Oct 2019 V 1.2

Fire & Emergency Services

Instructor II Certification Procedure Guide

This Certification Procedure Guide reflects the requirements of:

NFPA 1041: Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, 2019 Edition

THIS INTRODUCTION REFERENCES SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF THE FSTB POLICY MANUAL FOR RULES, REGULATIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS

Section 1.1 Authority and Accreditation

(a) Legislative authority for fire service certification was granted to the Fire Service Institute, Iowa StateUniversity Extension, by the Iowa legislature in 1986. With the passing of HF2492 and the permission ofthe governing International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), authority for fire servicecertification was granted to the Fire Service Training Bureau, Division of the State Fire Marshal effectiveJuly 1, 2000.

(b) The Fire Service Training Bureau (FSTB) certification system has been accredited by the IFSAC tocertify fire service personnel to national standards. Through this process, Iowa fire service personnelachieve national certification. Accreditation of the FSTB certification system assures the Iowa fireservice that programs and standards used within this system adhere to the most current recognizedand adopted national standards. The assurances gained through the accreditation process providecredibility and prestige for every firefighter participating in the certification process. Firefighters certifiedthrough the Iowa system are recognized throughout the United States (and the world) as qualified andmeeting the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Section 1.2 Mission Statement

(a) The mission of the Fire Service Training Bureau Certification and Accreditation Program is toestablish credibility in providing quality education, training, certification, and professional consultation toIowa's fire service and other emergency responders in a manner that reflects commitment, integrity,and contributes to the reduction of morbidity, mortality, and property loss from fire and other hazards.

Section 1.3 Purpose Statement

(a) The purpose of the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification and Accreditation Program is todevelop and maintain a certification system that adheres to the NFPA's Professional QualificationsStandards, following the criteria as outlined by the IFSAC.

Section 1.4 Vision Statement

(a) The vision of the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification and Accreditation Program is toensure all Iowa firefighters and emergency service personnel are certified to the most current standardof the NFPA, and that no individual, entity, nor interest group shall exercise undue influence over thecertification system.

Section 1.5 Non-Discrimination Policy

(a) Registrations for certification will be accepted from any candidate meeting the criteria listed in theappropriate certification Procedures Guide. Registrations will be accepted without regard to race, color,creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a military veteran. Registrations will beaccepted without regard to age as long as the candidate is at least 18 years of age and disability aslong as that disability does not hinder the candidate's ability to perform the necessary skills andpractices required by the NFPA Professional Qualifications Standards. If you have any questions orcomments regarding certification, training, or other services provided by the FSTB, please call(515) 727-3447.

(b) The Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification and Accreditation Program operates inaccordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the EqualOpportunity Act as well as other Federal and State laws, regulations and guidelines which prohibitdiscrimination.

Section 1.6 Sexual Harassment Policy

(a) The EEOC Guidelines define sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests forsexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to such conduct is made an implicit or explicit condition of an individual(s)employment;

• submission to or rejection of such conduct affects employment opportunities;• such conduct interferes with an employee(s) work or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

work environment.

The key phrases in the EEOC definition of sexual harassment are "unwelcome" and "of a sexual nature." The behavior must be unsolicited and unwelcomed by the victim. The phrase "of a sexual nature" means that sex or gender must be the underlying nature of the behavior. Men and women may have disputes or disagreements on the job, but this would not be viewed as harassment unless there is a sexual element to the interaction.

Section 2.1 Policy and Practice

(a) It is the policy and practice of the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification and AccreditationProgram to certify personnel to the current edition of the NFPA, and any other standards adopted bythe State of Iowa. Certification standards shall be updated by the Iowa Fire Service Training BureauCertification and Accreditation Program in accordance with the requirements established by IFSAC.

(b) In fulfilling its responsibilities for qualifying Iowa firefighters and emergency services personnel, theIowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification and Accreditation Program shall provide appropriatewritten test and skills examinations as required by IFSAC.

Section 2.2 Requirements to Certify

(a) The Iowa Fire Service Certification Program is voluntary. Any person wishing to become certifiedshall do so by successful completion of examination requirements.

(b) Qualified personnel within the Iowa fire service may enter the certification system for the purpose ofseeking certification by contacting the FSTB. Upon receipt of a request, the FSTB will provideappropriate information to members of the fire service about any of the levels or categories ofcertification available.

(c) Candidates must meet all of the appropriate NFPA pre-requisites as required for the Standard forwhich they are being examined to be certified.

(d) Completion of stipulated courses of study and training are not a requirement for certification with theexceptions of Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I and II, and Fire Investigator.

Section 2.3 System Integrity

(a) The requirements, criteria, and processes explained are used to ensure the highest possible

• Publish new practical skill evaluation sheets and procedures guides.• File a letter with IFSAC that the FSTB has updated to the new edition of the standard.

