Rule 205-1-3-.04 - Classifications of Fire Service Personnel(1) These Rules & Regulations are further established to provide for the Policy & Procedures for various classifications of fire service personnel.(2) All fire service personnel shall be members of a compliant fire department operating in the State of Georgia.(3) All fire service personnel shall successfully complete basic training relative to the job description for the position they are appointed or hired to perform.(4) Upon employment, candidates for State Certification as a Career Firefighter shall have twelve months from the initial hire or appointment date to complete the required training and pass the state certification test with the GFSTC. Candidates seeking qualification as a Volunteer Suppression or Support Firefighter shall have eighteen (18) months from the initial appointment date to complete the required training and pass state qualification tests as approved by the Council. (a) The recruit may be granted a reasonable extension by the Executive Director if the recruit has not completed this requirement within the above established time frame.(b) If the recruit has not completed basic training and testing within the allowed time frame, the recruit shall be stricken from the roster of the fire department for a minimum of one year.(c) Departments shall not remove personnel from roster and add them back in order to reset the timeline for qualification/certification at the same department.(d) Once the initial test score has been downloaded into the GFSTC system, the Candidate shall successfully complete all testing requirements within ninety (90) days, except for a Georgia Fire Academy (GFA) sponsored course. The GFA requirement is that all testing be completed within thirty (30) days.(5) Regardless of out of state certifications held by candidates, the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council requires firefighters be tested for Volunteer Support Firefighter, Volunteer Suppression Firefighter, or any State Certifications.(6) GFSTC shall certify individuals who have successfully completed requirements outlined in the Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council for State Certification.(7)State Certified Fire Service Personnel:(a) Gain and Continue Certification Classifications: 1. All fire service personnel hired as full-time employees by any fire department in a position that requires State Certification shall obtain and maintain at least one State Certification through GFSTC.2. For all other fire department positions, state certification is optional unless mandated by the local fire department.3. For any certifications issued by GFSTC an individual must complete basic training for the level of appointment and pass the State of Georgia certification tests. The individual shall have:(i) Successfully completed the basic training program as approved by the Council relative to the job description for the position they are hired to perform and pass the required certification tests.(ii) Received training in another state determined by GFSTC to be equivalent to the basic training program described above and passed the required certification tests.(iii) Received training as a federal firefighter by the United States government determined by GFSTC to be equivalent to the basic training program described above and passed the required certification tests.4. To complete requirements for any and all State Certifications, the fire department must complete and properly store the Certification Package and complete and submit the Certification Application to GFSTC. The Certification Package will be reviewed during on-site visits, and are used to verify that the candidate:(i) Is at least 18 years of age.(ii) Has not been convicted of a felony in the past ten (10) years (except as provided in O.C.G.A. § 25-4-8). Criminal history documents used to determine eligibility for fire service personnel must be current.(iii) Has an affidavit of good moral character as determined by investigation approved by the Council and signed by the Fire Chief/Designee.(iv) Has successfully completed the minimum physical agility requirements as established by the Council.(v) Has a signed medical affidavit indicating that he/she is in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination from a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner.(vi) Has a high school diploma from an accredited high school, a state issued general education development equivalency (GED) or the Home School Affidavit (as approved by the Council).(vii) Has successfully completed the Council-approved minimum training course curriculum or equivalent.(viii) Has successfully completed the certification examination as approved by the Council within one (1) year.5. To continue their Qualification and State Certification status fire service personnel who are certified by GFSTC must meet minimum requirements each calendar year following the year of certification: (i) Successful completion of a total of 24 hours of professional development training each year as approved by the Fire Chief and verified by GFSTC is required for continuation of any or all State Certifications. "Professional Development" means training that meets a national or state standard or addresses a specific area of local service delivery (this does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc. unless it is for a recruit or probationary personnel) and performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed to be qualified by the fire chief/designee. Such hours may be credited toward the maintenance of any and all certifications as approved by the Council.(ii) Records shall be developed, maintained, and available for review by GFSTC Staff at the local department.(iii) Documentation of this training shall include certificates, transcripts, or sign-in sheets. All training documentation shall include the training subject, date, beginning and ending times, description of the training, objectives of the training; training records shall be signed by an instructor and students and may include electronic authorization if a learning management system is used by the department.