DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING COUNCIL  
GENERAL RULES  
Filed with the secretary of state on November 3, 2021  
These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless  
adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969  
PA 306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become  
effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.  
(By authority conferred on the firefighters training council by section 16 of the  
firefighters training council act, 1966 PA 291, MCL 29.376, and Executive Reorganization  
Order Nos. 1997-2, 2003-1, and 2011-4, MCL 29.451, 445.2011, and 445.2030)  
R 29.401, R 29.402, R 29.403, R 29.405, R 29.410, R 29.413, and R 29.415 of the  
Michigan Administrative Code are amended, and R 29.402a, R 29.405a, R 29.405b, R  
29.405c, R 29.405d, R 29.405e, R 29.405f, R 29.405g, R 29.405h, R 29.405i, R 29.405j,  
R 29.405k, R 29.405l, R 29.405m, R 29.405n, R 29.405o, R 29.405p, R 29.405q, R  
29.410a, R 29.410b, R 29.410c, R 29.410d, R 29.416, R 29.417, and R 29.418 are added,  
and R 29.404, R 29.408, R 29.408a, R 29.408b, R 29.408c, R 29.408d, R 29.408e, R  
29.408f, R 29.409, and R 29.414 are rescinded, as follows:  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 29.401 Definitions.  
Rule 1. (1) As used in these rules:  
(a) "Act" means the firefighters training council act, 1966 PA 291, MCL 29.361 to  
29.377.  
(b) “Authority having jurisdiction” or "AHJ" means an organization, office, or  
individual responsible for either enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or  
approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.  
(c) “Bureau” means the bureau of fire services, in the department of licensing and  
regulatory affairs.  
(d) “Cadet” means an individual who participates in a training course, is between 16  
and 18 years of age, and participates in a council registered and approved cadet program  
offered by a fire department or public safety department.  
(e) “Curriculum work group” means a group of fire service members appointed by  
the chairperson of the council.  
(f) “Department” means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(g) “Electronic learning management system” means a system used for administration,  
documentation, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or  
learning and development programs.  
April 28, 2021  
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(h) “Emergency medical services and instructor coordinator license” or “EMS/IC  
license” means a license issued by the Michigan department of health and human services  
(MDHHS) pursuant to part 209 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.20901  
to 333.20979.  
(i) “Equivalent” means certifications from another state’s certifying agency that meet  
the NFPA standard for that classification.  
(j) “Explorer” means an individual who is participating in a training course, is between  
16 and 18 years of age, and participates in a council-approved Boy Scouts of America or  
Girl Scouts of the USA explorer program sponsored by a fire department or a public safety  
department.  
(k) “International Fire Service Accreditation Congress” or "IFSAC" means a not-for-  
profit, peer-driven, self-governing system of both fire service certifying entities and higher  
education fire-related degree programs.  
(l) “Materially untrue statement” means a false writing or document that contains any  
fictitious or fraudulent information or entry.  
(m) “Operational capacity” means engaged in active operations of emergency scenes.  
(n) “Pre-service student” means an individual who is taking firefighting classes through  
an approved regional training center and who is not a member of a Michigan fire  
department or a public safety department.  
(o) “Pro Board®” means the fire service system for the accreditation of agencies that  
certify candidates to the various disciplines and levels identified in the NFPA Professional  
Qualification series of standards.  
(p) “Q course” means a course developed and owned by organizations or individual  
subject matter experts.  
(q) “Regional Response Team Network” or "RRTN" means a regional response team  
network for a hazardous materials response.  
(r) “Regional Training Center” or "RTC" means a regional training center, as  
established pursuant to section 9(2)(c) of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(s) “RTC student” means an individual who is taking firefighting classes through an  
approved RTC and who may or may not be registered with a fire department or a public  
safety department.  
(t) “Revoked” means removal of certification by this state or another state.  
(u) “Revocation” means the council revoked an individual’s certification as part of a  
disciplinary process.  
(v) “Third-party authorization” means a course owned by a private curriculum provider  
in which an instructor is required by the developer to meet the developer’s requirements to  
teach the course.  
(w) “Training information network” means the bureau’s system used to track an  
individual’s fire department membership, council-approved training, and certification.  
(2) A term defined in the act has the same meaning when used in these rules.  
R 29.402 Council-approved course; instruction hours; recognition of training by  
council.  
Rule 2. (1) Before council approval; a course shall be evaluated by bureau staff based  
on the following:  
(a) The time required to adequately cover the subject material.  
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(b) Whether the course meets the NFPA standard applicable to the classification.  
(c) Whether the course is relevant to the needs of the fire service in this state.  
(d) Determination if a certification examination is required.  
(2) An individual seeking Q Course approval shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s  
Q Course Application form, BFS-201. The bureau must receive the application before the  
council agenda deadline, which can be found online at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/fire  
services. The council shall review and vote to approve or deny with cause, all Q courses.  
