How to Become a Firefighter in Minnesota

Who can apply

• Full-time firefighters must hold a state firefighter license from MBFTE. A full-time firefighter is not eligible for permanent employment without one (Minn. Stat. 299N.05).
• Volunteer, part-time and paid-on-call firefighters may get the license on the same terms, but it is optional for them.
• To get a license you must be affiliated with a fire department, and your fire chief (or designee) must complete the employment verification.
• To take the state certification exam you must first finish a board-approved firefighter course (from a college or another approved entity, or a board-approved fire department apprenticeship or cadet program) plus a skills-oriented basic training course. An associate or bachelor's degree in applied fire science technology plus the skills course also qualifies.
• The board may revoke, suspend or deny a license for an arson-related conviction or a felony it recognizes as disqualifying.

Step by step

1. Get hired by a fire department or join one as a volunteer. Departments set their own hiring tests.
2. Complete a board-approved firefighter course (or approved apprenticeship or cadet program) and a skills-oriented basic training course.
3. Pass the firefighter certification exam given by the IFSAC-accredited organization the board appoints. It must test NFPA 1001 competency, including fire prevention, fire suppression and hazardous materials operations.
4. Full-time hires may finish the exam during the probationary period set by the hiring department.
5. Apply to MBFTE for a firefighter license with a statement signed by your fire chief that you met the certification requirements, and pay the $75 fee.
6. Renew every three years with 72 hours of approved firefighter training.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: State law requires a board-approved firefighter course (or a board-approved Minnesota fire department apprenticeship or cadet program) plus a skills-oriented basic training course before the certification exam. Local fire departments may require more training.

Exam: The firefighter certification exam is prepared and given by an IFSAC-accredited organization appointed by MBFTE and must show competency under NFPA 1001 in areas including fire prevention, fire suppression and hazardous materials operations. Full-time firefighters must pass it before permanent employment, or during the probationary period if the hiring department sets one.

What it costs in Minnesota

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: Renew every three years for $75. You and your fire chief (or designee) complete the renewal application and attest that you completed 72 hours of approved firefighter training in the past three years, that you are actively serving on a department, and that you have no felony or arson-related conviction or plea. Keep training records for three years; the board can ask for proof. If your license expires, you can reinstate it by meeting the renewal requirements, paying outstanding renewal fees and the board's delayed renewal fee, or apply as new.

Good to know in Minnesota

Coming from another state: You can apply for a Minnesota license if you become employed by or an active member of a Minnesota fire department, hold IFSAC or Pro Board accredited certification, and meet the exam eligibility rules in 299N.04.

Reporting convictions: Applicants, licensees and fire departments must tell the board in writing within 10 days of a felony or arson-related conviction or plea.

Chief's duty: Every fire chief must make sure every full-time firefighter has a board license.

Military firefighters: With relevant military experience you can take the exam without the usual course requirements, if honorably discharged or currently on active service. Relevant experience means four years in a military firefighting specialty; two years in a military firefighting specialty plus at least a two-year degree from a regionally accredited school; or four years as a full-time firefighter in another state combined with military firefighting service. You cannot be licensed until you are honorably discharged (DD-214).

Sources

• Minn. Stat. ch. 299N - Firefighter Training and Education (full chapter)
• Minn. Stat. 299N.04 - Firefighter examination
• Minn. Stat. 299N.05 - License required
• Minn. Stat. 299N.06 - Reciprocity and military experience
• MBFTE - Firefighter licensing
• Minnesota License Finder - Licensed Firefighter