Fire Service Instructor Certification

There are three levels of Instructor Certification offered by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. In addition, Single Course Exemption is available to individuals who may be considered an expert in a single subject based on their individual education and experience. Please refer to Administrative Code 4A-37.059 for additional information.

To be certified as a Fire Instructor I in the State of Florida, an individual must have:

• Six years of experience as a regular member of an organized fire department
• Documentation of completing the 40-hour Fire Service Course Delivery class or equivalent
• Documentation of a high school graduation or equivalent
• Physical ability to perform the tasks associated with the training
• Form DI4-1451, current application fee and successful completion of State Written Examination

A Fire Instructor I may teach any classes in the program area(s) in which they are certified or hold a certificate of competency.

Download Fire Instructor I Application for all necessary forms.

To be certified as a Fire Instructor II in the State of Florida, an individual must have:

• Six years of experience as a regular member of an organized fire department
• Documentation of completing the 40-hour Fire Service Course Delivery class or equivalent
• Documentation of completing the 40-hour Fire Service Course Design class or equivalent
• Documentation of a Bachelor's Degree or higher that meets the requirements of s 817.567
• Form DI4-1452, current application fee and successful completion of the State Written Examination

A Fire Instructor II may teach any class which is recognized as part of the curriculum established and developed by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, provided the instructor can verify successful completion of the same course by certificate or transcript. Download Fire Instructor II Application for all necessary forms.

To be certified as a Fire Instructor III in the State of Florida, an individual must have:

• Six years of experience as a regular member of an organized fire department
• Documentation of completing the 40-hour Fire Service Course Delivery class or equivalent
• Documentation of completing the 40-hour Fire Service Course Design class or equivalent
• Documentation of a Bachelor's Degree or higher that meets the requirements of s 817.567
• Form DI4-1453, and current application fee (no examination required)

A Fire Instructor III may teach any class which is recognized as part of the curriculum established and developed by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, provided the instructor can verify successful completion of the same course by certificate or transcript.

Download Fire Instructor III Application for all necessary forms.

Single Course Exemption

Single Course Exemption is designed for individuals who are considered "experts" in a field relevant to the fire service, who may or may not be in the fire service, or who may reside outside the State of Florida. This level of certification is granted on a case-by-case basis.

To be apply for Single Course Exemption, an individual must have:

• A letter, with detailed description of credentials/experience, requesting consideration for this exemption
• Documentation of expertise and or education (at least five years experience directly related to the subject or a bachelors degree related to the subject, or a combination of both) that meets the requirements of s 817.567
• Documentation of completing the 40-hour Fire Service Course Delivery class or equivalent
• Form DI4-1455 and current application fee (No examination required)
• Credentials review and approval by the bureau of Fire Standards

An instructor holding a Single Course Exemption Certification is eligible to teach only the single course specified.

Download Fire Instructor-Single Course Application for all necessary forms.

Did you know?

A full-time firefighter's salary ranges from $22,000 to $50,000 per year, while part-time firefighter's average $8 to $25 per hour.