Q courses cannot be developed to circumvent council approved curriculum courses in  
which council provides certification.  
R 29.402a Conducting a council-approved course requirements.  
Rule 2a. (1) An instruction hour must consist of 50 minutes of instruction time and  
10 minutes break time, totaling 1 clock hour.  
(2) A course funded using fireworks safety fees under section 13 of the act, MCL  
29.373, must have a minimum of 8 individuals who are registered in the training  
information network not less than 72 hours before the start of the course. If the minimum  
number of individuals are not registered by that time, the course must be cancelled.  
(a) An exception to the course minimum requirements for the firefighter I with  
hazardous materials operations course, the firefighter II course, or the firefighter I and II  
with hazardous materials operations course may be granted by a bureau region coordinator  
who must notify the state fire marshal of the exception.  
(b) A request for an exception for courses other than those courses listed in subdivision  
(a) of this subrule shall be submitted in writing and may be granted by a bureau region  
coordinator who shall notify the state fire marshal of the exception if the exception is  
granted.  
(3) The minimum size for conducting a written or practical certification examination is  
8 individuals.  
(4) The maximum class size for an approved firefighter I with hazardous materials  
operations course, the firefighter II course, or the firefighter I and II with hazardous  
materials operations course is 25 individuals. A course must comply with all of the  
following requirements:  
(a) A lead certified fire instructor must be identified and present for all practical training  
sessions.  
(b) A certified firefighter assisting with practical training sessions must be certified to  
the level of the skill being taught.  
(c) A minimum ratio of 1 certified fire instructor or certified firefighter for every 5  
individuals must be present during all practical training evolutions.  
(d) A bureau region coordinator may approve a larger class size, up to a maximum of  
35 individuals, if special circumstances exist and adequate instructor staffing and  
equipment is provided.  
(5) The following individuals may conduct council-approved training courses and  
examinations:  
(a) Individuals who are under contract with the bureau to act as a training coordinator.  
(b) Instructors who deliver bureau approved examinations.  
(c) Council members.  
(d) Bureau staff.  
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R 29.403 Certification examinations; development; passing scores.  
Rule 3. (1) Pursuant to section 9(2)(b) of the act, MCL 29.369, the state fire marshal,  
with the approval of a majority of the council, shall develop and administer certification  
examinations for all of the following fire service disciplines:  
(a) Firefighter.  
(b) Fire chief.  
(c) Fire inspector.  
(d) Fire instructor.  
(e) Fire investigator.  
(f) Fire officer.  
(g) Public safety director.  
(h) Plans examiner.  
(i) Hazardous materials responder.  
(j) Technical rescue responder.  
(k) Airport rescue firefighter.  
(2) The certification examinations shall be reviewed by bureau staff and the curriculum  
committee to ascertain if there is adequate comprehension of the subject material tested in  
the examinations.  
(3) As long as the certification examination is not in the same calendar day, an  
individual may retake any certification examination multiple times, with the exception of  
fire instructor II and III, which is limited to 1 reexamination before having to retake the  
class.  
(4) The examination for firefighter I and II may be combined into 1 examination to test  
the knowledge and skill requirements in NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter  
Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(5) After the effective date of these rules, the bureau will become a Pro Board® agency  
for the following classifications:  
(a) Firefighter I with hazardous materials operations.  
(b) Firefighter II.  
(c) Firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations.  
(d) Fire officer I.  
(e) Fire officer II.  
(f) Fire officer III.  
(g) Fire officer IV.  
(h) Fire instructor I.  
(i) Fire instructor II.  
(j) Fire instructor III.  
(6) An individual who is a member of a fire department or a public safety department  
may apply and pay a fee to the bureau to receive Pro Board® certification, that is in addition  
to a bureau certification, that was obtained by passing a bureau’s certification examination.  
(7) All Pro Board® courses must be entered in the bureau’s training information  
network before the start date of the course and must follow the bureau’s rules and  
procedures.  
(8) An individual with council certification as company officer I and II series; fire  
officer I, II and III; fire instructor I; or fire instructor II before the effective date of these  
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rules, may apply and pay a fee to the bureau to challenge the Pro Board® examination for  
firefighter I, II, or firefighter I and II, and fire officer I, II, III or fire instructor I and II.  
To challenge the exam involves already having an MFFTC certification and wanting to  
acquire a Pro Board® certification by taking the Pro Board® certification exam.  
(9) An individual with a Regional Alliance for Fire Training (RAFT) certification as  
fire officer I or fire officer II before January 1, 2016 may apply and pay a fee to the third-  
party approved Pro Board® agency to challenge the Pro Board® exam for fire officer I and  
II.  
R 29.404 Rescinded.  
PART 2. CLASSIFICATIONS  
R 29.405 Classification for firefighter I with hazardous materials operations;  
firefighter II; firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations; requirements;  
reciprocity.  
