FAQ
Why train with WFTM?
We want you to succeed in your career as a Wildland Firefighter and provide the highest quality of instructor led training possible.
How do I register for Class?
To register for a class, please reach out via phone or email letting us know what date/s and class you are interested in enrolling.
How much do classes cost?
Please check out our Pricing for certification.
How do I become a Wildland Firefighter?
Successful completion of the Basic Firefighter FFT2.
Who can provide training?
The Northern Rockies Coordinating Group (NRCG) Board of Directors has Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with members of contractors associations, private contractors, and educational institutions, otherwise known as training providers. These MOU holders provide training, work capacity testing, position task book management and incident qualifications carding.
What is the Pack Test?
The Work Capacity Test (WCT), or Pack Test, tests your fitness level based on the activity level of the position of your chosing. Wildland Firefighters must successfully complete an arduous level WCT. Water Tender Operators and Equipment Operators are required to complete a light duty level WCT.
ARDUOUS = 3 miles, 45lb, 45min
MODERATE = 2 miles, 25lb, 30min
LIGHT DUTY = 1 mile, 16min
If you feel you may require a higher level of fitness in order to pass the pack test, it is recommend to increase your physical fitness prior to taking the WCT.
Which Pack Test do I need?
The duty level of your WCT depends of the classification of the posistion you are qualified for. Please refer to the below table or link to pdf and refer to page. 61.
Do you provide Yellow Cards?
WFTM is certified to provide you with a Yellow Card based on the requirements for your position. Yellow Cards will provide verification of RT-130 & WCT from an MOU Training Provider. Cards are laminated and a copy will be sent to the email address provided.
Do you provide Red Cards?
As an MOU Training Provider, WFTM can validate personnel qualifications by providing an Incident Qualification Cards-Red Card. Training certificates, performance evaluations/ratings, proof of WCT(admin. by MOU trainer), and completed position task books-PTBs that support qualifications are verified prior to receiving a red card. The red card and supporting documents can then be provided to any VIPR Contracting Employer to support their record keeping requirements.
How do I get a Verification Form?
WFTM is of a handful of NRCG Personnel Qualification Verifiers in Region 1. This form is required for wildland firefighters under VIPR agreements, to include FFT2, FFT1, ENGB, & EMTF. Our Verification tab has more information as to what certificates are required for each position.
How do I get Training Verification for Emergency Medical Technician - Fireline EMTF?
EMTF's will be verified as a Firefighter(FFT2) after successful course completion of: ICS I-100, S-130, S-190, IS-700, RT-130(except years when Basic FFT2 is taken), & L-180. An arduous WCT duty level has been established for EMTF pack test.
WFTM does not verify your Current EMT license. This must be issued by the EMTs home-state EMS licensing authority.
What if I lost my Certificates?
Unfortunately, there is no master database for course certificates, although when you train with WFTM there will always be a back-up record. WFTM recommends reaching out to the company or agency where you took the course to see if they kept a copy and/or record. IQCS records do not replace Course Certificates. If you have found that your records can be recovered and are still struggling to obtain them, please reach out to WFTM direct.
In the absence of certificates, Personnel qualifications may be verified with sufficient supporting documentation based on the discretion of the NRCG MOU Verifier and other officials.
What FEMA Courses do I need?
All Firefighter Positions:
ICS 100: IS-0100.c: An Introduction to the Incident Command System IS-700b(a): IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management SystemICS-
ENGB:
200c(b): (10/12+)IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200
I haven't been out in a while. Are my qualifications still any good?
It is required that all personnel perform at least one operational shift at the position requiring a PTB every five years. This includes FFT1 & ENGB positions. If more than 5 seasons have lapsed, you must serve at least one operational shift at the preceding position prior to approval for the higher position. EX: A FFT1 last worked on fires 7 years ago and has supporting records to show this. This FFT1 must now work one shift as a FFT2 prior to having their FFT1 position reinstated.
Your Basic Wildland Firefighter FFT2 training certificates and FEMA course completions are valid indefinitely, so long as you retain copies or access to records.
Are my Basic Firefighter Certs only valid for Contracting?
Your Basic Wildland Firefighter FFT2 certifications are generally accepted across multiple agencies so long as they are from an accredited MOU Training Provider. Please check with the home unit in which you are employed with or looking to work for. PTB's are generally not transferable, however it may be accepted depending upon the home unit's discretion.
Who should I work for?
WFTM recommends looking at the Dispatch Priority Lists based on the type of role you are persuing in Wildland Fire and reaching out to vendors respectively. The DPL's can be looked up by Region, Dispatch Location, and Resource Type. There are also Out of Area DPL's with all resources listed by type for the entire region. Below is a link for Region 1 specific Out of Area DPL as well as specific dispatch location.