How to Become a Firefighter in Connecticut

Who can apply

• Firefighter I and II requirements are set by state regulation (Conn. Agencies Regs. 7-323l-1a et seq.), which adopts NFPA 1001.
• For Firefighter I you must be an active member of a fire department or actively enrolled as a student at certain accredited regional institutions. CFPC also accepts members of out-of-state departments that give mutual aid to Connecticut departments, and active military members.
• You must be at least 17 on the date of the written or practical exam. If you are under 18, CFPC holds your certification until you turn 18 and you must submit proof of your birth date.

Step by step

1. Join a Connecticut fire department (career or volunteer). Departments run their own hiring and membership process.
2. Complete Firefighter I training that covers all NFPA 1001 objectives: a Connecticut Regional Fire Training School program, the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Firefighter Program, a CFPC-approved department or education program, or the challenge process.
3. Complete the required live fire suppression activities and have them verified on CFPC's Live Fire Suppression Verification Form.
4. Your lead instructor signs your Firefighter I certification application (NFPA 1001 compliance documentation).
5. Pass the CFPC practical skills and written certification exams within 12 months of the lead instructor's signature.
6. CFPC issues Connecticut certification, accredited by Pro Board and IFSAC.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: All NFPA 1001 Firefighter I objectives must be covered by an approved training method before you can test: a Connecticut Regional Fire Training School Firefighter I program, Pro Board or IFSAC Firefighter I certification, a department or education program approved in advance by CFPC, or a challenge approved by the Director of Certification. You must also complete specific live fire suppression activities (NFPA 1001 objectives 5.3.7, 5.3.8, 5.3.10, 5.3.16 and 5.3.19). The Connecticut Fire Academy's 14-week resident Recruit Firefighter Program (about 195 theory, 410 practical skills and 40 testing hours) is one route for newly hired career and volunteer firefighters.

Exam: CFPC gives a practical skills exam and a written exam for each level. Your exam application must reach the CFPC Certification Division at least 10 days before the exam. You have 12 months from your lead instructor's signature on the application to complete all exam parts. CFPC's FAQ says failed exams can be retaken any number of times within that one-year period ($35 per retest); after it lapses you must restart the certification process.

What it costs in Connecticut

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

All certification exam components must be completed within 12 months of the lead instructor's signature on the application. The Recruit Firefighter Program runs 70 days (14 weeks).

Good to know in Connecticut

Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program prerequisites: At least 18, high school diploma or GED, employed by or an active member of a fire department for at least 6 months, proof of meeting the department's medical and fitness requirements, a valid CPAT card dated within 2 years before the program starts, and fitness to use SCBA under 29 CFR 1910.134. Recruits live at the academy on weekdays and must keep a 70% academic average.

Coming from another state: Connecticut is accredited by Pro Board and IFSAC, which lets CFPC grant reciprocity based on certifications from other states, the U.S. Department of Defense and Canada. Pro Board or IFSAC Firefighter I certification is also an accepted training method for Connecticut certification. Reciprocity rules are in Conn. Agencies Regs. 7-323l-18a to 7-323l-24a.

Firefighter II: For Firefighter II you must already be a certified Firefighter I and be an active department member, an enrolled student at certain accredited regional institutions, or have proof of active membership since before July 1, 1977.

Sources

• CT Office of Legislative Research - Fire Fighter Certification Requirements (2022-R-0224)
• CFPC - Firefighter I NFPA 1001 Compliance Documentation (application)
• CFPC - Certification Questions (FAQ, revised November 2018)
• Connecticut Fire Academy - Recruit Firefighter Program Description (12/14/2022)
• CFPC Certification Fees as of July 1, 2026