Rule 5. (1) The following are the classifications for firefighter I with hazardous  
materials operations, firefighter II, and firefighter I and II with hazardous materials  
operations, pursuant to section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369:  
(a) A firefighter I with hazardous materials operations is an individual who completes  
council-approved course requirements and passes the written and practical examinations,  
which covers the skill and knowledge requirements in NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire  
Fighter Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(b) A firefighter II is a firefighter I with hazardous materials operations completes  
council-approved course requirements and passes the council-approved written and  
practical examinations, which covers the skill and knowledge requirements NFPA 1001,  
“Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by reference in R  
29.410.  
(c) A firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations is an individual who  
completes council-approved course requirements and passes the written and practical  
examinations, which cover the skill and knowledge requirements in NFPA 1001, “Standard  
for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(2) An individual attending a firefighter I with hazardous materials operations,  
firefighter II, or firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations course shall meet  
the following requirements:  
(a) Be 18 years of age or older on the date of the final written and practical  
examinations, with the exception of a cadet or an explorer.  
(b) Be an explorer or cadet to attend council approved courses, have on file with the  
bureau a letter of declaration and a copy of the charter or resolution from the local unit of  
government with a copy presented to the course manager from the fire chief or public safety  
director. A cadet or explorer may participate in all of the following council-approved  
courses:  
(i) Firefighter I with hazardous materials operations.  
(ii) Firefighter II.  
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(iii) Firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations.  
(iv) Incident command and resource management.  
(3) An individual who attends a council-approved firefighter course or courses to  
qualify for the certification examinations shall comply with both of the following:  
(a) An individual shall not be absent from more than 10% of the total in-person or  
virtual hours of an entire course as validated by the course manager, subject to the  
following:  
(i) A course manager may provide flexibility in attendance as needed in firefighter  
courses due to the length of the course and an individual’s employment obligations.  
(ii) An individual who is provided flexibility in attendance shall make up missed lecture  
hours and classes before the scheduled ending date of the course.  
(iii) An individual shall meet 100% of the practical skills hours.  
(iv) A course manager shall enforce the bureau’s make up policy.  
(b) An individual who completes make up training at his or her fire department or  
public safety department shall complete the bureau’s Make Up Training form, BFS-256,  
for each make up session authorized by the course manager. The fire chief or public safety  
director shall sign the form and return the form to the course manager for inclusion in the  
final course paperwork submitted to the bureau via email.  
(4) An individual shall comply with the requirements in the Michigan occupational  
safety and health administration (MIOSHA) Occupational Health Standard Part 451,  
“Respiratory Protection,” R 325.60051 to R 325.60052, while participating in the council-  
approved firefighter I with hazardous materials operations course, the firefighter II course,  
or the firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations course. An individual who  
participates in council-approved courses that require respiratory protection or equipment  
to be worn shall be completely free of facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of  
the facepiece and face or that interferes with valve function or any condition that interferes  
with the face-to-face piece seal or valve function.  
(5) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, for certification before taking the state certification  
examination.  
(6) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1001, “Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” at the time the  
certification is issued.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(7) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time the certification is issued.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
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(8) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the Armed Forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.”  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405a Classification for fire chief; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5a. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire chief pursuant to section 9  
of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A fire chief is an individual who meets both of the following:  
(a) The individual is certified as a firefighter II or completes the council- approved  
firefighter II requirements, as specified in R 29.405, within 12 months of the date of hire  
as fire chief.  
(b) The individual completes the instructor I course, fire officer I course, and fire officer  
II course within 36 months of completing the firefighter II requirements.  
(3) An individual who has attained the classification of fire chief for his or her  
jurisdiction before the effective date of these rules is considered to have met the  
requirements of this rule.  
(4) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, to receive state certification.  
(5) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time the certification is issued.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(6) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1001, “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.”  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405b Classification for fire inspector; requirements; reciprocity.  
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Rule 5b. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire inspector pursuant to section  
9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A fire inspector is an individual who is certified as meeting the requirements for  
fire inspector certification, as specified in the fire prevention code, 1941 PA 207, MCL  
29.1 to 29.33, and who completes and passes the bureau-approved fire inspector  
certification examination, which covers the skill and knowledge requirements for fire  
inspector in NFPA 1031, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and  
Plan Examiner,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(3) An individual shall apply to the bureau for certification on the bureau’s State  
Certified Fire Inspector Application form, BFS-997.  
(4) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall meet the requirements for  
fire inspector certification, as specified in the fire prevention code, 1941 PA 207, MCL  
29.1 to 29.33, and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1031, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector  
and Plan Examiner,” at the time the certificate is awarded.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s State Certified Fire Inspector Application form,  
BFS-997, for certification.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate applying for  
reciprocity certification as a fire inspector shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1031, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector  
and Plan Examiner,” at the time the certificate is awarded.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity form, BFS-258.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s State Certified Fire Inspector Application form,  
BFS-997, for certification.  
