How to Become a Firefighter in Maryland

Checked against Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB), c/o Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), University of Maryland · Verified 2026-10-16

Exam: Not required
Training: Required
Term: See state office
State fee: MFSPQB certification fee (covers MFSPQB, Pro Board and IFSAC): $15 for in-state applicants; $50 for out-of-state applicants under options 1, 3 and 4; $250 for out-of-state applicants under option 2 plus a separate $500 processing fee to the University of Maryland. Returned checks cost $10.
Certified by: Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB), c/o Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), University of Maryland

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Who can apply

Maryland's fire service certification system is voluntary, run by the MFSPQB.
In-state applicants are those affiliated with a Maryland emergency services organization, Maryland residents, or members of an out-of-state organization that routinely responds into Maryland.
Firefighter I (NFPA 1010, 2024 edition, Chapter 6) has no prerequisite certification, but the menu option requires a firefighter course, a first aid/CPR-level course, and a hazmat operations course.

Step by step

Complete the MFRI Firefighter I course (FIRE-105), finished on or after January 1, 2026 for the current application. Medical clearance is due before the first class.
Complete one first aid or medical course: an EMT, First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder, Red Cross Emergency Response, or an AHA or ASHI first aid and CPR/AED course.
Complete MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations (on or after July 1, 2009) or an equivalent NFPA 470, 472 or 1072 hazmat operations certification.
Fill out the MFSPQB Firefighter I certification application, attach original source documents, and pay by check or money order to MFSPQB.
MFSPQB issues a certification carrying Pro Board (NBFSPQ) and IFSAC recognition.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Under the current menu option, Firefighter I certification requires the MFRI Firefighter I course (FIRE-105), which MFRI lists at 150 instructional hours with medical clearance required before the first class, plus a first aid/CPR-level course and Hazardous Materials Operations. The course and exam options on the application are listed as not available at this time; MFSPQB may approve other options.

Exam: The current MFSPQB Firefighter I application lists the stand-alone examination option as not available at this time. Certification is earned through the approved course menu.

State certification is voluntary here, but most departments give a written entrance exam. Practice for it free →

What it costs in Maryland

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

MFSPQB Firefighter I certification fee - in-state applicant$15
MFSPQB Firefighter I certification fee - out-of-state applicant (options 1, 3, 4)$50
MFRI Firefighter I course (FIRE-105)$

Estimated total in Maryland$65Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

MFRI course fees, if any, are set by MFRI or your department; the MFSPQB application does not list them.

Pay in Maryland

Maryland adds a local income tax on top of the state rate, so look up the local rate for your area before you budget.

Good to know in Maryland

Accreditation: MFSPQB certifications are recorded with both Pro Board (NBFSPQ) and IFSAC and listed on the Pro Board registry.

Original documents: Documents supporting your application (transcripts, certificates, cards from other states, Pro Board, IFSAC, DoD, colleges or NFA) must be originals unless already on record with MFSPQB. Keep your own copies.

Misstatements: A significant misstatement or omission on any application is cause for denial of certification.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB), c/o Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI), University of Maryland before you apply.