How to Become a Firefighter in North Dakota

Checked against North Dakota Firefighter's Association (NDFA), which state law (N.D. Century Code chapter 18-03) charges with statewide fire training and the firefighter certification process; it reports to the State Fire Marshal · Verified 2026-10-16

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: See state office
State fee: See state office
Certified by: North Dakota Firefighter's Association (NDFA), which state law (N.D. Century Code chapter 18-03) charges with statewide fire training and the firefighter certification process; it reports to the State Fire Marshal

Take the free firefighter practice test →

Who can apply

Fire departments and fire protection districts set their own membership and hiring rules.
NDFA certification testing is open to all North Dakota firefighters.
You must be at least 16 to attend the North Dakota State Fire School, and at least 18 to take part in any live fire training.

Step by step

Join a North Dakota fire department or fire protection district. Each firefighter is entitled to NDFA membership under state law.
Take Firefighter training built on NFPA 1001. NDFA coordinates training statewide, including the annual State Fire School.
Set up your NDFA member portal profile. NDFA uses it to keep your records and certificates.
Register for Pro Board-accredited Firefighter I testing through NDFA or its delegated agency (the Fargo Fire Department).
Pass the written and practical tests to earn Pro Board Firefighter I, then go on to Firefighter II.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: N.D. Century Code 18-03-01.1 requires the NDFA to adopt a statewide fire education and training plan, coordinate fire service training at all levels, and set procedures for the firefighter certification process. Under 18-03-02, fire schools must be held each year under NDFA's direction, and they may be held by teleconference, video or other media. NDFA publishes its own Firefighter standard (2024 edition).

Exam: NDFA and its delegated agency, the Fargo Fire Department, are accredited by the Pro Board to test and certify Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, and Rope, Confined Space, Trench and Structural Collapse Rescue. Testing dates depend on how many people want to test.

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

What it costs in North Dakota

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

NDFA reciprocity processing fee (non-refundable)(optional)$50

Estimated total in North Dakota$0

Pay in North Dakota

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in North Dakota after taxes.

Good to know in North Dakota

Transferring from another state (reciprocity): Use NDFA's Reciprocity Application to transfer a certification from another state. NDFA only grants reciprocity for levels it is accredited for. You must include a copy of the certificate for the standard and edition you want, and you can upload certificates through your NDFA member portal. NDFA emails you whether you are approved.

Under 18: Your fire chief must sign NDFA's under-18 form, which you present at NDFA training. It confirms students must be 16 to attend State Fire School and 18 for live fire training.

How NDFA is funded: Under N.D. Century Code 18-03-07, the insurance commissioner pays NDFA $1.2 million each year from the insurance regulatory trust fund to carry out its training duties. NDFA must report quarterly to the State Fire Marshal.

Contact: NDFA, 2792 East Broadway Avenue, Bismarck; phone 701-222-2799.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with North Dakota Firefighter's Association (NDFA), which state law (N.D. Century Code chapter 18-03) charges with statewide fire training and the firefighter certification process; it reports to the State Fire Marshal before you apply.