The Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (FESI) 1 Certification utilizes NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications to provide the qualifications for State Fire Training’s Fire and Emergency Services Instructor certification. These qualifications are documented in the Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1 Certification Training Standards (CTS). State Fire Training coordinated the development of the CTS guide, certification, and associated curriculum. The Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) and the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) recommended these standards and qualifications for adoption by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

FESI 1 is the initial certification in the state’s professional Fire and Emergency Services Instructor series. The requirements for obtaining this certification are outlined in the SFT Procedures Manual. On July 1, 2025, the option for national accreditation was added to this certification series. The FESI Implementation Plan (PDF) was developed to explain the transition to this edition certification, including timing and process. To apply for this certification, please review and complete the documentation below.

FESI 1 Certification offers two options for Instructor Certification: a California Recognized certification or a Nationally Recognized certification (California recognized + IFSAC/Pro Board seals). The California Recognized pathway requires completion of the Instructional Methodology course and the FESI 1 Task Book, but does not include a certification exam. The Nationally Recognized option includes the same coursework but replaces the task book with a proctored certification exam and grants IFSAC and Pro Board accreditation, providing greater portability and recognition across states. Additionally, certified California instructors may pursue the Upgrade path to obtain national accreditation by passing the FESI 1 certification exam. Out-of-state instructors already certified through IFSAC or Pro Board may apply for Reciprocity to have their credentials recognized in California.