Section 3.1 Application for Certification

(a) Applications for each level of certification may be obtained from the Iowa Fire Service TrainingBureau Certification and Accreditation Program website at: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire­marshal/fire-service-training/certification-accreditation

(b) Each candidate seeking certification within the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification andAccreditation Program must submit an examination registration form and the appropriate examinationfee to secure entrance into the system. The registration form must be received by the FSTB office nolater than fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled exam date.

(c) Any registration submitted without appropriate payment will be returned to the candidate within three(3) business days. Payment is required at the time of registration unless paid by a fire department orcollege. For candidates paying by check or credit card, payment must be received by the FSTB in orderto guarantee your reservation for the date and location you request for your certification examination.

(d) NO "WALK-IN" OR LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ANY EXAM SITE!

Section 3.2 Fees for Certification

(a) The current certification registration fee is $50.00. This initial fee allows the candidate one (1) attemptat the written examination and one (1) attempt at the practical skills examination (if required by thatlevel).

(b) Payment for registration for certification exams can be made in the form of:

• Check or Money Order made out to the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau• Bill to current Fire Department or College• Credit Card (please cal (515) 727-3447 with credit card information)

Section 3.3 Confirmation of Registration

(a) Upon receipt of the registration and fee by the FSTB Certification and Accreditation Program staff,the registration will be processed (for each examination site) on a first-come / first serve basis.

(b) All candidates who submit a completed registration form will receive a confirmation email for theapplicable examination site.

(c) In the event the candidate registered for an examination site that is full, an email or telephone callwill be made to them, so that a new examination site can be chosen.

Section 3.4 Special Accommodations

(a) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law thatprohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs,

(c) Registration fees may only be refunded within the first two (2) months after being received by theFSTB if the candidate has not taken any steps toward completing the certification process.

(d) If a candidate fails either or both of the written and practical skills exams, the candidate must pay a$50 fee for each additional exam retake.

(a) Per Iowa Administrative Code r. 661-251.204, The Fire Service Training Bureau may revoke thecertification of any individual who is found to have knowingly provided false information to the FireService Training Bureau during the certification process or to have engaged in fraudulent activity duringthe certification process.

Section 11.5 Appeals

(a) Per Iowa Administrative Code r. 661-251.204, Any person who is denied certification or whosecertification is revoked may appeal the denial or revocation. An appeal of a denial or revocation ofcertification shall be made to the Commissioner of Public Safety within 30 days of the issuance of thedenial or revocation using the contested case procedures specified in rules 661-10.301 (17 A)through 661-10.332 (17A).

Section 13.4 Administration to On-Shift Candidates

(a) If candidates are on-shift during an examination, the following procedures must be followed:

• Only required personnel may leave the examination site to respond to an emergency call.• Lead Proctor or Evaluator will collect exam booklets, answer sheets, and computer tablets of

those candidates responding.• Time will be noted upon leaving and returning of the candidate to adjust the total examination

time to compensate for the emergency response.• Upon returning from a call, the candidate must immediately resume the test.• If the emergency call is of long duration and/or involves the majority of the class, the Lead Proctor

or Evaluator shall declare the examination invalid and inform the candidate of their requirement toreschedule an examination

• It should be noted that the candidate should make an effort to find coverage during theirexamination to avoid the possibility of leaving an exam site after the examination has started.

Please keep a copy of all your certification documentation for your records.

Certification Questions may be directed to:

fstbcert@dps,state.;a.us

515-727-3447

Introduction to Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II Certification

FSTB Certification website: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-

marshal/fire-service-training/certification-accreditation

Certification Program email: fstbcert@dps.state.ia.us

FSTB Certification phone number: 515-727-3447

Candidates wishing to attain national certification for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau Certification System must start the process by attending an approved course of instruction then submitting an Examination Registration Form along with the Registration Fee of $50 due at the time of registration. The form is available on the certification page of the FSTB website (link provided above) or you can click on the following link to go directly to the form:

Written Examination Registration Form

Each Registration Form is updated regularly to reflect the current schedule of examination locations and dates. Candidates are given twelve (12) months to complete each certification process. This time limit starts when the candidate takes their FIRST examination in this level.

Starting July 1, 2019 the initial Registration Fee of $50 allows the candidate one (1) attempt to pass the written examination. If the candidate fails the written exam, they are charged $50 to retake EACH examination again. The FSTB stopped the process of allowing free retakes of examinations beginning on July 1, 2019. If the candidate started their certification process prior to July 1, 2019 then the candidate will be allowed to continue their process under the former rules until that process is exhausted (after completing the one free retake). If the candidate fails the free retake, then the candidate will pursue certification under the current rules. If the twelve (12) month time limit expires and the candidate has not successfully completed all the requirements for this certification process, the candidate will have to restart the process. All information and documentation relating to the previous certification attempt will be removed from the FSTB database. Local Documentation Forms and/or Projects must be submitted and approved within the twelve (12) months from when the candidate starts the certification process for this level.

Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II - Certification Requirements

Prerequisites: Candidates pursuing certification at the Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II level must meet the following conditions:

1. Be a current member of a fire, emergency or rescue organization within the State of Iowa or enrolled in a Fire Science program within the Iowa College System. All candidates pursuing certification shall be at least 18 years of age.

2. Be certified to the Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I level according to the NFPA 1041 - Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications

3. Must have attended a FSTB-approved Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II course of instruction with at least 75% attendance or more within the past two (2) years of starting the certification process.

An official picture ID (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military ID, etc.) must be presented for admittance to ANY written and practical examination.

Written Examination: The Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II written examination is based on Job Performance Requirements listed in NFPA 1041 - Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, 2019 edition.

• The Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II written examination contains 75 multiple choice questions.

• Candidates are required to score a minimum of 70% on the written examination. Candidates who fail the written

examination are responsible for notifying the FSTB of their desire to retake the written examination by registering for another examination site and paying another registration fee of $50. Candidates may not take the written examination more than once per day.

• The below chart shows the maximum time allowed for the written examinations based on the number of questions on the examination.

Number of Questions

Maximum Time Allowed

25 30 Minutes

50 60 Minutes

75 90 Minutes

100 120 Minutes

Project:

1. The Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II Project is based on Job Performance Requirements listed in NFPA 1041 - Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, 2019 edition, Chapter 5. The Project includes developing a training schedule, budgetary needs request, gathering required resources, records keeping, instructor evaluation, creating and instructing a lesson plan, and developing evaluation instruments and reports. Detailed instructions and associated documents are located at the end of this Procedures Guide.

References / Textbooks: • IFSTA, Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 8th Edition, 2012

• Jones & Bartlett, Fire and Emergency Services Instructor: Principles and Practice, 3rd Edition, 2020

Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II - Project

DIRECTIONS: 1. For this project, you have been newly appointed as the Department Training Officer. The required assignments

(skills) in this project reflect job tasks that would normally be completed by an individual in this position. The following checklist is a quick reference of each component of the project and also references the NFPA 1041 JPR the skill is derived from:

Assignment (Skill) 1: Develop a Training Schedule JPR 5.2.2

Assignment (Skill) 2: Draft a Budgetary Needs Request to the Chief for the Training Schedule JPR 5.2.3

Assignment (Skill) 3: Draft a Training Resources Request to the Chief for the Training Schedule JPR 5.2.4

Assignment (Skill) 4: Develop an SOP on How to Create and Maintain Training Records JPR 5.2.5

Assignment (Skill) 5: Evaluate an Instructor and Provide a Means for Feedback Communication Back and Forth JPR 5.2.6

Assignment (Skill) 6: Create a Lesson Plan for a Training Topic JPR 5.3.2

Assignment (Skill) 7: Conduct a Class Using the Created Lesson Plan JPR 5.4.2

Assignment (Skill) 8: Supervise Instructors and Students During a Skills Training Evolution JPR 5.4.3

Assignment (Skill) 9: Develop a Quiz or Test for Students for the Created Lesson Plan JPR 5.5.2

Assignment (Skill) 10: Develop a Class Evaluation Form for the Created Lesson Plan JPR 5.5.3

2. As you complete the project assignments (skills), please scan and email your documentation to: fstbcert@dps.state.ia.us. As a reminder, please keep a copy of ALL your paperwork for your records.

Assignment (Skill) 1: Develop a Training Schedule

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.2.2: Assign instructional sessions, given AHJ scheduling policy, instructional resources, staff, facilities, and timeline for delivery so that the specified sessions are delivered according to AHJ policy.

Directions: As the newly assigned Training Officer for your department, the Fire Chief has tasked you with developing a training schedule for the next 6 months. The department consists of 3 stations manned by 3 shifts of 6 firefighters at each station. The shifts work a standard 24/48 rotation. The Fire Chief wants to ensure that there are varied training topics and that all personnel receive the training. Provide a copy of the training schedule for this assignment.

Assignment (Skill 2): Draft a Budgetary Needs Request to the Chief for the Training Schedule

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.2.3: Recommend budget needs, given training goals, AHJ budget policy, and current resources, so that the resources required to meet training goals are identified and documented.

Directions: Draft a letter (minimum of 1 page) to the Fire Chief outlining your budgetary needs request to accomplish the training schedule developed in Assignment #1. Take into consideration the current resources the department has available, and provide a cost analysis for the additional resources that will be required. Provide a copy of the completed letter for this assignment.

Assignment (Skill 3): Draft a Training Resources Request to the Chief for the Training Schedule

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.2.4: Gather training resources, given an identified need, so that the resources are obtained within established timelines, budget constraints, and according to AHJ policy.

