To perform effectively, today’s fire service requires extensive training and competent leadership. Toward this end, the Division of Fire Safety has worked to promote and develop professional fire officer training and certification. The division’s goal is to make fire officer training available to departments of all sizes and budgets in order to better prepare the future leaders of Missouri’s fire service.

The Division of Fire Safety’s Fire Officer I and II program has been designed for the company officer acting in the heart of the fire department and will prepare him or her to make informed, responsible decisions regarding safety, communications, managing resources, inspections, investigations, pre-planning, and leadership. Based on NFPA 1021-2014, the courses provide numerous opportunities for the student to combine experience with training obtained during the course to complete the relevant classroom exercises and final project.

The Division of Fire Safety approves the 40-hour Fire Officer I & II local course deliveries upon receipt of an “Application for Course Approval” from qualified instructors. These division sponsored courses are offered at no cost to the student. The delivery format consists of a five-day course consisting of classroom lectures and a series of practical skills. Successful completion of an approved fire officer program is required for eligibility to take the Division of Fire Safety Fire Officer certification exams.

To deliver these courses locally or for course information, refer to the Fire Officer Certification booklet for details on requesting resources or contact the division’s Training and Certification Unit at (573) 522-4849.

Fire Officer I and II Certification Exams

Fire Officer I

The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the NFPA 1021-2014 standard (for questions on test referencing download the Fire Officer Certification booklet). Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. The practical skills exam is to be completed during the Fire Officer I Course and sent to the division for evaluation. Skills booklets must be received within 60 days of course completion.

Fire Officer II

The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the NFPA 1021-2014 standard (for questions on test referencing download the Fire Officer Certification booklet). Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. The practical skills exam is to be completed during the Fire Officer II Course and sent to the division for evaluation. Skills booklets must be received within 60 days of course completion.

The Fire Officer Certification exams are referenced to NFPA 1021-2014, the Division of Fire Safety courses and Fire Officer Principals and Practice, Third Edition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers

Fire Officer I and II certification is internationally accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board.