The Vermont Fire Academy has gathered a collection of free or low cost online training opportunities from some of the country's best training sources.
National Volunteer Fire Council
The NVFC has made the following courses available for free to all firefighters and EMS providers for a limited time. NVFC Members have access to additional online training opportunities through the NVFC website:
Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations
Flawed Situational Awareness
iShare: Technology Tools for Sharing Fire Prevention Messages
Behavioral Health in the Fire and Emergency Services
Putting Out the Fire: Stress Resilience Strategies
Addressing Substance Abuse, PTSD, and Other Concerns in the Fire Service
Learn more about the NVFC Virtual Classroom and login here.
Factory Mutual - Fighting Fires in Sprinklered Buildings
FM Global offers a Fighting Fire In Sprinklered Buildings Certificate for registered users who complete four specific FM Global Fire Service Learning Network online self-paced programs. There are four sections to this online course including Automatic Sprinkler Design and Function, Why Sprinklered Buildings Burn, Developing a Pre-Incident Plan for a Sprinklered Building, and Engine Company Operations at Fires in Sprinklered Properties. Successful completion results in the issuance of a certificate. Click here to access this training.
NFPA Free Online Training
The National Fire Protection Association offers the following free online training opportunities:
Alternative Fuel Vehicles Training Program for Emergency Responders Online Training
Energy Storage and Solar Systems Safety Online Training
CentreLearn
The Vermont EMS Office provides Vermont Licensed EMS Providers access to CentreLearn. In addition to receiving quality EMS training, you can also use your account to access many online courses geared toward Firefighters, Fire Instructors, and Fire Inspectors. Click here to log into your account.
National Fire Academy Online Self-Study Courses
The National Fire Academy offers 28 different online self-study courses at no cost to the student. Topics include fire suppression, incident command, fire prevention, leadership, and public education. Click on the USFA graphic to the left to access these courses.
Illinois Fire Service Institute
Our colleagues at the Illinois Fire Service Institute have adapted their traditional face-to-face course deliveries by offering online virtual training for essential firefighting skills. The online classes are supported through the Cornerstone Program and are available at no cost to students, or departments. Click here to view these scheduled course offerings.
Solar Photovoltaic Safety for Firefighters
With consumers going solar in nearly every state, the likelihood that firefighters will encounter solar electric systems on residential and commercial properties is increasing dramatically every year. This course was developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
The Solar PV Safety for Firefighters Course is designed to give firefighters the knowledge necessary to feel confident and safe when responding to fires on Solar PV-equipped structures - to better understand the potential hazards. Topics include system identification, the hazards associated with operating at a structure with a system installed, and tactical considerations surrounding buildings containing PV systems.
Course Cost: FREE
Register for "Solar PV Safety for Firefighters"
Responding to Utility Emergencies
Responding to Utility Emergencies is one of the most demanding events that first responders face. We often have limited knowledge of the dangers surrounding these events. This program is designed to increase your awareness of these dangers and ultimately help reduce injuries and deaths at a utility emergency. This course is delivered in an online independent study format and is designed to provide electrical emergency awareness level training to emergency responders. This course provides an introduction to the physical properties of electricity, provides an understanding of electricity and the electrical distribution system, and discusses the issues involving a safe response to electrical emergencies. Students who complete the program and successfully complete the online exam receive a certificate of completion. Training Officers are able to access the "Training Toolbox", which is full of supplemental resources.
Course Length: Approximately 3 hours
Course Cost: Free
Register for "Responding to Utility Emergencies" and begin the course.
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Courses
A number of free online ICS courses are offed by FEMA/Emergency Management Institute.
NIMS-related courses offered online by Emergency Management Institute
- IS-100.C - (ICS 100) Introduction to Incident Command System
- IS-200.C (ICS 200) Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- IS-700.B National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
- IS-800.C National Response Framework, An Introduction
National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training
The National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training was created by responders for responders. This course provides first responders a shared understanding of the requirements for safe, quick clearance of traffic incident scenes; prompt, reliable and open communication; and motorist and responder safeguards. First responders learn how to operate more efficiently and collectively. This training was developed under the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2), and is being provided to you by the FHWA Office of Operations.
Traffic Incident Management
The Responder Safety Learning Network delivers free training modules and downloadable resources in various aspects of safety related to traffic incident management. These modules and resources proceed from the basis provided by the National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management, which promotes coordinated and consistent response protocols across all agencies with jurisdiction of traffic incidents.
National Association of State Fire Marshals Professional Development Opportunities
The National Association of State Fire Marshals offers seven different free training programs including:
Pipeline Emergencies - Awareness
Pipeline Emergencies - Operations
Pipeline Emergencies - Technician
Liquified Natural Gas Emergencies 101
Implementing a Residential Sprinkler Program
Evaluating Fire Risk in Existing Buildings
Why Data? Understanding Your Role in Fire Incident Reporting
Fire Engineering
Fire Engineering has a wide selection on training videos, podcasts, and many other online training options to choose from.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation - Fire Hero Learning Network
Visit the Fire Hero Learning Network to check out the platform and register now to immediately access any of the 12 free, high quality, online training modules. Each module takes less than hour to complete. Modules cover the Foundation's key initiatives, including "Courage to be Safe®" and "Taking Care of Our Own®," as well as hot topics in the fire service, including "Responding to Violent Incidents" and "Stress First Aid for Fire and EMS Personnel."