(6) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1031, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector  
and Plan Examiner”, at the time certification is issued.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(e) Apply to the bureau on the bureau’s State Certified Fire Inspector Application form,  
BFS-997, for certification.  
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R 29.405c Classification for fire instructor I; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5c. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire instructor I pursuant to  
section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A fire instructor I is an individual who meets all of the following:  
(a) Is certified as a firefighter II.  
(b) Has a minimum of 36 months of experience, not including pre-service, cadet, or  
explorer experience, from his or her first firefighter certification before beginning the fire  
instructor I requirements.  
(c) Has passed the fire instructor I written examination with a score of 70% or higher  
and passed the practical examination.  
(3) An individual seeking to instruct council-approved courses shall complete the  
following:  
(a) Apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification Application form, BFS-  
205, for certification before taking the state certification examination.  
(b) For an individual who is a fire instructor I, has completed 6 hours of lecture and 6  
hours of practical skills training in an instructional setting in the presence of an individual  
who is a certified fire instructor I or higher within 24 months of completing the NFPA 1041  
fire instructor I course.  
(c) Submit the bureau’s Probationary Instructor Mentoring form, BFS-253 to the  
bureau.  
(4) An individual seeking only fire instructor I for his or her fire officer I certification  
shall complete the requirements for fire instructor I. This individual is subject to the  
following:  
(a) Is not required to comply with the continuing education requirement for fire  
instructor l.  
(b) Is exempt from the 36 months experience requirement as specified in subrule (1)(b)  
of this rule.  
(c) Cannot instruct council-approved courses.  
(5) An individual who is applying to become a probationary fire instructor I shall  
complete the following within 60 months:  
(a) Apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Probationary Instructor Application form, BFS-  
209.  
(b) Complete 6 hours of lecture and 6 hours of practical skills training in an  
instructional setting in the presence of an individual who is a certified fire instructor I or  
who has a higher certification, and within 24 months of completing the NFPA 1041 fire  
instructor I course has submitted the bureau’s Probationary Instructor Mentoring form,  
BFS-253, to the bureau.  
(6) A fire instructor I is authorized to instruct only the following council-approved  
courses as of the effective date of these rules:  
(a) Firefighter I with hazardous materials operations.  
(b) Firefighter II with hazardous materials operations.  
(c) Firefighter I and II with hazardous materials operations.  
(d) Q courses owned by the individual who is instructing the course.  
(e) Any course for which the individual has completed the council- approved train-the-  
trainer course requirements and has obtained third-party authorization.  
(7) A fire instructor I who is certified as of the effective date of these rules may continue  
to instruct the courses he or she had been previously authorized to teach.  
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(8) A fire instructor I who is certified under this classification shall meet the MIOSHA  
Occupational Health Standard Part 451. “Respiratory Protection,” R 325.60051 to R  
325.60052. When teaching any council-approved course other than Q courses, the  
instructor shall be completely free of facial hair that interferes with face-to-facepiece seal  
or valve function.  
(9) A fire instructor I shall meet the continuing education requirements pursuant to R  
29.418 of these rules to maintain certification.  
(10) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate applying for  
reciprocity certification as a fire instructor I shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time the certificate is awarded.  
(d) Have completed, prior to applying for certification as a fire instructor I, the bureau’s  
course, MFFTC Instructor I Orientation, H04A, in order to instruct council-approved  
courses.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity form, BFS-258.  
(11) An individual applying for reciprocity certification as a fire instructor I, shall be  
certified by another state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time the certificate is awarded.  
(d) Have completed, prior to applying for certification as a fire instructor I, course  
H04A, Fire Instructor I Orientation in order to instruct council-approved courses.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(12) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Have completed, prior to applying for certification as a fire instructor I, course  
H04A, Fire Instructor I Orientation, in order to instruct council approved-courses.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(13) An individual applying for reciprocity certification as a fire instructor I and who  
possesses either a valid teaching certificate from the Michigan department of education, a  
valid Instructor Coordinator License through the MDHHS, EMS Division, or a M-410  
certificate issued by the National Wildland Coordinating Group shall comply with all of  
the following:  
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(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Have completed, prior to applying for certification as a fire instructor I, course  
H04A, Fire Instructor I Orientation, to instruct council-approved courses.  
(d) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(14) An individual who is applying for reciprocity certification as a fire instructor I and  
who has completed either a U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a National Fire  
Academy, or a Federal Emergency Management Agency instructor course that meets the  
NFPA Standards shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Have completed, prior to applying for certification as a fire instructor I, course  
H04A, Fire Instructor I Orientation, to instruct council-approved courses.  
(d) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405d Classification for fire instructor II; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5d. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire instructor II pursuant to  
section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, for certification before taking the state certification course.  