(iv) Fire Chiefs and Training personnel are urged to continue using the criterion that GFSTC has traditionally used to determine whether or not something is actually training. That criterion is training that meets a national or state standard and is performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed to be qualified by the Fire Chief/Designee. This does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc. unless it is for recruit(s) or probationary personnel.(v) Fire departments and other agencies that are looking for outside validation of classes, courses and schools can submit a Course Credit Request form to GFSTC and the documentation will be reviewed for course credit acceptance as a courtesy.(vi) A fire service member shall notify GFSTC in writing of any arrest and/or conviction set out below involving himself/herself within fifteen (15) calendar days of becoming aware of such arrest and/or conviction. This is regardless of any action or lack thereof by the employing agency as a result of such information. Records concerning the disciplinary action shall be made available to the Executive Director of the Council or his/her representative upon request. These records shall include, but are not limited to:(I) Arrest and/or conviction by local, state, or federal authorities;(II) Arrest and/or conviction or bond forfeiture in any local, state, or federal court; the term "arrest and/or conviction" includes a finding or verdict of guilt, plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether the adjudication of guilt or sentence is withheld or not entered thereon (this specifically includes pleas under Alford v. North Carolina, first-offender pleas, and pre-trial diversion agreements); Minor traffic violations like speeding, traffic control devices and improper passing need not be reported to the Council. DUI, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and homicide by vehicle are hereby listed as specific, but not exclusive, examples of traffic violations that are not minor and are to be reported.(b) Transfer Certification: Fire service personnel certified by GFSTC may, upon separation from any fire department and upon agreement with a subsequently appointing/employing fire department, transfer such certification(s) to the appointing/employing fire department.1. Any fire department may refuse to accept the transfer of previously acquired certification(s) and may require any newly appointed/employed fire service personnel to complete the basic training course provided for in O.C.G.A. § 25-4-9 (a).2. The fire department shall add the Firefighter to their department's roster on the GFSTC database.(c) Recertification/Requalification: Individuals returning to the fire service and seeking recertification/requalification shall be in one of the following categories:1. State Certified fire service personnel may leave a fire department in good standing and return within five years with no penalty as long as they maintain continuous training as approved by the Council and reviewed by GFSTC Staff. The hiring/appointing Fire Chief or designee shall submit the following documentation validating the readiness of the candidate for recertification.(i) Register the candidate electronically as a member of the department through the GFSTC database. Complete a new Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04(7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.2. State Certified fire service personnel may leave a fire department in good standing and return within five years with the following penalty if they have not maintained continuous training as approved by the Council: (i) Register the candidate electronically as a member of the department through the GFSTC database.(ii) Complete a task book, signed by the Fire Chief or designee, for the level of the Certification they are seeking. Career Firefighters shall have 90 days from the date of hire or appointment to complete the task book. Volunteer Firefighters shall have 180 days from the date of appointment to complete the task book.(iii) Complete a new Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04(7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.3. The following requirements apply to State Certified fire service personnel that leave the fire service for more than five (5) years, but less than ten (10) years, the: (i) Fire department shall register the candidate electronically as a member of the department through the GFSTC database.(ii) Complete a task book, signed by the Fire Chief or designee, for the level of the Certification they are seeking. Career Firefighters shall have 90 days from the date of hire to complete the task book. Volunteer Firefighters shall have 180 days from the date of appointment to complete the task book.(iii) Candidate shall successfully pass the required written and skills tests for their level of State Certification.(iv) Fire department shall complete a new Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04 (7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.4. The following requirements apply to State Certified fire service personnel that leave the fire service for more than ten (10) years, the: (i) Fire department shall register the candidate electronically as a member of the department through the GFSTC database.(ii) Candidate shall successfully complete a new training course, including a task book, signed by the Fire Chief or designee, for the level of Certification they are seeking, and pass the required tests for their level of State Certification.