Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist

1. Complete prerequisites

A candidate for the YFIS certification shall hold and maintain a professional credential in one of the following:

• Law rnforcement officer
• Health care professional (EMT, EMTP, physician, or nurse)
• Social service worker
• Mental health worker
• Educator
• Fire and Life Safety Educator I (Pro-Board and/or IFSAC certification)
• Fire Investigator (Pro-Board or IFSAC certification, OR another nationally-recognized and approved credential.

See the Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist candidate handbook (PDF) for details about which certifications and training courses are accepted. Prerequisites are listed on Page 3.

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 Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist 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 a Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist. Congratulations!