An individual shall be certified at the previous certification level before taking the next  
level of certification pursuant to NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services  
Instructor Professional Qualifications,”  
(3) A fire instructor II is an individual who is certified as a fire instructor I and who has  
not less than 5 years of experience and 40 hours of documented and verifiable instructional  
hours.  
(4) A fire instructor II shall have completed and passed the council-approved NFPA  
1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications,”  
fire instructor II written examination with a score of 70% or higher and passed the practical  
examination.  
(5) A fire instructor II who was certified before the effective date of these rules may  
continue to instruct the courses that he or she had been previously authorized to teach.  
(6) A fire instructor II who is certified after the effective date of these rules and who  
has completed a council-approved course may instruct that course provided that he or she  
receives and maintains third-party authorization, if required.  
(7) An individual who has attended and passed the council-approved fire instructor II  
certification course and completed the bureau’s fire instructor I train-the-trainer course is  
authorized to instruct the council-approved fire instructor I certification course.  
12  
(8) A fire instructor II may instruct council-approved fire instructor II courses for 3  
years from the effective date of these rules, provided the individual meets all of the  
following requirements:  
(a) Attended and passed the council-approved fire instructor II certification course.  
(b) Instructed 2 council-approved fire instructor I certification courses.  
(c) Completed the bureau’s fire instructor II train-the-trainer course.  
(d) Obtained the council-approved fire instructor III certification within 3 years of the  
effective date of these rules to continue to instruct council approved fire instructor II  
courses.  
(9) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time the certificate is awarded.  
(d) Have attended and passed the fire instructor I orientation course (H04A).  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(10) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Have attended and passed the fire instructor I orientation course (H04A).  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(11) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Have attended and passed the fire instructor I orientation course (H04A).  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405e Classification for fire instructor III; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5e. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire instructor III pursuant to  
section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
13  
(2) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, for certification before taking the state certification course.  
An individual shall be certified at the previous certification level before taking the next  
level of certification pursuant to NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services  
Instructor Professional Qualifications,”  
(3) A fire instructor III is an individual who is certified as a fire instructor II and has a  
minimum of 7 years of service, not including pre-service, cadet, or explorer service, from  
his or her initial firefighter certification, before beginning the fire instructor III  
requirements and 80 hours of documented and verifiable instructional hours.  
(4) A fire instructor III shall have completed and passed the council- approved NFPA  
1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications,”  
fire instructor III written examination with a score of 70% or higher and pass the practical  
examination which covers the skill and knowledge requirements for fire instructor III in  
NFPA 1041, as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(5) A fire instructor III is authorized to instruct any council-approved course he or she  
has completed and passed, provided he or she receives and maintains third-party  
authorization, if required.  
(6) A fire instructor III who has attended and passed the council-approved fire  
instructor II certification course, instructed 2 council-approved fire instructor I certification  
courses, and completed the bureau’s fire instructor II train-the-trainer course is authorized  
to instruct the council-approved fire instructor II certification course.  
(7) A fire instructor III who has attended and passed the council-approved fire  
instructor III certification course, instructed 2 council-approved fire instructor II  
certification courses, and completed the bureau’s fire instructor III train-the-trainer course  
is authorized to instruct the council- approved fire instructor III certification course.  
(8) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Have attended and passed the fire instructor I orientation course (H04A).  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(9) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Have completed, prior to applying for certification, course H04A, Fire Instructor I  
Orientation.  
(d) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
14  
(10) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Have attended and passed the fire instructor I orientation course (H04A).  
(d) Meet the NFPA 1041, “Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor  
Professional Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(e) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405f Certified fire instructors; certified associate fire instructors; requirements.  
Rule 5f. (1) This rule provides the classifications for certified fire instructors and  
certified associate fire instructors pursuant to section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) As of the effective date of these rules, an instructor who is approved by the bureau  
as a certified fire instructor, according to qualifications established before 2010, shall  
maintain his or her status as a certified fire instructor.  
(3) As of the effective date of these rules, a certified associate fire instructor who is  
approved by the bureau, according to qualifications established before September 30, 2019,  
shall maintain his or her status as a certified associate fire instructor.  
(4) A certified fire instructor and a certified associate fire instructor may teach all  
courses he or she is authorized to instruct provided that he or she receives and maintains  
third-party authorization, if required.  
R 29.405g Classification for fire investigator; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5g. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire investigator pursuant to  
section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A fire investigator is an individual who completes and passes the council-approved  
fire investigator examination which covers the skill and knowledge requirements for fire  
investigator in NFPA 1033, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire  
Investigator,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(3) An individual shall apply to the bureau for certification on the bureau’s Training  
Certification Application form, BFS-205.  
(4) An individual shall have passed the examination for either of the following  
programs or courses before applying to the bureau:  
(a) Michigan state police basic fire investigation school.  
(b) National fire academy fire investigation course.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1033, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire  
Investigator,” at the time of issue.  
