- 1). Know if you are eligible to apply. A candidate for firefighting training must be at least 18 years old, be in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination, possess a high school diploma or G.E.D., have no felony convictions within 10 years of the date of employment or appointment, and have good moral character as determined by an investigation under the procedure approved by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. If you can measure up, you can start the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council's approved physical agility test (see Resources below).
- 2). Complete the Basic Firefighter NPQ 1, 2 and 3 sections. Completion of all these sections is needed for successful completion of the Georgia Basic Firefighter Training Course. You can also can attend the Georgia Fire Academy's Basic Firefighter NPQ 1 program. This course includes all course work found in modules 1, 2 and 3. You can also complete the course as an in-house program instructed at the local fire department. Instructors from the local fire department teach the Basic Firefighter NPQ 1 and then schedule testing through Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training (see Resources below).
- 3). Schedule to take a test by contacting Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council or by registering for a scheduled test. The candidate must bring a picture ID and a completed test prerequisite form for the test. Call the council for more details at (478) 993-4521.
- 4). Prepare for your test. An applicant preparing to take a test for firefighter certification should first participate in an organized training program. Training may be held locally in or near where you live or at the Georgia Fire Academy in Forsyth, Georgia. The curriculum is available from the Georgia Fire Academy (see Resources below).
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