How to Become a Firefighter in Tennessee

Checked against Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education (Department of Commerce and Insurance) · Verified 2026-10-16

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: See state office
State fee: See state office
Certified by: Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education (Department of Commerce and Insurance)

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Who can apply

Commission minimum standards for anyone hired as a firefighter by an eligible unit of government (or volunteering since July 1, 2021): at least 18, a U.S. citizen, a high school graduate or equivalent, and no disqualifying felony conviction related to firefighting (subject to the Fresh Start Act).
The same standards also require no discharge from the U.S. armed forces other than honorable, compliance with the department's drug-free workplace policy, English proficiency, and good moral character under the Commission's Code of Ethics.
You must be at least 18 to take a Commission certification exam.
To be certified you need sponsorship by or affiliation with a Tennessee fire department (paid or volunteer), or you can complete the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy's 10-week recruit course.
Local departments may set stricter standards than the Commission's.

Step by step

Join a recognized Tennessee fire department (career or volunteer), or enroll in the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy recruit course.
Complete the state minimum training under T.C.A. 4-24-112: a 16-hour introductory class before responding to a fire, then the basic firefighting class and live burn class.
Get CPR certification, a Commission-approved domestic violence course (at least 2 hours, within 3 years of the written test), and NIMS IS-700 and ICS-100.
Get SCBA fit tested within 12 months of the practical exam.
Earn Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification. Hazmat Operations is a prerequisite for Fire Fighter I, and you must wait 30 days after completing it before taking the Fire Fighter I written test.
Pass the Fire Fighter I practical exam (4 random hands-on skills at a Commission test event) and live fire practical, then the 100-question Commission written exam. Then progress to Fire Fighter II.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Under T.C.A. 4-24-112, full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters hired or accepted on or after July 1, 2009 must complete a 16-hour class before responding to a fire, and a basic class and live burn class defined by the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy within 3 years. The Commission's rules describe these as the 16-hour Introduction to Fire and Emergency Services course, the 64-hour Basic Firefighting course and a Commission-approved live burn. The law exempts firefighters in a number of counties by population, and those with 5 years of experience as of July 1, 2009. Fire Fighter I certification counts as proof of the minimum training.

Exam: The Commission gives Fire Fighter I and II exams, each with a practical and a written part, based on NFPA 1001; Commission field representatives proctor them. Fire Fighter I also needs a live fire practical (the state academy's live burn course, or the NFPA 1001 live fire objectives done in department training), and you must get Fire Fighter I within 36 months of the live fire practical. You must pass both the practical and written parts within one year of first passing either one, or start over. After a failed written or practical exam you must wait 14 days to retest. Beards or facial hair that break the SCBA face seal bar you from the practical. Certifications are accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board. The Commission charges no fee for practical and live burn practical exams.

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What it costs in Tennessee

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

Firefighter training (16-hour intro, 64-hour basic, live burn) - cost varies, often provided by the department$
Commission-approved domestic violence course (2 hours)$

Estimated total in Tennessee$0Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Training costs vary; departments run much of the training.
Domestic violence course costs vary by provider.

Pay in Tennessee

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

How long it takes

The 16-hour class comes before your first fire response; the basic and live burn classes are due within 3 years. Practical and written exams must both be passed within one year of each other.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Certifications do not need regular renewal while you stay active, but they end automatically 60 months (5 years) after you stop being an active member of a fire department. Certifications also end 60 months after you obtain them if you never affiliate with a fire department. Departments in the Educational Incentive Pay program run yearly in-service training of at least 40 hours (career) or 30 hours (volunteer).

Good to know in Tennessee

Certification deadlines for incentive pay: To keep getting educational incentive pay, a career firefighter must earn Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II and Hazmat Awareness and Operations by the end of the calendar year of the 36th month of employment. A volunteer must earn Fire Fighter I and Hazmat Awareness and Operations by the end of the calendar year of the 60th month of service.

Educational Incentive Pay: The Commission runs an Educational Incentive Pay program, a yearly supplement for career or volunteer firefighters who complete the required Commission-approved training hours. Forms are due by March 1.

Coming from another state: Tennessee grants reciprocity for certifications issued by an IFSAC- or Pro Board-accredited entity, listed in the accreditor's registry and issued after it became accredited. You must not have been out of the fire service for 60 months or more, and you need proof of Tennessee residency or a letter of support or employment from a recognized fire department.

Cheating penalty: Anyone found cheating on a Commission exam or submitting falsified documents is barred from Commission programs for a period the Commission decides and must restart a certification level; a second offense bars them permanently.

Certification is voluntary: Participation in the Commission's certification program is voluntary (T.C.A. 4-24-108); the minimum training under T.C.A. 4-24-112 is what the law requires. Your department may still require certification.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education (Department of Commerce and Insurance) before you apply.