How to Become a Firefighter in Oregon

Checked against Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Fire Standards and Certification · Verified 2026-10-16

Exam: Not required
Training: Required
Term: See state office
State fee: See state office
Certified by: Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Fire Standards and Certification

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Who can apply

DPSST fire certification gives formal recognition to Oregon fire service members who voluntarily demonstrate the required competency. Fire departments set their own hiring rules and tests.
To get a DPSST fire certification, you must be used or employed by an Oregon fire service agency (OAR 259-009-0059).
You must be at least 18 years old. Training only counts toward certification if you completed it after you turned 16.
You must be fingerprinted for DPSST fire certification, and DPSST runs a state and national criminal background check. Some convictions can disqualify you.

Step by step

Join or get hired by an Oregon fire service agency (a career or volunteer department).
Complete Firefighter I training to NFPA 1010 (2024), including hazardous materials awareness, operations and mission-specific training under NFPA 470.
Complete a DPSST-approved Firefighter I task book or task performance evaluation, approved by your agency head or training officer.
Gain at least six months of experience, as your department determines.
Get fingerprinted for DPSST certification if you have not been already.
Your agency submits the NFPA Firefighter Application for Certification through the DPSST online portal or by mail, fax or email.
For Firefighter II, complete the Firefighter II training and task book and have at least one year of experience.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: OAR 259-009-0062 adopts NFPA 1010 (2024 edition); the rule was last amended effective May 1, 2026, and DPSST's NFPA 1010 (2024) Firefighter application is dated May 2025. Firefighter I requires meeting the Chapter 6 job performance requirements and the Chapter 10 emergency medical services requirements for your department's level of service. DPSST's application also requires hazmat awareness, operations and mission-specific competencies (Sections 9.2 and 9.6) of NFPA 470; the rule's separate hazmat certifications still cite NFPA 1072 (2017 edition). Training can come through a DPSST-certified course, an accredited fire agency training program, or experience credit. List the course numbers or the agency where you trained on the application.

Exam: DPSST certification is based on a DPSST-approved task book or task performance evaluation, approved by your agency head or training officer, not a state written exam. The Firefighter I task book stays in your department's training file and is not sent to DPSST. Tasks must be signed off by someone certified as NFPA Firefighter I or approved in writing by DPSST.

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

What it costs in Oregon

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

Fingerprinting for the DPSST background check$

Estimated total in Oregon$0Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: To keep a certification you must keep performing its essential functions (OAR 259-009-0065). Firefighter certifications are in the Operations track, which requires at least 60 hours a year of service delivery, task performance or training. Your training officer or agency head must submit your maintenance re-certification form by December 31 of every even-numbered year. Certifications not verified by your agency may lapse.

Good to know in Oregon

Experience minimums: Firefighter I requires at least six months of experience and Firefighter II at least one year, as determined by your department (the authority having jurisdiction).

Out-of-state training: Under OAR 259-009-0020, DPSST may waive required courses if your fire agency documents equivalent training or experience. Training from another state that regulates fire training must have been approved or certified by your employing agency there. DPSST may require extra or remedial courses.

Lapsed certifications: If your certifications lapse, your fire agency can request reinstatement by verifying that you completed the maintenance requirements and submitting a reinstatement form. DPSST can grant a time extension on written request from your agency.

Fingerprints are a one-time requirement: You only need to be fingerprinted once for DPSST fire certification. You can check whether it is done in the Oregon Fire Service Information Records Inquiry System (IRIS).

Contact: DPSST Fire Standards and Certification, 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem; 503-378-2100.

Certification is voluntary: DPSST describes fire certification as formal recognition for Oregon fire service members who voluntarily demonstrate the required competency levels; your department decides whether it requires it.

Social Security number required: The DPSST certification application requires your Social Security number (for child support enforcement and tax purposes). Failing to provide it is a basis for refusing to issue a certificate.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Fire Standards and Certification before you apply.