How to Become a Firefighter in Alaska

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be an Alaska resident or a member of an organized fire department or emergency response organization registered with the Division of Fire and Life Safety.
• You must hold AFSC Hazardous Materials Operations certification before you can be certified as Firefighter I.
• AFSC does not require a background check for Firefighter I or II certification. Departments may have their own checks.

Step by step

1. Join a fire department or emergency response organization, or confirm you are an Alaska resident. Departments run their own hiring or membership process.
2. Complete a Firefighter I course approved by AFSC/BFAST (the state fire training bureau or a BFAST-accredited department program).
3. Complete Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations training and certification.
4. Pass the required practical skills stations.
5. Pass the AFSC 100-question Firefighter I written exam with at least 70%.
6. Submit the AFSC Application for Certification with the fee. Applications are not processed until the fee is received.
7. For Firefighter II, complete an approved Firefighter II course and pass its written and practical exams.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: To be certified, you must complete an AFSC/BFAST-approved Firefighter I course that meets NFPA 1001 (2019 edition) chapter 4. Courses are given by BFAST or by fire department programs accredited by BFAST before the course starts. The course and the written test must both be completed within two years of the application date.

Exam: AFSC gives a 100-question Firefighter I written exam based on NFPA 1001 (2019). You need 70% or higher. You must also pass practical skills stations (mandatory and random). Exams are usually given right after an approved course. You get up to three attempts at each practical skill; after that you need remedial training and must retest at a different session on a different date. After three failed written attempts, more tests require a written request with a letter from your Training Officer or Fire Chief describing remedial training. You have two years after finishing the course to pass. A written retest costs $25.

What it costs in Alaska

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

Keeping your certification

Renewal: AFSC Firefighter I and II certifications do not expire. You are responsible for keeping your knowledge and skills current.

Good to know in Alaska

Accreditation: AFSC is accredited by IFSAC, so Alaska Firefighter I and II certificates can carry an IFSAC seal.

Workers' compensation presumption: AFSC says accredited certification enables presumptive coverage under Alaska's workers' compensation law, AS 23.30.121.

Coming from another state: AFSC grants reciprocity if you hold a certificate with an IFSAC or Pro Board seal. You must be 18, an Alaska resident or member of a registered department, submit the application with photo ID, and include prerequisite certifications (a Firefighter I request must include Hazmat Awareness/Operations). If approved, you do not retest. The fee is $25 per certificate. You get a State of Alaska certificate only; AFSC does not issue a new IFSAC or Pro Board seal for reciprocity.

Sources

• Alaska Fire Standards Council
• AFSC Firefighter Certification Directive (NFPA 1001 2019)
• AFSC Certification Fee Schedule
• AFSC Certification Policy Manual 2025
• AFSC - Benefits to Firefighter Certification