Alabama Administrative Code Title 360 - ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE AND PERSONNEL STANDARDS COMMISSION
Title 360 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. This body plays a critical role in establishing, maintaining, and overseeing the professional standards, training, and certification for fire and emergency services personnel throughout Alabama.
The Alabama Fire College is the state's primary training institution for firefighters and emergency responders, while the Personnel Standards and Education Commission sets the minimum requirements for various firefighter certifications and ensures the efficient operation of the College.
The administrative rules under Title 360 are extensive, reflecting the diverse and specialized nature of fire and emergency services. Here's a breakdown of the typical chapters and what they cover:
Chapter 360-X-1 - General Regulations and Administrative Procedures:
This foundational chapter sets the overall framework for the Commission's operations.
It defines terms, outlines the responsibilities of fire fighting agency chiefs (e.g., filing employment/termination notices, ensuring required training), and details the administrative processes for the Commission itself.
It also covers general certification principles, including reciprocity with other states (often recognizing ProBoard or IFSAC accredited certifications for certain levels), requirements for good moral character, and conditions for issuing provisional certifications to younger individuals.
Crucially, it states that participation in the certification program is generally not mandated for all fire service personnel, except for "trainees" as required by state law (Code of Ala. 1975, §36-32-7).
Chapter 360-X-2 - Requirements for Certified Fire Fighter: This is a core chapter detailing the certification standards for firefighters, often aligned with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards (e.g., NFPA 1001 for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications). It includes:
Minimum Age: Typically 18 years.
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Physical Fitness: Requires a physical statement from a licensed physician certifying good health and physical fitness. The physical exam should specifically assess the ability to perform firefighting duties safely.
Emergency Medical Care Training: Often requires successful completion of training that includes infection control, CPR, bleeding control, and shock management.
Specific Training & Hours: Prescribed curriculum and minimum training hours for various levels (e.g., Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter). These courses must often be taught by Commission-approved instructors at approved facilities.
Examinations: Requires passing written (cognitive) and practical (skills) state certification examinations administered by the Commission, often with a minimum score (e.g., 70%).
Other Prerequisites: May include certification in Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Operations, and/or Rapid Intervention Crew Member.
Timeframes: Specifies periods within which training and certification must be completed, especially for permanent employment.
Chapter 360-X-3 - Certified Fire and Emergency Services Instructor: Rules for qualifying and certifying instructors who will train firefighters and emergency personnel, often based on NFPA 1041 (Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications).
Chapter 360-X-4 - Requirements for Certified Fire Inspector: Standards for individuals responsible for conducting fire safety inspections, typically aligned with NFPA 1031 (Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner).
Chapter 360-X-5 - Requirements for Certified Fire Investigator: Requirements for those who investigate the origin and cause of fires, often based on NFPA 1033 (Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator).
Chapter 360-X-6 - Requirements for Certified Fire Officer: Certification standards for various levels of fire officers, typically based on NFPA 1021 (Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications).
Chapter 360-X-7 - Requirements for Certified Apparatus Operator: Rules for certifying personnel who operate fire apparatus (e.g., pumpers, aerial devices), often based on NFPA 1002 (Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications).
Chapter 360-X-8 - Requirements for Certified Airport Firefighter: Specialized training and certification for firefighters working at airports.
Chapter 360-X-9 - Requirements for Certified Hazardous Materials First Responder: Certification for personnel who are the first to respond to hazardous materials incidents.
Chapter 360-X-10 - Requirements for Certified Public Safety Telecommunicator: Standards for emergency dispatchers and call takers.
Chapter 360-X-11 - Requirements for Certified Public Fire and Life Safety Educator: Standards for individuals who educate the public on fire prevention and safety.
Chapter 360-X-15 - Requirements for Certified Industrial Fire Brigade: Standards for industrial fire brigades.
Additional Specialized Certifications: The code also includes chapters for many other specialized roles, such as:
Technical Rescue Personnel (e.g., Structural Collapse Rescue, Rope Rescue)
Certified Live Fire Instructor
Certified Public Information Officer
Certified Marine Firefighter
Certified Fire Marshal
Certified Smoke Diver
Certified Rapid Intervention Crew Member
Certified Honor Guard Member
Certified Peer Support Member
The Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission plays a fundamental role in ensuring that Alabama's fire and emergency services personnel are well-trained, competent, and adhere to nationally recognized standards, thereby enhancing public safety and the effectiveness of emergency response throughout the state.
You can find the official and most current versions of these rules on the Alabama Fire College's website (alabamafirecollege.org) under their "Personnel Standards & Education Commission" section or "Administrative Code," and also on the Alabama Legislative Services Agency's Administrative Code website (admincode.legislature.state.al.us). It's always essential to consult the most current regulations.
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