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    Get Certified

    Rescue Technician-General

    Interested in enhancing your emergency response skillset? Pursue a Rescue Technician – General certification to grow your emergency response and equipment management skills.

    Candidate Handbook (PDF)
    Exams Schedule (PDF)
    image of firefighter jackets in a line

    1. Complete prerequisites

    • Hazardous Materials Operations Training or Certification
      Must show proof of a completed hazardous materials operations training or certificate within one year of the date of application.
    • CPR and Emergency Medical Services Training 
      Must complete an approved CPR course and medical care training course (or hold a current EMS certification).

    See the Rescue Technician-General 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 Rescue Technician-General 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 Rescue Technician-General exam dates, by application deadline
     
    Exam Site Application Deadline Written Exam Skill Exam Email Your Application To:

    There are no upcoming exam dates for this certification. Check with your preferred testing site for more information.
     

     

    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 Rescue Technician-General skill exam. 

    Rescue Technician-General skill sheets

    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 Rescue Technician-General 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.