Before submitting your request please update your profile information at https://respondnh.org or if you do not have a profile please create one before submitting your request.
Equivalency vs. Reciprocity
Individuals who have completed emergency service certifications outside of the State of New Hampshire have the opportunity to pursue equivalency or reciprocity for certifications recognized in New Hampshire.
Equivalency
The State of New Hampshire accepts certifications that are Nationally Accredited by:
- The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
- The Pro Board
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Letter from an authorized State level training organization stating the individual met the requirements of the requesting NFPA standard at the time of issuance. This is for candidates whose initial certification pre-date their State’s accreditation.
Certifications available:
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- Driver/Operator: Pumper
- Driver/Operator: Aerial
- Airport Firefighter
- Fire Officer I
- Fire Officer II
- Fire Inspector I
- Fire Inspector II
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Instructor I
- Fire Instructor II
- Fire Instructor III
- Hazardous Materials Awareness
- Hazardous Materials Operations with Mission-Specific PPE and Product Control
- Hazardous Materials Technician
Reciprocity
Individuals who have completed fire service certifications outside of the State of New Hampshire that do not meet the requirements for equivalency can request a reciprocity evaluation. This evaluation will compare the training received out-of-state to the approved curriculum within the State of New Hampshire.
To request a reciprocity evaluation, you must submit the following documentation for each certification you’re seeking:
- (1) Subject areas covered;
- (2) Actual hours of instruction;
- (3) Content of subject areas;
- (4) Terminal performance objectives, which means the required demonstration by the student of the competencies required; and
- (5) Date of completion.
If reciprocity is granted, you will be eligible to take the written and/or practical exams for the certification. If your training program does not meet the requirements for reciprocity, you will need to either seek a Pro Board, IFSAC, or DoD certification or take the associated course through the Division.
Processing Fees
Fees for reciprocity testing are set by Administrative Rule Saf-C 6204.02. Anyone seeking certification based upon training taken outside New Hampshire shall be charged:
- (1) A $100.00 fee for Firefighter I certification, including all components;
- (2) An $80.00 fee for Firefighter II certification;
- (3) A $60.00 fee for all other certifications; and
- (4) A $400.00 fee for emergency service personnel from another state or non-emergency service personnel seeking New Hampshire certification, requiring research (portfolio evaluation).
