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Advanced Training

Advanced Firefighter Training & Certification

  • Elevate Your Department: Advanced Training

    Invest in your team's expertise. Prepare for the next rank. Achieve the highest professional standards.

These courses are designed to meet current NFPA standards and provide your personnel with the leadership, technical, and safety skills critical for today's complex emergency environment.

 

Fire & Emergency Services Instructor

Ready to train the next generation? This course prepares you to develop comprehensive lesson plans, learning objectives, training aids, and evaluation instruments.

  • Your Outcome: Qualify to teach from prepared lesson plans and effectively train department personnel.
  • Certification: Meets or exceeds requirements for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II certification and qualifies for Pro Board certification (NFPA 1041, 2019 Edition).
  • Action: Consult the Ohio Department of Public Safety packet for pre-requisite information. 

Fire Officer I: Supervising Company Officer

This is your foundation in fire department leadership. Develop the necessary skills in supervision, communications, health/safety, training, and incident management/operations, applying them to real-world situations in your department.

  • Your Outcome: Master accepted leadership and supervisory skills necessary for a company officer.
  • Certification: Meets requirements for Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021, 2020 Edition). You may be eligible for Pro Board Fire Officer I certification with existing Firefighter II and Fire Instructor I Pro Board certifications.
  • Commitment: Requires successful completion of written and practical examinations, plus significant homework.

Fire Officer II: Managing Company Officer

Take the next step into management. This course focuses on advanced managerial and organizational skills, covering human resource management, community/government relations, and analyzing emergency and non-emergency service delivery.

  • Your Outcome: Apply advanced managerial and organizational skills within your department.
  • Certification: Meets requirements for Fire Officer II (NFPA 1021, 2020 Edition). You may be eligible for Pro Board Fire Officer II certification.
  • Prerequisites: You must have Fire Officer I certification and currently be serving as a Supervising Officer or higher.

Hazardous Materials Technician (HMT)

Transition from an Operations-level responder to a skilled Technician-level HAZMAT expert. This intensive, 5-day (40-hour), hands-on course provides HAZMAT-specific knowledge and skills, culminating in a simulated offensive-level response activity.

  • Key Skills: Plan responses, identify container damage, perform technical and mass decontamination, contain leaks in drums/pressurized containers, and safely don/doff Level A and B PPE.
  • Compliance: Based on NFPA 470-60 (2022 Edition).
  • Target Audience: Operational-level responders with technician-level HAZMAT response duties in their jurisdiction.

Incident Safety Officer (NFPA 1521)

Learn to oversee and manage safety at emergency incidents. This course provides a specific focus on the Safety Officer’s role and operations within the Incident Command System (ICS) across all types of hazardous situations.

  • Your Focus: Becoming the safety authority in emergency operations.
  • Recommended Knowledge: A strong working knowledge of NFA-taught ICS, building construction, HAZMAT management, applicable NFPA guidelines, and Federal regulations.

 

Live Fire Operations Instructor

Obtain the specific knowledge and tools required to properly prepare and conduct live fire training evolutions safely and legally. This course includes an in-depth analysis of NFPA 1403.

  • Your Focus: Safe and compliant live fire training in acquired structures, traditional/gas-fired training buildings, exterior props, and vehicle/Class B fires.
  • Prerequisite: You must already be an Ohio Fire Instructor or Assistant Fire Instructor.

NFPA 2400 sUAS Drone Operator

Get ahead of the curve by learning the first comprehensive standard for integrating Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS/Drones) into public safety. This course provides the foundation for developing and executing a professional drone program in your department.

  • Your Outcome: Leverage drone technology for safer, more efficient public safety operations.
  • Certification: Eligible for certification under NFPA 2400 Chapter 5 (Professional Qualifications for sUAS Public Safety Personnel).

Ohio Fire Safety Inspector / Fire Inspector I / II

Become proficient in the Ohio Fire and Building codes and learn how to apply them in the field. Topics include code enforcement, public relations, life safety, and the technical principles of fire protection.

  • Your Focus: Code enforcement, inspections, and public safety.
  • Certification: Meets requirements for Ohio Fire Safety Inspector and Pro Board Fire Inspector II (NFPA 1031, 2014 Edition).
  • Prerequisites: Must be a member of a Fire Department and provide a letter of sponsorship from your Fire Chief to be eligible for Ohio certification.

Registration & Class Information

ODPS State Certification Examination

Need to take your final step toward certification? Register for the official state examination for various levels, including Volunteer Firefighter, Firefighter I/II, Fire Instructor Techniques, and Fire Inspector.

  • Action Required: You must complete the appropriate training course before registering for this exam.
  • After Registration: Email pssinfo@greatoaks.com with your Name, DOB, last 4 of social, ODPS certification # (if applicable), and the name of the exam you wish to take.