15  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(6) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1033, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire  
Investigator,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(7) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1033, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire  
Investigator” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405h Classification of fire officer I; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5h. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire officer I pursuant to section  
9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A fire officer I is an individual who is a certified firefighter II, passed the council-  
approved fire instructor I course, passed the council- approved fire officer I written  
examination with a score of 70% or higher, and passed the practical examination, which  
meets NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by  
reference in R 29.410.  
(3) An individual shall complete the council-approved fire instructor I course and pass  
the written examination with a 70% or higher and practical examination prior to attending  
the council-approved fire officer I course.  
(4) An individual shall complete the fire officer I job performance requirements and  
submit the bureau’s Training Certification Application form, BFS-205, before taking the  
certification examinations.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
16  
(6) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(7) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405i Classification of fire officer II; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5i. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire officer II pursuant to section  
9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) An individual who is applying for certification as a fire officer II shall be certified  
as a fire officer I before starting the fire officer II requirements.  
(3) A fire officer II is an individual who is a certified firefighter II, passed the council-  
approved fire instructor I course, passed the council-approved fire officer II written  
examination with a score of 70% or higher, and passed the practical examination, which  
meets NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by  
reference in R 29.410.  
(4) An individual shall complete the fire officer II job performance requirements and  
submit the bureau’s Training Certification Application form, BFS-205, before taking the  
certification examinations.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(6) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
17  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(7) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405j Classification of fire officer III; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5j. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire officer III pursuant to section  
9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) An individual who is applying for certification as a fire officer III shall be certified  
as a fire officer II before starting the fire officer III requirements.  
(3) A fire officer III is an individual who is a certified firefighter II, passed the council-  
approved fire instructor I course, passed the council-approved fire officer III written  
examination with a score of 70% or higher and passed the practical examination, which  
meets NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by  
reference in R 29.410.  
(4) An individual shall complete the fire officer III job performance requirements and  
submit the bureau’s Training Certification Application form, BFS-205, before taking the  
certification examinations.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(6) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
18  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(7) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405k Classification of fire officer IV; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5k. (1) This rule provides the classification for fire officer IV pursuant to section  
9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) An individual who is applying for certification as a fire officer IV shall be certified  
as a fire officer III before starting the fire officer IV requirements. An applicant shall have  
completed the job performance requirements for fire officer IV before taking the  
examination for fire officer IV.  
(3) An individual shall pass the council-approved written examination for fire officer  
IV, with a score of 70% or higher, which meets NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer  
Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(4) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, before taking the state certification examination.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(6) An individual applying for reciprocity certification, shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
19  
(7) An individual who has been honorably discharged forces of the United States,  
completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the United States, and  
is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1021, “Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications,” at  
the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405l Michigan fire officer certifications; equivalency.  
Rule 5l. (1) The bureau shall recognize previously issued certificates as equivalent  
for fire officer certification to be applied toward the advancement to the next level of fire  
officer certification. All fire officer certifications shall be obtained in sequential order as  
required in NFPA 1021.  
(2) Previously issued Michigan fire officer certificates include all of the following:  
(a) Fire officer I (E01A, E01B).  
(b) Fire officer II (E02A, E02B).  
(c) Fire officer III (E03A).  
(d) Michigan company officer I and II series (O21A).  
(e) Michigan fire officer III series (O31A).  
(3) As of the effective date of these rules, a Michigan fire service member who has  
obtained any Michigan fire officer certificates as specified in subrule (1)(a) to (e) of this  
rule and is certified to the NFPA 1041 fire instructor I level or higher, may apply to  
participate in the next level of council-approved NFPA 1021 fire officer courses to meet  
the requirements as specified in R 29.405h to R 29.405k for certification.  
R 29.405m Classification of public safety director; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5m. (1) This rule provides the classification for public safety director pursuant  
in section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) If the AHJ expects the public safety director to serve in an operational capacity, that  
individual must meet the following:  
(a) Is certified as a firefighter II or completes the council- approved firefighter II  
requirements, as specified in R 29.405 within 12 months of the date of hire as a public  
safety director.  
(b) Completes the Instructor I course, Fire Officer I course, and Fire Officer II course  
within 36 months of completing the firefighter II requirements.  
(3) An individual who is serving at the public safety director level for his or her  
jurisdiction before the effective date of these rules is considered to have met the  
requirements of this rule.  
(4) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, to receive state certification.  
20  
R 29.405n Classification of plans examiner; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5n. (1) This rule provides the classification for plans examiner pursuant to  
section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A plans examiner is an individual who completes and passes the NFPA course and  
examination which covers the skill and knowledge requirements for plans examiner in  
NFPA 1031, “Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan  
Examiner,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410, or the equivalent, as determined by the  
bureau in consultation with the state fire safety board.  
(3) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1031, “Standard for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner Professional  
Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(4) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1031, “Standard for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner Professional  
Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(5) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1031, “Standard for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner Professional  
Qualifications,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405o Classification of hazardous materials responder; requirements; reciprocity.  
