WTCS Fire Service Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect to receive my certificate after the testing process?

Certificates are processed in the order they are received. Generally you can expect to receive your certificate within 30 days. During high volume times (e.g., December, January, February, May and June) it may take up to 60 days. When completed, certificates are then mailed to the Technical College and forwarded to you or your Fire Department (based on the technical college standard procedure).

How do I get a copy of my certificate?

Send a request specifying which certifications you are requesting, your name at time of certificate issue, and a return mailing address (a daytime telephone number or e-mail address is helpful if we have any questions pertaining to your certification) to Ms. Denise Perkins at denise.perkins@wtcsystem.edu or mail your request to WTCS, 4622 University Ave, PO Box 7874, Madison, WI 53707-7874.

I completed Fire Fighter I after July 2008 and received a Fire Fighter/HazMat Ops certificate; however, it does not have an IFSAC Seal. How do I acquire a Fire Fighter I/HazMat Ops certificate with a seal?

Please return the original Fire Fighter I certificate with the IFSAC seal that was issued to you (between July 2008 and January 2009) including your current address to Denise Perkins, WTCS, 4622 University Avenue, P.O. Box 7874, Madison, WI 53707-7874.

Is Reciprocity awarded for out-of-state certification?

IFSAC and PRO-Board accredited certificates are awarded automatic reciprocity. Copies of your certificates (with legible certificate numbers) can be e-mailed, to Ms. Denise Perkins at denise.perkins@wtcsystem.edu or faxed to 608-266-1690 Attn: Fire Training, or mailed to the address listed above. Reciprocal certificates will be issued only to the highest level of certification documented and only for certifications we are currently awarding.


Can certification be issued if out-of-state certificates are not accredited?

Advanced standing may be granted if documentation is provided demonstrating training to the current standard for the certifications(s) being requested. This must be submitted to the local technical college fire coordinator or the WTCS Fire Education and Training Director. This may qualify an applicant for a one time reciprocity challenge of the written and practical exams for the certification(s) being requested. All reciprocity challenges must begin at the lowest pre-requisite level and testing must be successfully completed sequentially to the certification level requested. Contact Information for each college is located on this website: Technical College Fire Service Contacts.


How is Fire Instructor I certification renewed?

Documentation of 48 hours of teaching and/or continuing education time per year for five consecutive years totaling 240 hours must be submitted to the local technical college fire coordinator prior to the fifth year certification renewal date.


What needs to be done if a Fire Instructor I certification is not renewed before the fifth year certification renewal date?

Certification has expired and recertification must be requested. This can be done thru the local technical college coordinator by submitting 48 hours of teaching and/or continuing education time per year plus pro rated time for the period of time that certification was expired. A 100 question written exam must be taken achieving a minimum score of 70 before recertification can be issued.

Last modified: March 8, 2010

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