Best way on How to become a Firefighter in Florida

Firefighters save lives, but they have one of the most dangerous occupations available. Because of the possibility of loss of life or related injuries fighting fires, firefighters must complete extensive training and, in many states, must be certified to work as full-time professionals in this field. In the state of Florida, professional firefighters must meet the standards established by the Office of Fire Standards and Training.

General requirements

Firefighters in the state of Florida should be able to meet all the general requirements for certification. Aspiring firefighters must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass a physical examination designed to test their ability to work in this physically demanding field. Fire departments within particular communities of Florida establish their own educational standards, but high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development Test Test or General Education Development) is the typical minimum requirement. Applicants for certification must also be able to pass a criminal background check.

Training Requirements

In the state of Florida, aspiring firefighters must take the course Firefighter Minimum Standards state in preparation for certification. The course is divided into two parts. The "Firefighter I" course consists of 206 of the 398 hours required to complete training required for certification. Candidates who pass this part of the course can go on to obtain certification of "Firefighter II", which is necessary to work as a professional firefighter in Florida. The second level requires 192 hours to complete specific certification completed.

Equivalents

The certification of another state may apply for certification as a firefighter in Florida as long as the state considers the certification is on the same level as the certification of Florida. This certification of "equivalence" can be obtained first by sending a request to allow state officials to assess the quality of certification previously obtained. Documentation of prior learning must also be sent. Once the state is considered as having equivalent certification standards set in Florida, the candidate must take a certification examination of equivalence to verify their knowledge of the field of firefighting.

Certification

A written and practical exam certification to all firefighters who seek professional firefighter designation is required. Applicants who can not pass the examination must wait at least six months before taking power again. Florida Firefighters must also be trained and get training as an emergency medical technician before getting certified firefighter. The certification exam requires the approval examined three main areas of study: firefighter safety, training and state standards.