Rule 5o. (1) This rule provides the classification for hazardous materials responder  
pursuant to section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A hazardous materials responder is an individual who has passed the council-  
approved hazardous materials responder operations course and examination, which covers  
the skill and knowledge requirements for hazardous materials responder operations in  
NFPA 1072, “Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons  
of Mass Destruction Incidents,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
21  
(3) An individual who possesses a Michigan firefighter I with hazardous materials  
operations certification or a Michigan firefighter I and II with hazardous materials  
operations certification meets the requirements of hazardous materials responder  
operations in NFPA 1072, “Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous  
Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(4) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, before taking the state certification examination.  
(5) An individual with a valid Pro Board® or IFSAC certificate, applying for  
reciprocity certification, shall comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1072, “Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous  
Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(6) An individual applying for reciprocity certification shall be certified by another  
state’s certifying agency and comply with all of the following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1072, “Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous  
Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
(7) An individual who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the  
United States, completed firefighter training while serving in the armed forces of the  
United States, and is applying for reciprocity certification shall comply with all of the  
following:  
(a) Be a member or an employee of a fire department or a public safety department in  
this state.  
(b) Be entered into the bureau’s training information network.  
(c) Meet the NFPA 1072, “Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous  
Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents,” at the time of issue.  
(d) Complete and submit the bureau’s Request For Reciprocity Application form, BFS-  
258.  
R 29.405p Classification of technical rescue responder; requirements.  
Rule 5p. (1) This rule provides the classification for technical rescue responder  
pursuant to section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) A technical rescue responder is an individual who completes and passes training  
that covers the skill and knowledge requirements in NFPA 1006, “Standard for Technical  
Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications,” and NFPA 1670, “Standard on Operation  
and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents,” as adopted by reference in R  
29.410.  
22  
(3) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, before taking the state certification examination.  
R 29.405q Classification of airport rescue firefighter; requirements.  
Rule 5q. (1) This rule provides the classification for airport rescue firefighter pursuant  
to section 9 of the act, MCL 29.369.  
(2) An airport rescue firefighter is an individual who completes and passes training that  
covers the skill and knowledge requirements in NFPA 1003, “Standard for Airport Fire  
Fighter Professional Qualifications,” as adopted by reference in R 29.410.  
(3) An individual shall apply to the bureau on the bureau’s Training Certification  
Application form, BFS-205, for certification.  
R 29.408 Rescinded.  
R 29.408a Rescinded.  
R 29.408b Rescinded.  
R 29.408c Rescinded.  
R 29.408d Rescinded.  
R 29.408e Rescinded.  
R 29.408f Rescinded.  
R 29.409 Rescinded.  
R 29.410 Adoption by reference.  
Rule 10. The following NFPA standards, are adopted by reference in these rules.  
Copies of the adopted standards are available for review at the office of the Bureau of Fire  
Services, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, 611 West Ottawa  
Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933, or from the National Fire Protection Association, 1  
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, telephone number 1-800-344-3555.  
The cost of each standard at the time of the adoption of these rules is included with the title  
of each standard. Each standard is available to be viewed online at no cost with an  
established account at www.nfpa.org.  
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(a) NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, 2019 edition,  
chapters 1, 4, 5, and 6, at a cost of $54.50 each.  
(b) NFPA 1003, Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, 2019  
edition, at a cost of $54.50 each.  
(c) NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications,  
2021 edition, at a cost of $71.00 each.  
(d) NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, 2020 edition, at  
a cost of $54.50 each.  
(e) NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan  
Examiner, 2014 edition, at a cost of $54.50 each.  
(f) NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, 2014  
edition, at a cost of $47.50 each.  
(g) NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional  
Qualifications, 2019 edition, at a cost of $54.50 each.  
(h) NFPA 1072, Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction  
Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2017 edition, at a cost of  
$61.00 each.  
(i) NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue  
Incidents, 2017 edition, at a cost of $71.00 each.  
PART 3. DISCIPLINARY PROCESS  
R 29.410a Disciplinary process.  
Rule 10a. (1) Pursuant to section 11a of the act, MCL 29.371a, the state fire marshal  
shall initiate the disciplinary process, which may include suspension or revocation of 1 or  
more classification certifications issued to an individual, for any of the following reasons:  
(a) Conviction of a felony in any state of the United States.  
(b) Making a materially untrue statement.  
(c) Causing a materially untrue statement to be made.  
(d) Committing fraud when applying for any classification certification.  
(e) Wrongfully disclosing in any format, such as electronically, verbally, or in writing,  
any information about an examination that the bureau uses in the examination certification  
process.  
(f) Violating the act or the bureau’s rules, policies, directives, or bulletins.  
(g) Violating the annual instructor memorandum of understanding (MOU).  
(h) Violating any continuing education compliance requirements in R 29.418.  
