job announcement


YES APPLY


You will find out firefighting is a continuing OJT job

[fire49]

Read all op posts


http://www.firehouse.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121511 (dreams come true!!!!)

[csapp92]

Read all op posts


http://www.firehouse.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121511 (dreams come true!!!!)

thanks for the advice, reading that story of how if you put in the hard work and never get up sooner or later you will get the job. Thanks