How to Become a Firefighter in Virginia

Who can apply

• Virginia has no statewide certification mandate: state law makes compliance with Virginia Fire Services Board policies and guidelines optional for local governments and volunteer fire departments. Many localities still require certification.
• VDFP lists these steps for career firefighters: be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check and a medical exam, and meet any local residency rules.
• Volunteers must meet their department's membership rules and complete its probation or training.
• A locality may by ordinance let volunteers aged 16 or older, with parental or guardian approval, seek NFPA 1001 Firefighter I certification through VDFP; they may take part in volunteer fire company activities only after earning it.

Step by step

1. Contact your local fire department; it sets residency, hiring and membership rules and runs its own tests.
2. Complete a Firefighter I course (NFPA 1001) delivered through VDFP or another approved provider, including the required Hazardous Materials Operations training.
3. Pass the written and practical certification exams.
4. Earn Firefighter I and II, Hazmat Operations and, where required, EMT certification.
5. Continue training through VDFP and your department.

Training and exam

Training: No state-mandated training applies to every firefighter; requirements are set locally. VDFP's Firefighter I (NFPA 1001-19) course is an entry-level course that combines classroom study, scenarios and modular practical work, and Hazardous Materials Operations is required with it. By law, the Virginia Fire Services Board must develop a modular training program for volunteer firefighters that includes Fire Fighter I and II certification to NFPA standards and an online training program.

Exam: No state exam is required to work as a firefighter. To earn VDFP certification you pass written and practical exams. VDFP's Firefighter I and II certifications are accredited by both Pro Board and IFSAC.

What it costs in Virginia

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

Good to know in Virginia

Junior volunteers (16 and 17): Under Va. Code 40.1-79.1, a county, city or town may by ordinance let volunteers aged 16 or older, with parental approval, seek VDFP Firefighter I certification. They may work in volunteer fire company activities only after earning it, though they may join nonhazardous activities and approved situational-awareness training before then.

National accreditation: VDFP is accredited by Pro Board and IFSAC for Firefighter I and II (NFPA 1001), Hazmat Awareness and Operations (NFPA 470), and other levels, which helps certificates transfer to other states. Questions on reciprocity go to certificates@vdfp.virginia.gov.

Sources

• VDFP - Becoming a Firefighter
• VDFP - Accreditation & Certification
• VDFP - Upcoming Training Courses (Firefighter I NFPA 1001-19 description)
• Code of Virginia 9.1-203 - Powers and duties of Virginia Fire Services Board
• Code of Virginia 40.1-79.1 - Participation in volunteer fire company activities