Directions: Draft a letter (minimum of 1 page) to the Fire Chief outlining your resource needs request to accomplish the training schedule developed in Assignment #1. Take into consideration the current resources the department has available, and identify the additional resources that will be required. Provide a copy of the completed letter for this assignment.

Assignment (Skill 4): Develop an SOP on How to Create and Maintain Training Records

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.2.5: Manage training records-keeping, given training records, AHJ policy, and training activity, so that all AHJ and legal requirements are met.

Directions: Generate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for creating a training record for departmental personnel and include requirements for maintaining these records so that departmental policies and legal requirements are adhered to. Provide a copy of the completed SOP for this assignment.

Assignment (Skill 5): Evaluate an Instructor and Provide a Means for Feedback Communication Back and Forth

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.2.6: Evaluate instructors, given an evaluation tool, AHJ policy, and objectives, so that the evaluation identifies areas of strengths and weaknesses, recommends changes in instructional style, and communication methods, and provides opportunity for instructor feedback to the evaluator.

Directions: Evaluate an instructor during the delivery of a training topic utilizing a departmental evaluation report or a self-generated report. The evaluation report needs to identify the instructor’s strengths and weaknesses, availability to provide recommendations for changes in instructional style and communication methods. The report should also include an area for the opportunity of the instructor to provide feedback to the evaluator. Provide a copy of the completed evaluation report for this assignment.

Assignment (Skill 6): Create a Lesson Plan for a Training Topic

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.3.2: Create a lesson plan, given a topic, learner characteristics, and a lesson plan format, so that a lesson outline, course materials, instructional technology tools, and evaluation plan, and learning objectives for the topic are addressed.

Directions: Create a lesson plan for one of the training topics identified on the training schedule developed in Assignment #1. The lesson plan should provide for a minimum of 1.5 hours of instruction. The lesson plan should include a lesson outline with the specific learning objectives, required course materials and instructional technology tools needed to facilitate the course, and an evaluation tool for the students to provide feedback. Provide a copy of the completed lesson plan for this assignment.

Assignment (Skill 7): Conduct a Class Using the Created Lesson Plan

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.4.2: Conduct a class using a lesson plan that the instructor has prepared and that involves the utilization of multiple teaching methods and techniques, given a topic and target audience, so that the lesson is delivered in a safe and effective manner and the objectives are achieved.

Directions: Conduct a course of instruction with the lesson plan developed in Assignment #6. The course should be a minimum of 1.5 hours in duration and involve the utilization of multiple teaching methods and techniques, so that the lesson objectives are achieved and covered and the lesson is delivered in a safe and effective manner. The course will be evaluated by a member of the FSTB Central Staff and can be presented either at the FSTB, the candidate’s department, or another department that the candidate is teaching. Contact the FSTB Certification Manager to coordinate the specifics of date, time, and location.

Assignment (Skill) 8: Supervise Instructors and Students During a Skills Training Evolution

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.4.3: Supervise other instructors and students during training, given a specialized training scenario, so that applicable safety standards and practices are followed and instructional goals are met.

Directions: For this assignment, you will be the Lead Instructor for a group of students facilitating a Skill Training Evolution (the topic of instruction is your choice). This course of instruction must involve at least two other instructors whom you will supervise during the evolution. After the conclusion of the skill evolution, you will draft a Training Report (minimum of 1 page) detailing the training conducted and including the facts that applicable safety standards and practices were followed and instructional goals were met.

Skill 9: Develop a Quiz or Test for Students for the Created Lesson Plan

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.5.2.: Develop student evaluation instruments, given learning objectives, learner characteristics, and training goals, so that the evaluation instrument measures whether the student has achieved the learning objectives.

Directions: Develop and provide either a quiz or test from the training topic created in Assignment #6. The evaluation instrument should include 5 multiple choice questions, 5 true/false questions, 5 matching term questions, and 2 short answer questions. If the training topic includes a practical skills component then also include 5 evaluation points for the skill. An answer key for the created instrument must also be provided with the correct answer choices, an outline of an acceptable answer for the short answer questions, and pass/fail criteria for the practical skill, if applicable.

Skill 10: Develop a Class Evaluation Form for the Created Lesson Plan

Reference: NFPA 1041 JPR 5.5.3: Develop a class evaluation instruments, given AHJ policy and evaluation goals, so that students have the availability to provide feedback on instructional methods, communication techniques, learning environment, course content, and student materials.

Directions: Develop an evaluation form (minimum of 1 page) for the training topic created in Assignment #6. The evaluation form should include areas for the student(s) to provide feedback on the following: Instructional methods; Communication techniques; Learning environment; Course content; and the Student materials. Provide a copy of the evaluation form for this assignment.