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

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 1021-2003, 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 offers the 40-hour Fire Officer I & II courses in various regions of the state as resources permit.  These Division sponsored courses are offered at no cost to the student.  However, the student will be required to bring IFSTA's Fire Department Company Officer, 3^rd edition or 4^th edition, to the classroom.  The delivery format consists of a five day course consisting of classroom lecture and a series of practical skills.  Successful completion of these Fire Officer programs, a Division approved registered program for local delivery or an approved University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute Fire Officer program is required for eligibility to take the Division of Fire Safety Fire Officer certification exams.

Periodically, the Division of Fire Safety will offer the Fire Officer I & II programs in a Train-the-Trainer format as well.  These two-day courses are offered to individuals who hold certification with the Division of Fire Safety at the Fire Fighter I and II levels, as well as Fire Service Instructor I or higher.  All attendees receive a copy of the course Instructor's Guide, Student Manual, Practical Skills book, and PowerPoint presentation all in a CD format.

Pre-registration for the Division delivered Fire Officer courses are required and must be submitted four weeks prior to the start of the course requested.  This course is open to interested individuals who have met all pre-requisites and submit completed applications with required documentation attached.  The class size is limited to a maximum of 25 students.  Course applications are available for download within the Fire Officer Certification Booklet below.  (Note:  Page 3 of the Fire Officer Certification booklet).  Applicants will be notified prior to the course of their acceptance and any additional instructions.

To present local delivery courses refer to the Fire Officer Certification booklet (below) for details on requesting resources.

For Fire Officer I and II course information contact the Division’s Training Unit at 573-522-2426

Fire Officer I and II Certification Exams:

Fire Officer I - The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions is based on the NFPA 1021-2003 standard, (For questions on test referencing download the Fire Officer Certification booklet below). Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70% on the exam in order to qualify for certification. The practical skill exam is to be completed during the Fire Officer I Course and sent to the Division for evaluation. Skill 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 is based on the NFPA 1021-2003 standard, (For questions on test referencing download the Fire Officer Certification booklet below). Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70% on the exam in order to qualify for certification. The practical skill exam is to be completed during the Fire Officer II Course and sent to the Division for evaluation. Skill booklets must be received within 60 days of course completion.

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