Incident Safety Officer

1. Complete prerequisites

• Hazardous Materials Operations Training or Certification
  Must show proof of a completed hazardous materials operations trainings or certificates within one year of the date of applying.
• Incident Command System Course
  Must show proof of completing an approved course on the Incident Command System. 

• National Fire Academy:
  Incident Safety Officer Course: You must have taken the NFA: ISO course.
  Please attach a copy of your course completion certificate.

• Fire Officer I Certification:
  You must be certified at the Fire Officer I level.

See the Incident Safety Officer Candidate Handbook (PDF) for details about which certifications and training courses are accepted. Prerequisites are listed on Page 4.

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 Incident Safety Officer 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.

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.

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 certified as an Incident Safety Officer. Congratulations!