The first certification needed to become a firefighter is Firefighter I. Courses offered in this phase of training include fire science, fire alarms and communication, forced entry, breathing equipment and fire apparatus such as hoses, ropes, ladders and more.
Firefighter II training consists of more in-depth training in all the topics mentioned earlier in addition to training in fulfilling supervisory positions overseeing firefighting operations at the Firefighter I level. Firefighter II training courses include vehicle extrication, incident command system principles, building construction, foam applications and in-depth hazardous materials training.
While not specifically required by the NFPA, most fire departments require applicants to be at least cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified. Because emergency medical services are becoming more a part of a firefighter's job description, fire departments sometimes only hire people who have their Firefighter I and II certifications as well being EMT or paramedic certified. It is a good idea to take courses leading to an EMT or paramedic certification to become a firefighter. Fire departments value the initiative and compensate employees with these certifications accordingly.