SFT has updated the Fire Fighter 1A and 2A (Structural) 2024 Curriculum to align with the NFPA 1010: Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters (2024 edition). This includes revisions to the Certification Training Standards, Certification Task Book, Skill Sheets, Training Record, Course Plans, guides, and application forms.

Key Dates:

• July 1, 2025: Fire Fighter (2024 edition) is available.
• July 1, 2026: Retirement of Fire Fighter 1 & 2 (2019) Exam and curriculum.
• July 1, 2027: Retirement of Fire Fighter 1 & 2 (2019) retake exam, Certification Task Book, and Certification.

Applications for Fire Fighter 2 (2019) must be postmarked by June 30, 2027. For more details, refer to the Staff Report.

SFT has expanded its national accreditation to include Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (FESI) 1 and 2 certifications. This expansion aligns with the standards set by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the Pro Board and is an additional option for those seeking FESI certification. 

Key Points:

• July 1, 2025: Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1 & 2 with IFSAC/Pro Board seals is available.
• Certification Process: Candidates for the nationally accredited FESI 1 and 2 certifications must complete a certification exam. FESI 1 candidates will take an exam instead of completing a task book, while FESI 2 candidates will need to verify their teaching and work experience.
• Options: Candidates can choose between the California State Certification and the Nationally Accredited Certification. Those opting for the national certification will need to complete the certification exam and pay the associated fees.

For more detailed information, please refer to the FESI webpages.

The National Fire Academy (NFA) offers courses in California that focus on fire safety and emergency response. These courses are available both in-person and online and are designed for both experienced professionals and those new in the field.

Interested in an NFA course? Click below to learn more about available classes. 

Would your department be Interested in hosting an NFA-sponsored delivery? Contact Deputy Katy Luetke at katy.luetkeporter@fire.ca.gov to learn more and apply for the 2026 Course Call.

In 2020, SFT collaborated with Cal Poly Humboldt in the Bachelor of Arts degree completion program. Cal Poly Humboldt accepted the SFT Chief Fire Officer Curriculum Level 3 as fulfillment of the twelve elective course units. This partnership makes the bachelor’s degree more accessible to the fire service professional and offers an opportunity to enroll in a higher education program while maintaining full time employment. We want to celebrate the achievements of our colleagues and congratulate them on their accomplishment.

City College of San Francisco, College of the Sequoias, College of the Siskiyous, Crafton Hills College, Monterey Peninsula College, Moreno Valley College, Porterville College, Yuba College, Clovis Fire Department and Santa Clara County Fire Department have been approved for reaccreditation. Congratulations to our Accredited Academies!