Rescue Technician – Vehicle and Machinery

1. Complete prerequisites

• Level I & II Technician Prerequisite (General CORE Requirements)
  The candidate must be certified at the general requirements level prior to certifying as a Vehicle Rescue Technician. Any of the following are acceptable as proof of completion.

a) General requirements certification (state or training agency issued, Pro-Board or IFSAC).
b) Official transcript from an approved training agency showing successful completion of certification.
c) National certification (IFSAC or Pro Board) as a rescue technician is a recognized rescue specialty (e.g., rope, trench, confined space, etc.).

• 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).

• Level II Technician
  The candidate must be certified at the Vehicle Rescue Technician I level.

See the Rescue Technician – Vehicle and Machinery I and II 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 – Vehicle and Machinery I application (PDF) or the Rescue Technician – Vehicle and Machinery II 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 Rescue Technician – Vehicle and Machinery certified. Congratulations!