Certification Reciprocity

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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:

  • International Fire Service Accreditation Congress “IFSAC”
  • ProBoard
  • 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 offered:

  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Driver/Operator of Fire Apparatus Equipped with a Fire Pump
  • Driver/Operator of Fire Apparatus Equipped with an Aerial Device
  • 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
  • Wildland Fire Fighter I
  • Wildland Fire Fighter II
  • Hazardous Materials Responder at the Awareness Level
  • Hazardous Materials Responder at the Core Operations Level
  • Hazardous Materials Responder at the Core Operations Level: with Product Control and Personal Protective Equipment Mission Specific Competencies
  • Hazardous Materials Responder at the Operations Level: Personal Protective Equipment Mission Specific Competency
  • Hazardous Materials Responder at the Operations Level: Product Control Mission Specific Competency
  • Hazardous Materials Technician
Reciprocity

Individuals who have completed fire service certifications outside of the State of New Hampshire which 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.