How to Become a Firefighter in Alabama

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old to enter a state firefighter certification course.
• Career (paid) firefighter candidates must have a high school diploma or GED.
• You must be able to read, write and communicate in English.
• You must have a Physical Statement (AFC & PSC Form 05) from a licensed physician on file with the Commission.
• You must have completed emergency medical care training covering infection control, CPR, bleeding control and shock management.
• Career candidates must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 12 months before the Fire Fighter I/II course starts.
• Certificates are issued only to people of good moral character. A felony conviction or a conviction for a crime involving fire or explosion is disqualifying.

Step by step

1. Get hired by a fire department (paid) or join a volunteer department. Departments run their own hiring process.
2. Complete emergency medical care training (infection control, CPR, bleeding control, shock management).
3. Have a licensed physician complete the Commission's Physical Statement (Form 05). For a new paid trainee, the chief files it within 30 days of hire.
4. Career candidates: pass the CPAT within 12 months before the course start date.
5. Complete a Commission-approved academy: 400 hours for the Fire Fighter I/II program, or 160 hours for Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter.
6. Pass the state written and skills exams for Fire Fighter I and II given by the Alabama Fire College.
7. Paid firefighters must be certified before permanent employment or within 12 months after the date of employment.

Training and exam

Training: Paid firefighters must complete the Certified Career Fire Fighter course. The Fire Fighter I/II program is at least 400 hours (not counting EMS training), taught mostly in person in an academy format at a Commission-approved facility and finished within 12 months. It includes Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations and Rapid Intervention Crew Member. Someone already certified as a Volunteer Fire Fighter can take the 240-hour Fire Fighter I/II Bridge program instead. Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter needs 160 hours of approved training within 24 months, and you must also be certified in Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations before the volunteer certificate is issued.

Exam: During the course, you must score at least 70% on each end-of-subject written test. After the course, the Commission gives the state certification exams: written exams for Fire Fighter I and II plus a comprehensive exam, all needing an overall 70%, and pass/fail skills exams. Exams are in person with Fire College proctors. You get two skill attempts on test day. Retests may be taken after 30 days and within 12 months of course completion.

What it costs in Alabama

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

Paid firefighters must be certified before permanent employment or within 12 months after the date of employment. The academy must be completed within 12 months.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Fire Fighter I certification expires one year after you leave paid fire service employment, or if you do not get 30 hours of relevant continuing training in a calendar year. Volunteer Fire Fighter certification does not expire as long as you get 30 hours of training each calendar year. An expired Fire Fighter I can be regained by completing a Commission recertification course.

Good to know in Alabama

Mandatory only for paid trainees: Commission rules say certification is not mandatory for any fire service position except paid trainees, who must be trained under Code of Alabama 36-32-7. Volunteer certification is voluntary under state rules, but many departments require it.

Coming from another state: Alabama will not issue reciprocal certificates above the level of Fire Fighter I or Certified Career Fire Fighter, and the out-of-state certification must come from a Pro Board or IFSAC accredited agency. The chief of an Alabama fire agency must apply for you. For Career status you need FF I/II, Hazmat Awareness and Operations, Rapid Intervention Crew Member, 400 total hours, emergency medical care training, CPAT and a physical statement. You cannot use reciprocity if you have been out of the fire service for more than five years.

High school students: Students in Commission-approved high school career-technical programs who are under the age requirement can get a provisional certification that becomes full certification when they reach the required age.

Department paperwork deadlines: The chief must notify the Commission within 10 days of hiring a paid firefighter (Form 04) and within 10 days of termination (Form 06).

Retest deadline: Retests can be taken 30 days after the original test date and within one year of course completion. If you do not finish the required exams within 12 months of course completion, you must take the course again before you can test.

New Fire Support Person level (April 13, 2026): Since April 13, 2026, the Commission also certifies a separate Fire Support Person level: age 18, able to read, write and speak English, Hazardous Materials Awareness certification, and state written (70%) and skills exams.

Sources

• Ala. Admin. Code 360-X-2 - Requirements for Certified Fire Fighter (revised 4/13/26)
• Ala. Admin. Code 360-X-1-.01 - General Regulations and Administrative Procedures
• Ala. Admin. Code r. 360-X-1-.01 (Cornell LII)
• Alabama Fire College - How do I become a volunteer firefighter in Alabama?
• Alabama Fire College - Physical Statement
• Alabama Fire College - Schedule a Certification Exam (Re-Test Policy)