(iii) Complete a new Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04 (7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.5. Following recertification, fire service personnel shall complete a total of 24 hours of professional development training each year as approved by the Fire Chief or designee and verified by GFSTC. Professional Development means training that meets a national or state standard or addresses a specific area of local service delivery (this does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc.), unless it is for a recruit or probationary personnel) and performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed qualified by the fire chief/designee.6. Records shall be developed, maintained, and available for on-site review at the local department. Documentation of this training shall include the subject, date, time, description of the training, objectives of the course, and signatures of students and instructors.(d) How to become State Certified by Specific Classification:1.State Certified Firefighter:(i) To become certified as a Firefighter, the individual shall be required to be trained to the level of State Certified Firefighter and shall complete all requirements to become a State Certified Firefighter within one year of the date of hire to maintain employment and be in compliance with O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8 & 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(e) The Firefighter shall pass the written and skills state certification tests as approved by the Council. The testing shall include written and skills tests for Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Awareness.(f) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete a certification Package for all new personnel and reference section § 205-1-3-.04 (7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission. The Certification Package shall be maintained for on-site review. 1. The hiring department shall complete a Compliance Package and submit certification application page for anyone appointed to the position of Public Safety Director, Fire Chief, Chief Executive Officer or any comparable title. This shall be someone that is a minimum of Qualified Volunteer Suppression for Volunteer Departments, or a State Certified Firefighter for Combination and Career Departments.2.State Certified Airport Firefighter:(i) To become certified as an Airport Firefighter, the individual shall be required to be trained to the level of State Certified Firefighter and Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) and shall complete all requirements to become a State Certified Airport Firefighter and be in compliance with FAA regulations, O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8 & 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(ii) The Airport Firefighter shall complete the GFSTC required task book and pass the state certification tests as approved by the Council. (i) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete a Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04 (7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.3.State Certified Fire and Life Safety Educator: (i) To become certified as a Fire & Life Safety Educator, the individual shall be required to be trained to the level of Fire & Life Safety Educator I and shall complete all requirements to become a State Certified Fire & Life Safety Educator within one year of appointment (if applicable) and be in compliance with O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8 & 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(ii) The Fire & Life Safety Educator shall pass the state certification tests as approved by the Council.(iii) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete a Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04 (7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.4.State Certified Fire Inspector: (i) To become certified as a Fire Inspector shall be required to be trained to the level of Fire Inspector I and shall complete all requirements to become a State Certified Fire Inspector within one year of appointment (if applicable) and be in compliance with O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8 & 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(ii) The Fire Inspector shall pass the state certification tests as approved by the Council. The testing shall include written and skills tests for Fire Inspector and Hazardous Materials Awareness.(iii) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete a Certification Package and reference section § 205-1-3-.04 (7)(a)4. for instructions on storage and submission.5.State Certified Fire Investigator: (i) To become certified as a Fire Investigator, the candidate shall be required to be trained to the level of Fire Investigator I and shall complete all requirements to become a State Certified Fire Investigator within one year of appointment (if applicable) and be in compliance with O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8, 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(ii) The Fire Investigator shall pass the state certification tests as approved by GFSTC.(iii) To attain Fire Investigator I a candidate shall successfully complete Fire Investigator modules 1 and 2 through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center or meet the requirements through the reciprocity process.(iv) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete a Certification Package and submit a Certification Application or Additional Certification form for the candidate. The Certification Package shall be maintained by the department for on-site review.6.State Certified Canine Detection Team(i) To become certified as a canine team, the canine and handler shall be required to complete a training course designed to meet or exceed International Association of Arson Investigator, Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine Teams training.(ii) Must be a State Certified Fire Investigator and be in compliance with O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8, 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(iii) The canine team shall pass the state certification tests as approved by GFSTC.(iv) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete and submit an Additional Certification form for the candidate.(v) Recertification must be done annually and/or any time the handler is assigned a different canine.7.State Certified Fire Chief:(i) If you would like to become certified as a Fire Chief, the individual shall be required to hold the department position of Chief Officer or higher for a minimum of 5 years and have 10 continuous years in the fire service to include fire suppression, be in compliance with O.C.G.A. Title 25-4-8 & 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council and petition GFSTC for State Certified Fire Chief Designation. or
