The basic requirement to be considered a certified firefighter in most states is possessing a Firefighter I certification. This is a multi-faceted course which teaches principles of fire behavior, water streams, personal protective equipment, firefighting tools and much more. Possessing this certification before the hiring process begins makes you an attractive candidate.
The Firefighter II course continues where Firefighter I left off, teaching more advanced skills such as extrication, aerial operations, supervision of firefighters, building construction and incident command. Attending Firefighter II courses will make you a well-rounded candidate for hiring.
Being a certified EMT and/or paramedic is becoming a common requirement for firefighters across the country. Gaining these certifications before being hired by a department can be a boon to getting through the application process. These classes will teach you the skills needed to provide vital medical care to people in need.
Attending college and receiving either an associates or bachelors degree in fire science is also beneficial to those trying to become firefighters. These courses impart indepth knowledge of fire behavior, the unique American fire problem and critical decision-making skills which translate well to the fire scene.