CHAPTER 251
FIREFIGHTER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
[Prior to 9/29/04, see 661—Ch 54]
661—251.1(100B) Definitions. The following definitions apply to rules 661—251.1(100B) to  661—251.204(100B):
“Emergency incident” means any incident involving a fire or other hazardous situation to which personnel of a fire department respond.
“NFPA” means the National Fire Protection Association.
“Structural firefighting” means firefighting in a hazardous environment which requires the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.
[ARC 4641C, IAB 8/28/19, effective 10/2/19; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.2 to 251.100  Reserved.
MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS
661—251.101(100B) Minimum training standard. Any member of a fire department shall have completed the training requirements identified in the job performance requirements for the fire fighter I classification in NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, based on the current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau, prior to the member’s engaging in structural firefighting. Each fire department shall identify its members who are or will be engaged in structural firefighting and shall ensure that any member engaged in structural firefighting has completed the training requirements specified in this rule prior to the member’s engaging in structural firefighting.
Note: A firefighter is not required to be certified to meet this requirement. Training to meet this requirement may be provided by the fire service training bureau, a community college, a regional fire training facility, a local fire department, or any combination thereof.
Exception 1: A firefighter who received training which complied with the job performance requirements for the fire fighter I classification contained in an earlier edition of NFPA 1001 shall be deemed to have met this requirement, provided that records documenting the training are maintained in accordance with rule 661—251.104(100B).
Exception 2: The chief or the training officer of any fire department may apply to the state fire marshal by June 1 of any year for an extension of the deadline to meet the training requirement for members of the department engaged in structural firefighting. Any such extension shall be for one year and may be renewed annually upon application. An extension shall be granted only if the department has requested training required under this rule, with training costs to be offset through funding from the firefighting training and equipment fund, pursuant to 661—Chapter 259, and funds to offset the cost of the training have not been available or have been inadequate to fully offset the cost of the training. The extension may be for all or some of the firefighters in the department. The application shall be in a form specified by the state fire marshal and shall list by name each firefighter for whom an extension is requested. The extension, if granted, shall list by name the firefighters to whom the extension applies and shall apply only to those listed.
[ARC 9928B, IAB 12/14/11, effective 2/1/12; ARC 4641C, IAB 8/28/19, effective 10/2/19; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.102(100B) Other training. Any member of a fire department who serves in a capacity other than structural firefighting at an emergency incident shall have received training based on the duties the member might perform at an emergency incident. Training to meet this requirement may be provided by the fire service training bureau, a community college, a regional fire training facility, or a local fire department, or any combination thereof.
[ARC 9928B, IAB 12/14/11, effective 2/1/12; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.103(100B) Continuing training. Fire department members shall participate in at least 24 hours of continuing training annually, which may include, but is not limited to, the following subject matter areas:
	1.	Personal protective equipment and respiratory protection.
	2.	Structural firefighting techniques, including standard operating policies and procedures or standard operating guidelines.
	3.	Ground ladders.
	4.	Hose and hose appliances.
	5.	Ventilation.
	6.	Forcible entry.
	7.	Search and rescue techniques.
	8.	Firefighter safety.
	9.	National Incident Management System or Incident Command System.
	10.	Emergency vehicle driver-operator.
	11.	Hazardous materials first responder—operations level.
	12.	Emergency medical service (EMS) training.
	13.	Additional training based on standard operating policies and procedures or standard operating guidelines.
	14.	Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-related training, such as blood-borne pathogen protection.
	15.	Specialty training such as confined space entry, vehicle extrication, rescue techniques, wildland or agricultural firefighting techniques.
	16.	Emergency response to terrorism.
	17.	Any other training designed to meet local training needs.
Note: Training to meet this requirement may be provided by the fire service training bureau, a community college, a regional fire training facility, or a local fire department, or any combination thereof.
