Hazardous Materials

The challenges facing the fire service are continually changing and expanding. Perhaps no other area is subject to more change and expansion than hazardous materials.

The Division of Fire Safety works in partnership with many training entities to provide Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Hazardous Materials Technician level training. The division provides funding for many of these courses and certification for individuals who successfully complete the course and appropriate written and practical certification evaluations.

Successful completion of an approved Hazardous Materials course is a requirement for eligibility for state certification testing at the associated level(s). These levels are based on NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders.

The Hazardous Materials courses are available for delivery at the local level or through contracted training. Download the appropriate program handbook at MODFS Certification Program Handbooks for course information and for details on requesting course delivery or contact the Division’s Training and Certification Unit at 573-522-4849. To request delivery through contracted training, please visit the contracted training web page.

Hazardous Materials Certification Exams

Hazardous Materials Awareness

The written exam for this level consists of 50 multiple-choice questions which are based on the NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders and the course curriculum. For reference to the current curriculum used for the course and exam, please refer to the Hazardous Materials Certification Program Handbook. Students have one hour to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. Students must also pass the Hazardous Materials Awareness practical skill exam. For more details on the practical skill exam, refer to the Hazardous Materials Certification Program Handbook.

Hazardous Materials Operations

The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions which are based on the NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders and the course curriculum. For reference to the current curriculum used for the course and exam, please refer to the Hazardous Materials Certification Program Handbook. 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. Students must also pass the Hazardous Materials Operations practical skills exam. For more details on the practical skills exam, refer to the Hazardous Materials Certification Program Handbook.

Hazardous Materials Technician

The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions which are based on the NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders and the course curriculum. For reference to the current curriculum used for the course and exam, please refer to the Hazardous Materials Certification Program Handbook. 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. Students must also pass the Hazardous Materials Technician practical skills exam. For more details on the practical skills exam, refer to the Hazardous Materials Certification Program Handbook.

Hazardous Materials Awareness, Operations, and Technician certification is internationally accredited by IFSAC and ProBoard.