A practice analysis is a systematic evaluation of the activities and responsibilities of an occupation. It is used to develop curriculum and certification testing that prepares candidates to enter the NH Fire Service, ready to meet the demands of the Job. Practice analyses are typically conducted every five years and are updated to reflect changes in practice.
History of the NH Firefighter Curriculum
Beginning as a single employee with minimal resources, there has been a significant growth in the institutional structure of firefighter training in New Hampshire. Before 1960, firefighter training varied between departments. Over time, there was a move towards standardizing the training curriculum and methods, ensuring uniformity and quality across different training districts in New Hampshire. Today, expansion of training facilities and resources, legislative support, and a variety of funding sources have contributed to the addition of accredited firefighter certifications and the adaptation of curricula to include modern firefighting techniques.
Why is this important?
Advances in technology, material science, construction practices, urbanization, and effects of climate change have all led to an increase in the complexity of the fire service profession. Increasing complexity is of great consequence in high stakes professions like the fire service where personnel expose themselves to the risk of death or serious injury in the course of their duties. The safety of both fire service personnel and the communities they serve hinges on the quality of initial and ongoing education and training.
The data collected from this practice analysis will enable the NH Fire Standards and Training Commission (FSTC) make evidence-informed decisions to improve current and future firefighter training curricula. This analysis will establish a precedent for evidence-based curriculum design, enhancing the overall quality of firefighter training and education in the State.
How does it work?
This survey can be printed out or completed electronically. It can be filled out by anyone in the department with access to the information requested, but only one survey can be submitted by a department. The survey period will last 8 weeks, after which the data will be analyzed to produce a snapshot of the activities and responsibilities of firefighters and fire departments throughout the State. Once you’ve completed the survey, you can submit it online or mail it to the Division.
What is in the survey?
The survey has two major sections: Department Information and Job Task Information.
Department Information
This section contains questions about:
• Number and type of personnel
• Types of training received by members
• Levels of staffing
• Certifications held by members
• Types of programs administered by the department
Job Task Information
This section contains questions about:
• Firefighting skills
• How often skills are used on the job
• How important each skill is to accomplishing the job
What is the benefit?
The results of this practice analysis will help the NH Fire Standards and Training Commission make decisions about the selection and development of training programs. It will also help visiting committees during the curriculum development process in the following ways:
• Creation and prioritization of modules and lessons.
• Selection of skills, instructional techniques, and educational activities.
A practice analysis will benefit firefighter candidates and their departments by:
• Representing actual “real world” firefighting techniques and topics in training.
• Preparing for entry-to-practice after graduation.
• Providing a clear distinction between what knowledge and skills are provided during initial training and what will need to be developed upon being hired by a department.
Download a Copy
Click the link to download a copy of the survey. 2024 Practice Analysis (PDF)
Submit a practice analysis survey.
Thank you for participating in the 2024 practice analysis of firefighting in New Hampshire. The results of this survey will help direct future firefighter training development. Use the file upload box below to submit your survey.
The practice analysis has concluded as of 9/15/2024. If you'd like to update your responses, please contact Max Dodge at Peter.M.Dodge@dos.nh.gov or (603)369-7980.
You can also mail printed copies of the survey to:
NH Division of Fire Standards and Training & EMS
ATTN: Curriculum Administrator
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
