How to Become a Firefighter in Maine

Who can apply

• You can test as a fire department member (with a Fire Chief's Permission to Participate form) or as an unaffiliated candidate (with a signed Unaffiliated Waiver).
• You must complete a Fire Fighter I/II program whose lead instructor signs MFSI progress charts and an affidavit of training completion.
• Students under 18 need a minor release form.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a local or regional Fire Fighter I & II program in Maine (MFSI supports these programs but does not host them).
2. Complete the program; the lead instructor tracks your skills on MFSI progress charts based on NFPA 1010.
3. Your program coordinator sends the progress charts and affidavit to MFSI at least two weeks before testing and registers you at least 30 days ahead.
4. Bring photo ID and pass the online written exam (70%) and the practical skills test. Walk-ins are not allowed.
5. MFSI issues your certificate within 45 days; Pro Board registry listing can take up to six months.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must finish a Fire Fighter I & II program before testing. MFSI provides the progress charts based on Jones & Bartlett knowledge and skill objectives and accepts only those charts as proof of completion. Programs starting after Fall 2025 are tested on NFPA 1010 (2024 edition) with the 5th edition Jones & Bartlett textbook. MFSI does not publish a minimum hour count on its certification page.

Exam: MFSI gives Pro Board-accredited exams: an online multiple-choice written test (70% to pass) and a practical skills test drawn from the Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II and Hazardous Materials skill sheets. All testing must be completed within one year of the program's signed affidavit. If you complete the program but fail the written test, you can request a Provisional Firefighter I. If you fail the skills test, you can request a Basic Fire School Equivalency certificate.

What it costs in Maine

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

Certificates are issued within 45 days after you pass both exams; Pro Board registry listing can take up to six months.

Good to know in Maine

Pro Board listing needs your SSN digits: If you choose not to give the last four digits of your Social Security number, MFSI issues a state certificate without Pro Board acknowledgment.

Coming from another state: MFSI considers reciprocity for Pro Board, IFSAC or Department of Defense accredited certificates. You must be a member of a Maine fire department with a letter from your chief and submit a Reciprocity Application. MFSI does not accept certificates from local or county agencies, and does not grant reciprocity for Florida certificates.

Time limit: Applicants have one year from program completion to finish the certification process. The Certification Manager may grant exceptions if you test under the current NFPA standard.

Sources

• MFSI - Fire Fighter Certification
• MFSI - Certification Exams & Skill Tests
• MFSI - Reciprocity Guidelines
• MFSI - A Guide for Program Coordinators
• MFSI Reciprocity (revised August 2025)