Location: Cambridge Fire Department
When: June 22 & 23, 2024
Time: 0800 - 1700 each day
Application deadline: noon on June 7, 2024

The Vermont Fire Academy will offer a new 16-hour Surface Water Rescue Technician with Boat Operations Course. Surface Water Technician includes providing knowledge and skills when responding to surface water, cold water and swift-water rescues. The training is designed for shore or boat based rescuers, who may be performing rescues from those areas and/or be supporting technician-level swift-water rescuers. They will also learn to perform surface water go based rescues. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

The Surface Water Technician with Boat Operations level content includes the following topics and meets the job performance requirements of NFPA 1006, Chapters 17.1, 17.2, and 17.3: hazard assessment, shore-based rescue techniques, boat-based rescue techniques, rescuer safety, risk management, incident management, hypothermia & near drowning, water rescue equipment, dynamics of moving water, flooding, water search techniques, case studies, NFPA Standards, self-rescue techniques. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

Students will need to bring a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) level three or above and a water rescue helmet.

The class maximum is 20 and the minimum by the application deadline is 15.
Please click here for the application. Applications can be emailed to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov

Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: June 8 & 9, 2024
Time: 0800 - 1700 each day
Application deadline: noon on May 24, 2024

The Vermont Fire Academy will offer a new 16-hour Surface Water Rescue Technician with Boat Operations Course. Surface Water Technician includes providing knowledge and skills when responding to surface water, cold water and swift-water rescues. The training is designed for shore or boat based rescuers, who may be performing rescues from those areas and/or be supporting technician-level swift-water rescuers. They will also learn to perform surface water go based rescues. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

The Surface Water Technician with Boat Operations level content includes the following topics and meets the job performance requirements of NFPA 1006, Chapters 17.1, 17.2, and 17.3: hazard assessment, shore-based rescue techniques, boat-based rescue techniques, rescuer safety, risk management, incident management, hypothermia & near drowning, water rescue equipment, dynamics of moving water, flooding, water search techniques, case studies, NFPA Standards, self-rescue techniques. In addition, students will learn to paddle and operate motorized inflatable rescue boats.

Students will need to bring a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) level three or above and a water rescue helmet.

The class maximum is 20 and the minimum by the application deadline is 15.
Please click here for the application. Applications can be emailed to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov

Firefighter II Challenge Examination:
Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 0830 until finished
Application deadline: Noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov

Download the Firefighter II Challenge Exam Application

Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Firefighter II Program, but who feel they have obtained the necessary training by some other means may challenge the Firefighter II Exam. To be eligible to take the Firefighter II 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:

- Proof of accredited Firefighter I Certification
- Current Adult and Child CPR with AED Certification
- ICS200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (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 II Certification is granted once a candidate passes both the written and practical skills exams.

Fire Instructor I Challenge Examination:
Location: Vermont Fire Academy in Pittsford
When: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 0830 until finished
Application Due: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Please send applications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov

Download the Fire Instructor Challenge Exam Application

Individuals who have not completed an approved Vermont Fire Academy sanctioned Fire Instructor I Program, but who feel they have obtained the equivalent training that meets the requirements of NFPA 1041 by some other means may challenge the Fire Instructor I Certification Exam. To be eligible to take the Fire Instructor I Challenge Exam, the candidate must meet the following requirements:

- Be at least 18 years of age at the test date 
- Affiliated with a Vermont Emergency Service Organization
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Five years of experience in fire or emergency services.
- Accredited Firefighter I or equivalent EMS certification (EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic) with three years of service of that level.
- Endorsement by the candidate's current department chief in the form of a signed letter stating the applicant's training, qualifications, and experience are equal to those outlined in NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.

Challenge Exam Part 1: Written Exam
The written exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions based on the knowledge requirements outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1041. 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 within 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 2 practical skill stations based on the requisite skills outlined in the current edition of NFPA 1041. The stations will consist of delivering a cognitive presentation and delivering a psychomotor presentation. The topics and prepared lesson materials for the practical skill exam presentations will be assigned and provided to the candidate 14 days prior to the exam date. Candidates will be provided with a standard LCD projector, PC equipped with the current version of PowerPoint, paper easel, and markers. Candidates are responsible for providing any additional equipment that may be necessary for their presentations.