(ii) Shall obtain Fire Officer I through IV and complete and pass GFSTC tests as approved by the Council.(iii) Upon completion of all training and testing requirements, the fire department shall complete a Certification Package and submit a Certification Application or Additional Certification form for the candidate. The Certification Package shall be maintained by the department for on-site review upon request.8.Part-Time Fire Service Personnel:(i) A part-time fire service employee shall be trained to the minimum level of Volunteer Suppression Firefighter (including live structure fire control) by or through the Georgia Fire Academy or an equivalent training course approved by the Council. When trained to the level of Volunteer Suppression Firefighter, they shall pass the current State of Georgia Volunteer Suppression Firefighter tests delivered by GFSTC Staff or GFSTC approved Proctors on or before the time of appointment.(ii) Upon completion of all training requirements, the fire department shall complete a Volunteer Application Package for the candidate.(iii) If the part-time firefighter is hired in place of a State Certified Firefighter, he/she shall be a State Certified Firefighter. In this case, the fire department shall complete a Certification Package and submit a Certification Application or a Roster Update form for the candidate. In order to become State Certified, fire service personnel shall meet all requirements for state certification as approved by the Council.(iv) Part-time fire service personnel shall meet requirements to continue their status each calendar year following the year of qualification/certification(s): (I) Records shall be developed, maintained, and available for review by GFSTC at the local department. The professional development shall consist of:I. Successful completion of a total of 24 hours of professional development each year as approved by the Fire Chief and verified by GFSTC is required for maintenance of qualification/certification(s).II. "Professional Development" means training that meets a national or state standard, or addresses a specific area of local service delivery (this does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc., unless it is for a recruit or probationary personnel) and performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed to be qualified by the Fire Chief/Designee. Such hours may be credited toward the maintenance of qualification/certification(s) as approved by the Council.(II) Documentation of this training shall include the subject, date, time, description of the training, objectives of the course. Training records shall be signed by an instructor and student and may include electronic authorization if a learning management system is used by the department.(III) A fire service member shall notify GFSTC in writing of any arrest and/or conviction set out below involving himself/herself within fifteen (15) calendar days of becoming aware of such arrest and/or conviction. This is regardless of any action or lack thereof by the employing agency as a result of such information. Records concerning the disciplinary action shall be made available to the Executive Director of the Council or his representative upon request. These records shall include, but are not limited to:I. Arrest and/or conviction by local, state, or federal authorities;II. Arrest and/or conviction or bond forfeiture in any local, state, or federal court; the term "arrest and/or conviction" including a finding or verdict of guilt, plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether the adjudication of guilt or sentence is withheld or not entered thereon (this specifically includes pleas under Alford v. North Carolina, first-offender pleas, and pre-trial diversion agreements); Minor traffic violations like speeding, traffic control devices and improper passing need not be reported to the Council. DUI, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and homicide by vehicle are hereby listed as specific, but not exclusive, examples of traffic violations that are not minor and are to be reported.9.Volunteer Fire Service Personnel (Volunteer Firefighters)(i) All individuals who are appointed as a volunteer member of a fire department in the State of Georgia shall meet minimum requirements for such appointment as established by the Council.(ii) Volunteer fire service personnel shall be registered in one of the following classifications:(I) Volunteer Suppression Firefighter(II) Volunteer Support Firefighter(III) Part-Time Firefighter(iii) A Volunteer Suppression Firefighter shall be required to be trained and tested to the minimum level of Volunteer Suppression Firefighter to include live structure fire control training, as well as Hazardous Materials Awareness within eighteen (18) months of appointment to be in compliance with O.C.G.A. 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations for the Administration of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. Structure fire control training: (iv) Volunteer fire service personnel registered as Volunteer Suppression Firefighters since July 1, 2005, shall successfully complete a Structure Fire Control class as approved by the Council.(v) Structure fire control training may be accomplished in one of the following ways: (I) A Structure Fire Control class conducted by or through the Georgia Fire Academy.(II) A structure fire control class conducted at another location where at least one qualified instructor has completed a live fire instructor course conducted in accordance with the current edition of NFPA 1403.