How to Become a Firefighter in South Dakota

Who can apply

• The SD Certified Firefighter course is the foundation of the State Fire Marshal's fire service training program. The State Fire Marshal documents reviewed do not say that state law requires certification; fire departments set their own membership and hiring rules.
• You take the course through a South Dakota fire department or agency; your fire chief must sign your certification card before the practical skills test.
• The course must be led by a South Dakota Certified Fire Service Instructor and set up with the area Deputy State Fire Marshal.

Step by step

1. Join a South Dakota fire department; it decides membership and any deadlines for training.
2. Enroll in an SD Certified Firefighter course (classroom, or classroom plus ATS online modules) led by a SD Certified Fire Service Instructor.
3. Complete the Firefighter I sections, including FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 before the Firefighter I written test.
4. Pass the Firefighter I written test (70% or better, given by the State Fire Marshal's Office) before taking part in any live fire training.
5. Complete the Firefighter II sections (hazmat awareness/operations, CPR-AED at Healthcare Provider level, first aid, extrication and more) and pass the Firefighter II written test with 70% or better.
6. Get every section and performance competency signed on your green certification card, with your chief's signature, and pass the SD Certified Firefighter Practical Skill Test.

Training and exam

Training: The SD Certified Firefighter course follows NFPA 1010 (2024) for Firefighter I and Firefighter II, using IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting 8th edition or Jones & Bartlett Fundamentals 5th edition. It includes several 8-hour field practicals and ten performance competencies, including control of a live fire in full PPE and SCBA. CPR-AED (Healthcare Provider level) and first aid are required but not included; they must come from an outside source or ATS online. Students have up to 3 years from their first class to finish the course; departments may require a shorter timeline.

Exam: To be a SD Certified Firefighter you must pass the Firefighter I and Firefighter II written tests given by the State Fire Marshal's Office with 70% or better (the certification card has space for one retest of each), and the SD Certified Firefighter Practical Skill Test given by the State Fire Marshal's Office or a third-party evaluator. Students who pass both written tests but cannot complete the performance competencies or practical test may get the SD Fire Ground Support designation instead.

What it costs in South Dakota

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

How long it takes

The State Fire Marshal's Office gives students up to 3 years from their first class to complete the SD Certified Firefighter course.

Good to know in South Dakota

Live fire training: You must pass the Firefighter I training and written test before you can take part in any live fire training evolution.

Department grant: A fire department may be eligible for $750 from the SD Firefighter Essentials Grant Program when a student completes the course, if the department signs the grant project agreement with the State Fire Marshal's Office before the course starts.

Fire Ground Support designation: If you pass the Firefighter I and II written tests but cannot complete the hands-on competencies or the practical skill test, you can receive the SD Fire Ground Support designation instead of full certification.

Sources

• SD State Fire Marshal - SD Certified Firefighter Course Syllabus (courses starting after September 1, 2025)