Get Certified

Driver/Operator-Aerial Certification

Already certified as a Firefighter? Pursue a Driver/Operator – Aerial Certification to grow your professional skillset.

Image of a firetruck grill

1. Complete prerequisites

    • Firefighter 1 Certification: 
      Must show proof of Firefighter I certification on order to obtain Driver/Operator- Aerial certification. 
    • Identification:
      Valid state issued Department of Transportation Driver’s License. A legible copy (front & back) must be submitted with the application.

    See the Driver/Operator-Aerial Certification candidate handbook (PDF) for details about which certifications and training courses are accepted. Prerequisites are listed on Pages 3 to 5.

    2. Fill out an application

    First, you will need a FEMA Student Identification Number to apply. Find your FEMA student ID or register for one

    Next, download, digitally complete, and save the Driver/Operator-Aerial Certification application (PDF).

    3. Select when and where you will take your tests

    Use this map or the Acadis portal to find a testing site. Open dates for certification exams and application deadlines are below.

    Upcoming open Driver/Operator-Aerial Certification exam dates, by application deadline
     
    Exam Site Application Deadline Written Exam Skill Exam Email Your Application To:
    Butler County Community College Sep. 22, 2024 Oct. 13, 2024 Oct. 13, 2024

    Jason Bragunier,

    jason.bragunier@bc3.edu

     

    Can’t find what you need? Your preferred testing site may add more dates throughout the year. Contact them for more information.

    ▶  Download a PDF version of the certifications exam schedule.

    4. Send completed application

    Applications must be submitted to your preferred testing site by the deadline they have listed, or by three weeks before the test date.

    A firefighter carries a child who is holding a stuffed bunny.

    Skills we're looking for

    Here's what we test for in an Driver/Operator-Aerial skill exam. 

    5. Take written and skills tests

    After you have an approved application, your written and skills tests will be on the dates and locations listed by your testing site. Contact them with questions or for assistance.

    Once you pass both tests, you will be Driver/Operator-Aerial certified. Congratulations!

    Get help

    If at any point you need help with the certification process, contact the coordinator listed as the contact for your testing site. You can get help with general questions about the certification process by emailing us at ra-empsfacertprogram@pa.gov, or by calling us at 717-248-1115.