W. Va. Code R. § 87-8-5 - Equivalency

5.1. Individuals holding certification accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) or certification from the Department of Labor Firefighter Apprenticeship program shall be considered as holding equivalency for the certification listed on the respective certificate.

5.2. Individuals not holding certification accredited by the international fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) must comply with the following guidelines:

5.2.1. Applicant must complete the appropriate application and attach supporting documentation through the certification division of West Virginia University Fire Service Extension, or through the West Virginia Department of Education.

5.2.2. The applicant must be a member of a West Virginia State Fire Commission recognized fire department and must have the signature of the Fire Chief in order to request reciprocity.

5.2.3. Applicant must submit documentation of training and testing that complies with each component of the appropriate NFPA Standard for the desired level of certification. Documentation must be dated within the last 5 years.

5.2.4. If documentation is insufficient, applicant must successfully pass a certification written exam with a minimum score of 70% for the desired level of certification and practical skills exam, where applicable.

5.2.5. Applicant must meet the general requirements for certification as outlined by the West Virginia State Fire Commission.

5.3. The West Virginia University Fire Service Extension Certification Division or the West Virginia Department of Education will review and verify all documentation. Once documentation has been reviewed and verified to meet the certification criteria, the candidate will be issued reciprocity. If documentation does not meet the certification requirements, the candidate will be denied reciprocity. The candidate would then be required to complete an approved training program and meet all certification requirements including but not limited to, passing written and practical skills certification exams.

5.4. Applicants seeking Fire Officer I/Fire Officer II equivalency shall submit:

5.4.1. A portfolio outlining the certification being sought and associated files containing the Job Performance Requirements with meet the respective NFPA 1021 standard.

5.4.2. A list of all current training and certifications courses which were taken to achieve the equivalent certification.

5.5. If the equivalency application is refused or denied, the applicant may apply to the Commission, pursuant to W. Va. Code of State Rules § 87-6-12, for a hearing on the merits of the application, and the Commission shall issue a final decision upon the application.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 87-8-5