[ARC 9928B, IAB 12/14/11, effective 2/1/12; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.104(100B) Record keeping. Each fire department shall maintain training records for each individual member of the department who participates in emergency incidents. These training records shall identify, for all training completed by the individual firefighter, the person or persons who provided the training, the dates during which the training was completed, the location or locations where the training was delivered, and a description of the content of the training.
[ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.105 to 251.200  Reserved.
FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION
661—251.201(100B) Firefighter certification and accreditation program. There is established within the fire service training bureau of the state fire marshal division a firefighter certification program for the state of Iowa, which shall be known as the certification and accreditation program. The certification and accreditation program is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (PROBOARD) and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) to certify fire service personnel to accepted national standards. All certifications issued by the certification and accreditation program shall be based upon nationally accepted standards.
Note 1: Participation in the certification and accreditation program is voluntary, and state law does not require certification to work or volunteer as a firefighter in Iowa. However, some fire departments within the state require certification for continued employment or promotion. Inquiries regarding such requirements should be directed to the hiring or employing department.
Note 2: Inquiries and requests regarding the certification and accreditation program should be directed to the fire service training bureau.
	251.201(1) Eligibility. Any person seeking certification through the certification and accreditation program shall be a current member of a fire, emergency, or rescue organization within the state of Iowa and shall be at least 18 years of age.
Exception: Persons not meeting the requirement of membership in a fire, emergency, or rescue organization may be granted exceptions to this requirement on an individual basis. Individuals seeking such exceptions shall address these requests to the fire service training bureau.
	251.201(2) Application. Application forms for each level of firefighter certification may be obtained from the fire service training bureau. In order to enter the certification and accreditation program, an applicant shall submit a completed application, accompanied by the required fee, to the fire service training bureau. The fee must accompany the application form, although a purchase order from a public agency or private organization may be accepted in lieu of prior payment. The application and fee shall be submitted no less than two weeks prior to the date of any examination in which the applicant wishes to participate.
[ARC 9928B, IAB 12/14/11, effective 2/1/12; ARC 4641C, IAB 8/28/19, effective 10/2/19; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.202(100B) Certification standards. Standards for the certification and accreditation program are based upon nationally recognized standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Certification at each level in the Iowa fire service certification system results in national certification.
	251.202(1) Firefighter.
	a. 	Fire fighter I. Certification as a fire fighter I is based upon the requirements for fire fighter I certification established in NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	b. 	Fire fighter II. Certification as a fire fighter II is based upon the requirements for fire fighter II certification established in NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	251.202(2) Driver/operator.
	a. 	Driver/operator (pumper). Certification as a driver/operator (pumper) is based upon the requirements for fire department vehicle driver/operator (pumper) certification established in NFPA 1002, “Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	b. 	Driver/operator (aerial). Certification as a driver/operator (aerial) is based upon the requirements for fire department vehicle driver/operator (aerial) certification established in NFPA 1002, “Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	251.202(3) Fire officer.
	a. 	Fire officer I. Certification as a fire officer I is based upon the requirements for fire officer I certification established in NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	b. 	Fire officer II. Certification as a fire officer II is based upon the requirements for fire officer II certification established in NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	251.202(4) Fire inspector. Certification as a fire inspector I is based upon the requirements for certification as a fire inspector I established in NFPA 1031, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	251.202(5) Fire investigator. Certification as a fire investigator is based upon the requirements for certification as a fire investigator established in NFPA 1033, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	251.202(6) Fire and emergency services instructor.
	a. 	Fire and emergency services instructor I. Certification as a fire and emergency services instructor I is based upon the requirements for certification as a fire and emergency services instructor I established in NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	b. 	Fire and emergency services instructor II. Certification as a fire and emergency services instructor II is based upon the requirements for certification as a fire and emergency services instructor II established in NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	251.202(7) Responder to hazardous materials incidents.
	a. 	Responder to hazardous materials incidents (awareness). Prior to October 1, 2019, certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (awareness) is based upon the requirements for certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (awareness) established in NFPA 472, “Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau. Beginning on October 1, 2019, certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (awareness) is based upon the requirements for certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (awareness) established in NFPA 1072, “Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
	b. 	Responder to hazardous materials incidents (operations). Prior to October 1, 2019, certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (operations) is based upon the requirements for certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (operations) established in NFPA 472, “Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau. Beginning on October 1, 2019, certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (operations) is based upon the requirements for certification as a responder to hazardous materials incidents (operations) established in NFPA 1072, “Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications,” current edition adopted by the fire service training bureau.