(vi) All structure fire control training shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1403, Standard for Live Fire Training Evolutions.(vii) The minimum objectives covered shall be a live fire behavior segment (settee) and an at-grade, above grade, and below grade interior attack.(viii) Documentation of this training shall include the subject, date, time, description of the training, objectives of the course, and may include electronic authorization if a learning management system is used by the department.(I) The recruit may be granted a reasonable extension by the Executive Director if the recruit has not completed this requirement within the above established time frame.(II) If the recruit has not completed basic training within the allowed time frame and no extension has been granted, the recruit shall be stricken from the roster of the fire department for a minimum of one year.(III) Upon completion of all training requirements, the fire department shall complete a Volunteer Application Package for the candidate. The application package and submit a Certification Application for the candidate. The application package shall be maintained by the department for on-site review.(IV) A Volunteer Support Firefighter will be required to be trained to the minimum level of Volunteer Support Firefighter within eighteen months (18) of appointment to be in compliance with O.C.G.A. 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(ix) Volunteer Support Firefighters shall successfully complete the Georgia Volunteer Support course and pass Hazardous Materials Awareness written and skills test as approved by the Council within (18) months of appointment. (I) Volunteer Support Firefighters are not trained or qualified to perform duties in the Hot Zone.(II) The recruit may be granted a reasonable extension by the Executive Director if the recruit has not completed this requirement within the above established time frame.(III) If the recruit has not completed basic training within the allowed time frame or and has not been granted an extension, the recruit shall be stricken from the roster of the fire department for a minimum of one year.(x) Upon completion of all training requirements, the fire department shall complete a Volunteer Application Package for the candidate and submit a Registration Application. The application package shall be maintained by the department for on-site review.(xi) An Inmate Firefighter shall be required to be trained to the level of Firefighter I as required by the Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Service within one year of appointment to be in compliance with O.C.G.A. 25-4-9 and Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.(xii) Volunteer fire service personnel who wish to become State Certified shall complete a basic training course for the desired certification and pass the State of Georgia test delivered by GFSTC Staff or GFSTC approved Proctors within one (1) year of the start of the course.(xiii) Volunteer fire service personnel shall meet requirements to continue their status each calendar year following the year of qualification: (I) Records shall be developed, maintained, and available for review by GFSTC at the local department. The professional development shall consist of:(II) Successful completion of a total of 24 hours of professional development each year as approved by the Fire Chief and verified by GFSTC is required for maintenance of qualification/certification(s).(III) "Professional Development" means training that meets a national or state standard, or addresses a specific area of local service delivery (this does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc., unless it is for a recruit or probationary personnel) and performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed to be qualified by the fire chief/designee. Such hours may be credited toward the maintenance of qualification/certification(s) as approved by the Council.(IV) Documentation of this training shall include the subject, date, time, description of the training, objectives of the course, and signatures of students and instructors.(xiv) A fire service member shall notify GFSTC in writing of any arrest and/or conviction set out below involving himself/herself within fifteen (15) calendar days of becoming aware of such arrest and/or conviction. This is regardless of any action or lack thereof by the employing agency as a result of such information. Records concerning the disciplinary action shall be made available to the Executive Director of the Council or his/her representative upon request. These records shall include, but are not limited to: (I) Arrest and/or conviction by local, state, or federal authorities;(II) Arrest and/or conviction or bond forfeiture in any local, state, or federal court; the term "arrest and/or conviction" including a finding or verdict of guilt, plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether the adjudication of guilt or sentence is withheld or not entered thereon (this specifically includes pleas under Alford v. North Carolina, first-offender pleas, and pre-trial diversion agreements); Minor traffic violations like speeding, traffic control devices and improper passing need not be reported to the Council. DUI, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and homicide by vehicle are hereby listed as specific, but not exclusive, examples of traffic violations that are not minor and are to be reported.(xv) Inmate Firefighters shall pass the Firefighter I written test delivered by GFSTC Staff or GFSTC approved Proctors within the time frame established by the Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Service.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 205-1-3-.04
O.C.G.A. § 25-4-7.
Original Rule entitled "Classification of Fire Service Personnel" adopted. F. Nov. 19, 2015; eff. Jan. 1, 2016, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Oct. 23, 2019; eff. Jan. 1, 2020, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Aug. 13, 2024; eff. Sept. 2, 2024.