The State Fire Training (SFT) Annual Report (PDF) is dedicated to our emergency response professionals statewide. The CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal - State Fire Training Division accomplished several remarkable goals that have enhanced the SFT system for our stakeholders. This annual report highlights those exceptional efforts in the essential areas of the program.

This report identifies key areas of recognition, including FY 2024 statistics, SFT accomplishments, the California Fire Academy System, and four in-depth articles covering: Course Surveys, Importance of Higher Education, Balancing Readiness and Realism, and Behavioral Health. The State Fire Training team is proud to present this comprehensive summary of our program improvements, growth, and successes.

State Fire Training has released Blueprint 2030, a forward-looking strategic roadmap shaped with input from fire service leaders, trainers, and educators across the state. Developed through broad statewide collaboration, the plan outlines a clear path to modernize curriculum delivery, integrate technology, and improve accessibility to fire service training. Blueprint 2030 also establishes a framework for continuous quality improvement and long-term stakeholder engagement. Together, these efforts aim to ensure State Fire Training remains responsive, consistent, and aligned with the evolving needs of California’s fire service through 2030.

The 2025 State Fire Training Procedures Manual will be implemented on April 1, 2026. This updated edition includes several important changes, including updates to instructor qualifications, such as the retirement of the Senior, Primary, and Assistant Instructor levels and the introduction of the Instructor Trainee, Skills Coach, and Vendor Expert roles, as well as other important revisions and changes.

To ensure all instructional personnel have reviewed and understand the new Procedures Manual, all Registered Instructors and Registered Evaluators are required to complete the Title 19 Update Web Form in the SFT User Portal. 

The Procedures Manual and web form will both be available beginning April 1, 2026. The web form must be completed by June 1, 2026. 

Individuals who do not complete the web form by the deadline will not be eligible to teach or evaluate until the update is submitted. If you have questions, please contact the SFT Help Desk.

Beginning March 16, 2026, State Fire Training will require users to log in to the SFT User Portal to access and submit the Course Request Form. This update allows users to upload required supplemental documents directly within the form, streamlining submissions and reducing processing delays. Users without a portal account will need an SFT ID to register, and support is available through the SFT Help Desk. Additional information and assistance with course scheduling can be found on the Course Delivery webpage.

Read the Course Request Form Update Info Bulletin (PDF) for more information

FF2 Webform Application Reminder

On July 1, 2025, State Fire Training introduced a streamlined Fire Fighter 2 (FF2) Webform Application for candidates who completed the 2024 FF2A certification exam. This online submission process is designed to minimize paperwork and reduce application processing times.

The webform is available in the SFT User Portal and is only visible to candidates who have completed the 2024 FF2A exam. If you completed the 2019 FF2A exam, you will not be able to access the webform and must submit your application by mail using the 2019 process.

Fire Fighter 2 Applicants:

• If you tested under the 2024 FF2A curriculum, use the web form to submit your application.
• If you tested under the 2019 FF2A curriculum, you must submit your application by mail.



The webform is part of our ongoing effort to modernize and streamline certification processes. For questions about eligibility or assistance with the FF2 application process, please contact the SFT Help Desk.