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Firefighter I Challenge Exam - Pittsford

Date:  June 5, 2018
Time:  0830
Location:  Vermont Fire Academy, Pittsford
Registration Deadline:  May 22, 2018

Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Firefighter I Course, but who feel they have obtained the necessary training by some other means; or whose previous certifications are more than 2 editions in arrears of the current NFPA 1001 standard, may challenge the Firefighter I Exam.  The challenge exam process is available to candidates once every five years per certification level.  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 Adult and Child CPR with AED Certification
  • Current First Aid with Environmental Emergencies Certifications
  • Hazardous Materials Operations that qualifies as current with NFPA 472.
  • Traffic Incident Management 
  • Wildland Firefighter (9 hours)
  • ICS100: Introduction to Incident Command System

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.

Download the Challenge Exam Application