[ARC 8302B, IAB 11/18/09, effective 1/1/10; ARC 4641C, IAB 8/28/19, effective 10/2/19; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.203(100B) Fees. Current certification application fees and any other fees related to participation in the certification process shall be listed on the fire service training bureau’s web page and also within the publication Certification Procedures Guide for each level of certification, published by the fire service training bureau. The information in each guide shall be effective upon publication until superseded by publication of a later edition. Prospective candidates who are considering application for a particular level of certification should contact the fire service training bureau for the latest date of publication of the Certification Procedures Guide.
Fees may be paid by personal check made payable to Iowa Department of Public Safety—Fire Service Training Bureau, credit card, purchase order from a public agency or private organization, check or draft from a public agency or private organization, or money order. The check, credit card information, purchase order, money order or draft shall be submitted with the application.
[ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
661—251.204(100B) Certification, denial, and revocation of certification.
	251.204(1) Certification. Upon completion of the requirements for certification, the applicant’s name shall be entered into the Iowa certification database maintained by the fire service training bureau for the respective level of certification and into the certification databases maintained by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (PROBOARD) and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Individuals who successfully complete the certification requirements shall also receive an individualized certificate awarding national certification from the fire service training bureau, which will bear numbered seals from the PROBOARD and the IFSAC, and additional insignia from the fire service training bureau.
	251.204(2) Denial of certification. Certification shall be denied to any applicant who fails to meet all of the requirements for the type of certification, who knowingly submits false information to the fire service training bureau, or who engages in fraudulent activity during the certification process.
	251.204(3) Revocation. The fire service training bureau may revoke the certification of any individual who is found to have knowingly provided false information to the fire service training bureau during the certification process or to have engaged in fraudulent activity during the certification process. In addition, certification may be revoked by the fire service training bureau if an individual was found to have engaged in and been convicted of a felony-level crime, including but not limited to murder, arson, sexual assault, physical assault, embezzlement, and crimes committed against a fire department or its respective association.
	251.204(4) Appeals. Any person who is denied certification or whose certification is revoked may appeal the denial or revocation. An appeal of a denial or revocation of certification shall be made to the commissioner of public safety within 30 days of the issuance of the denial or revocation using the contested case procedures specified in rules 661—10.301(17A) through 661—10.332(17A).
[ARC 9928B, IAB 12/14/11, effective 2/1/12; ARC 4641C, IAB 8/28/19, effective 10/2/19; ARC 5604C, IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 100B.
[Filed emergency 6/22/00—published 7/12/00, effective 7/1/00]
[Filed 3/2/01, Notice 7/12/00—published 3/21/01, effective 5/1/01]
[Filed 9/9/04, Notice 4/14/04—published 9/29/04, effective 12/1/04]
[Filed 5/18/05, Notice 7/7/04—published 6/8/05, effective 8/1/05]
[Filed 10/29/08, Notice 7/2/08—published 11/19/08, effective 1/1/09]
[Filed ARC 8302B (Notice ARC 8178B, IAB 9/23/09), IAB 11/18/09, effective 1/1/10]
[Filed ARC 9928B (Notice ARC 9766B, IAB 10/5/11), IAB 12/14/11, effective 2/1/12]
[Filed ARC 4641C (Notice ARC 4522C, IAB 7/3/19), IAB 8/28/19, effective 10/2/19]
[Filed ARC 5604C (Notice ARC 5502C, IAB 3/10/21), IAB 5/5/21, effective 6/9/21]