How to Become a Firefighter in Nebraska

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old to be certified at Firefighter I or II.
• You must be affiliated with an emergency response agency in Nebraska.
• Firefighter I requires prior certification at Hazardous Materials Operations level (NFPA 1072).
• You must document a basic first aid and CPR class. An officer of your department signs the Emergency Medical Care prerequisite form; it is an entrance requirement, not part of the state test.
• Firefighter II requires Firefighter I certification.

Step by step

1. Join or get hired by a Nebraska fire department or other emergency response agency. Departments run their own hiring.
2. Get certified at Hazardous Materials Operations level and complete a basic first aid and CPR class.
3. Take a Firefighter I course: the Training Division's traditional class is six sessions totaling 86 hours, or a blended class with 56 self-paced hours plus 40 hours of hands-on skills.
4. Before the testing deadline, send the Application for Candidacy, Certification Payment Form, Emergency Medical Care prerequisite form and Health and Safety form. Your name must be on the qualifications list before you can test.
5. Pass all Practical Skills Examinations (interior fire attack and general skills).
6. Then pass the 100-question written exam with 70% or higher.
7. For Firefighter II, repeat the practical and 100-question written exams at that level.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: The Training Division's Firefighter I course is delivered as a traditional class (six sessions, 86 hours of classroom and hands-on skills) or a blended class (56 hours self-paced plus 40 hours of hands-on skill sessions). Certification is based on NFPA 1001 (2019 edition), with Jones and Bartlett Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills (4th edition) as the reference. The Training Division pages do not say state law requires this training to be hired; departments set their own requirements.

Exam: For state certification, Firefighter I and Firefighter II each require passing Practical Skills Examinations and a 100-question written exam with a score of 70% or higher. You must pass all practical tests before you qualify for the written exam. Candidates get 30 days' notice of a test date unless they sign a waiver. If you fail, a retest cannot be scheduled sooner than 15 calendar days after the failure notice, and the Retest Option form must arrive at least 10 days before the requested date.

What it costs in Nebraska

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

Good to know in Nebraska

Coming from another state: Nebraska only recognizes out-of-state certifications that carry an IFSAC or Pro Board seal or registry. You must be a current member of a recognized Nebraska emergency response agency, apply only for levels the Training Division offers, and send the Request for Certificate of Reciprocity with a copy of your certificate and the fee.

Reciprocity while job hunting: If you need reciprocity as part of a Nebraska hiring process, the Training Division can send you and the department a letter of intent, then issue the certificate once the department confirms in writing that you were hired or accepted as a member.

Accreditation: Nebraska Firefighter I and II certifications are accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board (NPQS).

Sources

• Nebraska SFM - FF I Certification Information
• Nebraska SFM - FF II Certification Information
• Nebraska SFM - Fire Fighter I course
• Nebraska SFM - Request for Reciprocity
• Nebraska SFM - Certification Payment Form
• Nebraska SFM - Fire-Fighter I Application for Candidacy
• Nebraska SFM - Retest Option Form
• Nebraska SFM - 30-Day Notification Waiver Form
• Nebraska SFM - Programs and Services Fees