How to Become a Firefighter in Texas

Who can apply

• Paid structure firefighters (permanent, full-time local government employees) must hold TCFP Basic Structure Fire Protection certification.
• You must complete a commission-approved basic structure fire protection program, or hold IFSAC or TEEX Pro Board documentation for Fire Fighter I and II plus Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.
• You must complete commission-recognized emergency medical training (for example EMR, ECA, EMT or Paramedic level).
• You must pass a fingerprint-based criminal history check before TCFP issues a certificate.
• Volunteer firefighters are not required to take part in TCFP certification, but they may choose to be certified.

Step by step

1. Complete a TCFP-approved Basic Structure Fire Suppression training program (fire department academy, college, private provider or participating volunteer department).
2. Pass the commission-designated performance skill evaluations given by an approved field examiner.
3. Pass the four-section state written exam (Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations) with 70% or higher on each section, unless you qualify for the IFSAC/Pro Board exemption.
4. Upload proof of your emergency medical training in your TCFP FIDO account.
5. Get fingerprinted at an IdentoGo office using the TCFP FAST-Pass form.
6. Apply in FIDO, create an invoice and pay it; the certificate is issued after payment and you print it from FIDO.
7. Get certified within one year of being appointed to structure fire protection duties.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: TCFP requires completion of a commission-approved basic structure fire protection program covering NFPA Fire Fighter I and II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations. Out-of-state or military training, or a Fire Fighter II or advanced certificate from the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas, can count if TCFP deems it equivalent. You must also complete commission-recognized emergency medical training.

Exam: The TCFP basic exam has four sections: Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Hazardous Materials Operations. You need at least 70% on each section. Before the written exam you must pass randomly selected performance skill evaluations; you get two attempts per skill, remedial training before a third, and a third failure means repeating the whole curriculum. Passing exam scores expire two years after the exam date. If you have never been certified, you can skip the exam with IFSAC seals for NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter I and II and NFPA 472 Hazmat Awareness and Operations, or a TEEX Pro Board certificate (2008 or later edition of NFPA 1001). If you fail the state exam (or a section), you get one more attempt, which must be taken within 180 days of the first failure; after that you must repeat the curriculum before testing again.

What it costs in Texas

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

Paid structure firefighters must be certified within one year of appointment. Fingerprint results reach TCFP in about three to five days after the IdentoGo appointment, and the certificate is issued as soon as the FIDO invoice is paid.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: TCFP certificates run November 1 to October 31 and renew each year. The annual renewal fee is $60, which renews all certificates you hold; for required certificates, the employing department pays it. You need at least 18 hours of continuing education each certification period, including two hours reviewing the most recent TCFP injury report, plus at least two hours in structure fire protection subjects. Renewal fees paid 1 to 30 days after October 31 add a $30 late fee, and more than 30 days late a $60 late fee. A certificate expired less than one year can be renewed by paying the renewal and late fees.

Good to know in Texas

One-year deadline: State law says a firefighter on a temporary or probationary appointment who does not complete the basic fire protection course within one year of appointment must be removed from the position. TCFP may extend this to as long as two years on a fire department's application.

Coming from another IFSAC state: TCFP accepts IFSAC seals for Fire Fighter I and II and Hazmat Awareness and Operations in place of the state exam if you have never been certified in Texas. Pro Board documents are accepted only if issued through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

Military fee waivers: TCFP waives the certification and test application processing fees for service members and veterans whose military training substantially meets the requirements, and for service members, veterans and military spouses with an equivalent certification from another jurisdiction, on a first application for a certificate required for appointment.

Departments set their own hiring tests: TCFP sets minimum qualifications; state law lets an employing agency set hiring qualifications that exceed them.

Sources

• TCFP - New Fire Suppression Fighter
• TCFP - Transferring to Texas from an IFSAC Jurisdiction
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 423.1 - Minimum Standards for Structure Fire Protection Personnel (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 423.3 - Basic Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 439.1 - Examinations, Requirements-General (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 439.11 - Performance Skill Evaluations (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 437.3 - Certification Application Processing Fees (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 437.13 - Processing Fees for Test Application (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 437.5 - Renewal Fees (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 441.5 - Continuing Education Requirements (Cornell LII)
• 37 Tex. Admin. Code 441.7 - Continuing Education for Structure Fire Protection Personnel (Cornell LII)
• Tex. Gov't Code 419.032 - Appointment of Fire Protection Personnel
• Tex. Gov't Code 419.071 - Voluntary Certification Program for Volunteer Fire Fighters