How to Become a Firefighter in Colorado

Who can apply

• Colorado certification is voluntary. CDFPC states there is no statutory requirement that firefighters become certified, and the program applies to both paid and volunteer firefighters.
• To be certified as Firefighter I you must be affiliated with a Colorado Emergency Services Agency.
• You must be certified by Colorado at least at Hazardous Materials Operations (Hazmat Awareness/Operations) to receive Firefighter I.

Step by step

1. Join a Colorado fire department or emergency services agency. Departments run their own hiring or membership process and training.
2. Train to the Firefighter I standard and complete Hazmat Awareness (8 hours) and Operations (24 hours) training.
3. Your department submits your test request and fee in the state Records Management System (RMS) at least 14 days before the exam.
4. Pass the 100-question Firefighter I written exam (70%), the practical exam (100% of mandatory and random skills) and the live burn practical.
5. Pass the Hazmat Awareness/Operations written and practical exams.
6. CDFPC issues a Firefighter I certificate valid for five years.

Training and exam

Training: CDFPC does not set academy hours for Firefighter I; your department or the local authority chooses the training and references, and CDFPC tests to the standard. Hazmat Awareness requires 8 hours of training and Hazmat Operations 24 hours. Since July 1, 2026, Firefighter I and II are tested to NFPA 1010 (2024 edition), which replaced NFPA 1001; NFPA 1001 exams ended October 1, 2026.

Exam: Firefighter I requires a 100-question written exam (70% to pass), a practical exam of mandatory and randomly selected skills (100% required), and a live burn practical (100% required). Exams are given by CDFPC-certified written and practical proctors. All Firefighter I components must be completed within one year, and Hazmat Awareness/Operations within one year after that. For Hazmat Awareness/Operations written exams taken on or after July 1, 2026, the passing score is 70% (previously 80%).

What it costs in Colorado

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

Firefighter I written, practical and live burn components must all be completed within one year. After the last Firefighter I component you have up to one more year to earn Hazmat Awareness/Operations, and the Firefighter I certificate is not issued until that is done. If you already hold Hazmat Awareness/Operations, you have one year to finish all Firefighter I components.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Certificates are valid for five years (start and expiration dates are January 1 or July 1). Your department head submits renewal in RMS no earlier than 90 days before and no later than 90 days after expiration, attesting that you still hold Hazmat Operations, are affiliated with a Colorado agency, and have shown proficiency in all Firefighter I skills. After July 1, 2026, renewals must complete the NFPA 1010 skills. If Firefighter I lapses for more than a year, you must meet the current initial certification requirements again.

Good to know in Colorado

Coming from another state: If you hold a valid IFSAC or Pro Board certificate earned through written and practical testing (not grandfathering) under the current or two previous editions of the standard, you can get a Colorado Non-Accredited Recognition Certificate. Your department requests it in RMS or you submit the reciprocity application, with a $40 non-refundable fee. It lets you test into the Colorado system at your current or next level and must be renewed every five years.

Live burn: Colorado requires a live burn practical evaluation as part of Firefighter I certification. CDFPC works with local departments to provide approved live burn locations.

Sources

• CDFPC - Firefighter and HazMat Certification
• CDFPC Certification Policy and Procedure Manual (2026 file)
• CDFPC - Firefighter Certification Informational Memorandums
• CDFPC IM 26-04 - Transition to NFPA 1010 for Firefighter I and II (June 12, 2026)
• CDFPC IM 26-01 - Hazmat written exam passing score change
• CDFPC IM 25-01 - Five-year certificates and increased fees (8 CCR 1507-3)