Certification Program Information
Certification News:
(7/19/2010) Certification Program Changes Clarification
I apologize for not being clear in the InfoFire newsletter on the changes regarding objectives versus hours. The recent change does NOT remove certifications. Certifications already issued are still valid as covering the required objectives of the program.
In the past, there was some confusion on how to report training in the hourly format. The Certification Board based the hours of the program on estimates of how long a class of 40 students would take to cover the required objectives. Most departments, though, do not have classes of 40 students. These smaller classes cover the required objectives in a lot less time, and this created problems in reporting.
Department Coordinators had to jump through mathematical hoops, adjusting training hours based on percentages of objectives then adding and subtracting from required hours.
The new format does away with the math, showing only that certain objectives have been met. Individuals and departments can clearly see which specific objectives need covering in order to qualify for certification. All of the required objectives are posted to the Certification Page of the website in PDF format (www.sffma.org/certification).
Our programmers are finishing up the changes to SFFMA Online based on the new requirement, and the site should be back up and running soon.
Kevin Creamer
Certification Administrator
kcreamer@sffma.org
(06/12/10) Tracking by Objectives
For the last several years there has been some confusion on how to appropriately report training hours. In order to clear up this confusion, and pave the way toward further updates, the Certification Board now requires departments to track and report training by objectives rather than by hours.
To ease the workload during this transition an objective checksheet form can be found under “General Information” below for departments to utilize in crediting objectives. Updated forms for Fire Fighting/Firefighter applications and Progress Reports are located in the appropriate spaces below, and SFFMA Online will undergo necessary modification.
(3/29/10) Update to Vehicle Extrication Technician I-III Criteria
At their January meeting, the Certification Board updated the requirements for Vehicle Extrication Technician I, II,& III certification. Removal of underwater rescue requirements and emphasis on vehicles in the local jurisdiction make the certifications easier to implement statewide.
The new requirements are in line with TEEX Katy Vehicle Extrication School held in 2009. New certificates from TEEX include a statement that the course meets SFFMA requirements.
(2/25/08) The certification department has come up with this excellent visual diagram on the Instructor certification changes, their status, and what's coming. Click here to view this information.
(2/12/08) The new SFFMA Online 2.0 Users Guide has been released. This is a must have for Chief's and Coordinators using the new system. Download the SFFMA Online 2.0 Users Guide here.
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(2/11/08) FireHouse Users! ACS FireHouse Solutions has provided the following documentation to update the Annual Progress Report form to meet the current Certification Board requirements. Also included is a new report for use with certification applications.
Firehouse SFFMA Training Reports file
Firehouse SFFMA Training Reports Explaination (instructions)
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(2/1/08) During the Certification Board’s meeting on January 26th, the following changes have been made to the program.
- The effective date of changes to the Instructor certifications has been moved back to June 1, 2008 from January 1, 2008 allowing more applications to file under the Level I and Level II certifications.
- Effective June 1, 2008 a teaching certification, Methods of Teaching or other approved coursework is acceptable for Instructor I certification applications. Documentation must be attached to the application.
- Effective June 1, 2008 Instructor II and Instructor III certifications will be available. Forms will be posted on the website shortly, but certifications will not be issued prior to June 1, 2008.
- The program specifications for Public Fire Educator Levels I and II, Public Information Officer and Incident Safety Officer are approved and will be posted to the Certification Page of the website shortly, along with application forms.
Certification Board Members - Current Roster
TEXAS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM INFORMATION LINKS
 State Firemen’s & Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas Performance Objectives
Performance Objectives Table of Contents - Basic
Performance Objectives Table of Contents - Intermediate
Performance Objectives Table of Contents - Advanced
Entire Firefighter Program Document
Entire Specialized Program Document
Firefighter Certification Program
Introduction
Minimum Standards For Volunteer Fire Suppression Personnel
Accredited Certification
Master Firefighter
Specialized Certification Programs
Introduction
Prevention and Investigation
Driver/Operator
Fire Officer I & II
Incident Safety Officer
Public Fire Educator
Public Information Officer
Wildland Firefighting
Technical Rescue Apprentice
Wilderness Rescue Technician
Rope Rescue Technician
Vehicle Extrication Technician
Application Forms (All application forms can now be filled out on screen!)
Miscellaneous Forms
Membership Application
Membership Information Sheet
Order Form for Patches/Rockers
Progress Report Instructions
Progress Report Form
Training Facility Check-Off
Credit Card Payments (Now you can fax a credit card payment for your application fees)
Participation Worksheet (Answer these questions to determine if your department is considered participating)
Objectives Checksheet - NEW!
General Information
Certification Questions and Answers
Texas A&M Annual Municipal Breakdown
TCFP Academy Breakdown
Certification |
SFFMA Equivalency |
| TCFP Structural Basic |
SFFMA Hours through the Advanced Level |
| IFSAC Firefighter I & II + Proof of Medical Equivalency |
SFFMA Hours through the Advanced Level |
For Certification Board Member Use Only:
Certification Workshop Powerpoint (NEW)
SFFMA Blank Test Answer Sheet
SFFMA Certification Workshop Sign-In Sheet
SFFMA Certification Testing Sign-In Sheet
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