MFSI provides Pro Board-accredited certification examinations for Firefighter I & II. This certification is the basis of all future firefighter certification programs. MFSI also supports local departments with assistance for Basic Fire School.
How to Become a Firefighter in Maine
MFSI does not currently host Fire Fighter I & II programs, however we support local programs with instructors and training props. To discover both Basic Fire School and Fire Fighter I & II programs in your area, contact local departments and/or check their Facebook pages. Many programs start late fall/early winter, while a handful begin at other times. In addition, SMCC offers a live-in Public Safety program, as well as several high school Career & Technical Education centers across the State.
Here is a list of training programs that often run annually [work in progress]:
- Farmington Fire, November start [Info/Application] Deadline: 10/18/2024
- Southern York County, November start [Info/Application]
- Hancock County, December start [Info/Application] Deadline: 11/15/2024 at 5pm
- York County, December start [Info/Application] Deadline: 11/23/2024 at 5pm
- Tri County Training, January start [Info/Application] Deadline: 12/20/2024 at 6pm
- Knox County Fire Training Academy, January start [Info/Website] Deadline: 12/5/2024
- Presumpscot Valley Fire Academy, January start [Info/Application/Chiefs Permission] Deadline: 12/14/2024
- Twin Rivers Fire Academy
- Penobscot County Fire Academy
Fire Fighter I & II Course Requirements
Applicants seeking certification as a Firefighter I & II must show documentation of having met the minimum requirements for Firefighter I & II certification according to NFPA Standard 1001. Certification is granted to those individuals who have met the latest NFPA Standard 1001 and successfully pass the written and skills examinations.
Certification Exams and Skill Tests
Applicants have one year from the time of course completion to finish the certification process. Learn more about the Exams and Skill Tests here.
All qualifications must be met and documentation supplied to Maine Fire Service Institute (MFSI) two weeks prior to admission to any examinations. Anyone desiring to participate in certification testing needs to contact John Churchill at 207-844-2074 for more information. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Required Curriculum
MFSI has adopted Jones & Bartlett Curriculum for all Firefighter I & II programs and all certification examinations are based on NFPA standard and adopted curriculum. Some programs include the textbook within the program, so check with the Program Coordinator. If not, order directly from Jones & Bartlett.
MFSI will be ready to test to the 2024 NFPA 1010 standard beginning in 2026. For all 2024-25 programs, the 4th edition textbook and 2019 NFPA standard skill sheets will be used for certification examinations. Programs beginning Fall 2025 will be tested on the new standard [unless otherwise noted].
PROGRAM COORDINATOR USE ONLY: FF I & II Training Notification
This form is to be used by Program Coordinators to report Fire Fighter trainings across the state so that MFSI can help inform interested candidates on where/when trainings occur. For more program and curriculum support, contact the Certification Office.