Firefighter I Challenge Examination:
Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: Wednesday. May 29, 2024
Time: 0830 until finished
Application deadline: Noon on Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov
Download the Firefighter I Challenge Exam Application
Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Firefighter I Program, but who feel they have obtained the necessary training by some other means may challenge the Firefighter I Exam. To be eligible to take the Firefighter I Challenge Exam, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age at the test date and submit proof of the following training with their challenge exam application:
- Current valid Adult and Child CPR with AED Certification
- Current valid First Aid with Environmental Emergencies Certifications
- Hazardous Materials Operations that qualifies as current with NFPA 472, 470, or NFPA 1072.
- National Traffic Incident Management Course (TIM) (Online Web-Based course)
- Wildland Firefighter (9 hours) (Course Offering)
- ICS100: Introduction to Incident Command System (Online Web-Based course)
Challenge Exam Part 1: Written Exam
The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the knowledge requirements outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70. Candidates are permitted two attempts at passing the written exam. A second attempt may take place after 14 days but before 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford.
Challenge Exam Part 2: Practical Skills Exam
The practical skills exam consists of 10 practical skill stations based on the requisite skills outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. Candidates must demonstrate satisfactory skill performance in each of these skill stations. Two attempts per skill station are permitted at the initial skills exam. Candidates are permitted one retest opportunity consisting of two additional attempts for stations that are failed plus an additional randomly selected skill station. The retest opportunity must take place after 14 days but before 60 days of the first attempt and will be conducted at the Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford. If the candidate fails to pass either the previously failed skill station or the additional random skill station, then the challenge process ends.
Firefighter I Certification is granted once a candidate passes both the written and practical skills exams.