Apply for Local-Level Training Instructor Certification

In the Eastern Area: Contact Eastern Area Field Supervisor Douglas Snyder.

In the Western Area: Contact Western Area Field Supervisor Mark Wineland.

Upon review of your completed application and interview by your area field supervisor, determination will be made by the State Fire Academy administrator. You will be notified by email of the results, usually in mid-May to the first of June. Notification is done only after all prerequisites and required documentation are met and have been entered into the instructor database.

Courses are assigned individually based on your background, knowledge, and training on the subject material.

Some courses have full instructional outlines and audio-visual packets for them. Numerous course do not have formal lesson plans. You must write your own lesson plan in accordance to the minimum standard for accreditation  that sets the course goal, specific objectives, and a topic outline.

Complete Prerequisites for ZFID:

• At least 26 years of age
• Firefighter II Certification(opens in a new tab)
• Fire Instructor II Certification(opens in a new tab)
• Incident Safety Officer (16-hour National Fire Academy course)
• Hazardous Materials Operations training
• Terrorism training
• Fire Operations at Large Structures (ZSFA) training or equivalent
•  150 hours structural track training
• Three letters of reference from current suppression-level instructor 

Once you've met the prerequisites, successfully complete the Suppression Instructor Development Program (ZFID).

Educational training agencies under contract with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner hire and pay instructors. You may be employed by as many of these agencies that accept you as an employee.

Yes, non-suppression instructors who have obtained approval from the State Fire Academy can serve as assistant instructors/guest lecturers for the first three levels: ELIS, ELFG, and ELEF.