Why is it important for an individual in the Fire Service to be certified?
A little bit of background is necessary. Professionalism has long been a goal sought by the fire service, but it has only been within the last twenty years that a system has evolved to produce national professional qualifications for the fire service. Standards are now available for the firefighter, fire instructor, fire investigator, fire inspector, fire officer, public fire and life safety educator, hazardous materials emergency responder, fire apparatus operator, and airport firefighter. The National Professional Qualifications System serves the needs of all fire service personnel, not just the sworn members.

Why is it advantageous for an individual to become certified under these National Standards?
First and foremost, it provides recognition that you have demonstrated proficiency and an ability to do the job in accordance with nationally recognized peer standards. It provides for a common yardstick and a level playing field for all fire service personnel, regardless of your status as a volunteer or career member, or the size of your department. Your sense of achievement will be recognized by peers and will be honored wherever you go in the fire service. In addition, the credibility of your fire service organization will certainly be enhanced by having members accredited to national consensus standards.

What about my Fire Department?
Fire services, like all branches of government, compete for resources. A high percentage of certified members within your department should certainly help fire department managers in their pursuit of adequate funding at budget time. Such organizations possess a commitment to excellence and demonstrate this by helping members meet the NFPA Professional Qualifications Standards.

What is the National Register?
The National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications maintains a permanent registry which contains the name and levels of certification of all nationally certified individuals. This will be especially helpful to you in establishing professional credibility at both promotion and transfer times. Remember, you may seek certification in more than one discipline and, in fact, should pursue this as you move through a variety of assignments.

The fire services have come of age with other professions and it is time to demonstrate your commitment and proficiency by seeking national certification as have thousands who have already successfully met the professional requirements of the national standards.

This information has been provided by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.

As a service to the firefighters of Connecticut, the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control will provide a completed application for National Registration and National Certification for the examination which you have just successfully completed.

For more information concerning national certification please contact the Certification Division of the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control or the NBFSPQ, Office of the Secretary-Treasurer, P.O. Box 492, Quincy, MA 02269