(2) Upon the bureau receiving notification that an individual has violated the act or 1  
or more of the rules, the state fire marshal shall direct bureau staff or a state fire marshal  
designee to investigate the allegation or allegations. This investigation shall include an  
interview or interviews of the individual who made the allegation, any witnesses who may  
support or negate the allegation or allegations against the individual in question, and the  
individual accused of impropriety.  
(3) Upon completion of the investigation, a final report shall be submitted to the state  
fire marshal. If the allegations are substantiated, the state fire marshal shall add the  
disciplinary matter to the agenda for the next scheduled council meeting for official action.  
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(4) The state fire marshal shall send an official notice to the individual accused of an  
impropriety that a disciplinary hearing has been placed on the agenda. The date and time  
of the hearing shall occur during the next regularly scheduled council meeting.  
R 29.410b Requesting a closed disciplinary hearing.  
Rule 10b. (1) An individual may request a closed disciplinary hearing.  
(2) The council shall conduct a roll call vote on the request for a closed disciplinary  
hearing. A decision to close the disciplinary hearing shall require a majority vote of the  
council members present.  
(3) If the council votes to move into a closed disciplinary hearing, the meeting shall be  
cleared of all individuals who are not directly involved in the hearing.  
(4) A closed disciplinary hearing shall include only the individual, the individual’s legal  
counsel, witnesses, council members, the state fire marshal or his or her designee, and the  
council’s recording secretary.  
(5) The proceedings of the disciplinary hearing shall be recorded digitally by the  
bureau.  
R 29.410c Disciplinary hearing procedure.  
Rule 10c. (1) Council members shall be given the opportunity to review the  
documentation submitted before proceeding with the disciplinary hearing.  
(2) The state fire marshal, or his or her designee, shall present an opening statement  
and relevant information of the investigative findings to the council, which shall not exceed  
20 minutes, including the calling of witnesses.  
(3) The individual appealing a disciplinary decision shall present his or her opening  
statement and relevant information, which shall not exceed 20 minutes, including the  
calling of witnesses.  
(4) Council members may question the individual, witnesses, and the state fire marshal  
or his or her designee, if further clarification is needed.  
(5) The state fire marshal, or his or her designee, shall have 5 minutes to present a  
summary of the reasons for recommending the suspension or revocation of 1 or more of  
the individual’s certifications.  
(6) The individual shall have 5 minutes to present a summary of the reasons why the  
recommendation for suspension or revocation is unsubstantiated.  
(7) The chairperson shall ask all witnesses, the individual, and the individual’s legal  
counsel to exit the closed session, if applicable.  
(8) The council shall deliberate to determine if the allegation or allegations against the  
individual are substantiated or unsubstantiated.  
(a) A substantiated allegation or allegations shall result in the suspension or revocation  
of 1 or more of an individual’s certifications, which shall be determined by council.  
(b) An unsubstantiated allegation or allegations shall result in the dismissal of the  
allegation or allegations against the individual.  
(c) After the final decision is reached, the council chairperson shall make a motion to  
adjourn the closed session.  
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(d) All documentation distributed to the council during the closed session of the  
disciplinary hearing regarding the investigation shall be collected by the state fire marshal,  
or his or her designee, to be disposed of pursuant to the state’s document retention schedule.  
R 29.410d Decision notification; reinstatement; appeal.  
Rule 10d. (1) Based upon the motion provided in the closed session, the council  
chairperson shall request a roll call vote in the open meeting. The decision of the council  
shall be final.  
(2) An individual who has 1 or more certifications suspended as the result of a  
disciplinary hearing shall meet all the conditions detailed in the suspension including, but  
not limited to, retraining provisions to reinstate his or her classification certification or  
certifications.  
(3) A suspension, other than a revocation, shall specify requirements that the individual  
shall complete to reinstate the certification or certifications after the terms of the suspension  
are met.  
(4) The bureau shall retain the documentation from the disciplinary hearing pursuant  
to the state’s document retention schedule.  
(5) The decision of the council to suspend or revoke a certification shall be sent via  
certified mail to the individual and his or her fire chief of record as listed in the training  
information network.  
(6) The decision of the council shall contain notice of the right of interested parties to  
file an appeal to the Michigan office of administrative hearings and rules (MOAHR) within  
28 calendar days of issuance of the council’s decision.  
PART 4. TRAINING  
R 29.413 Regional training centers; facilities; approval.  
Rule 13. (1) An applicant shall establish an RTC in a strategic location to support the  
greatest number of fire departments. An RTC must provide individuals an opportunity to  
receive pre-service fire training as an RTC student. To establish an RTC, an applicant shall  
do all of the following:  
(a) Complete the bureau’s Regional Training Center Advisory Board form, BFS-242.  
(b) Establish an advisory committee which includes appointing a chairperson from the  
RTC staff and may include the county training committee chairpersons from each county  
that will be served by the RTC.  
(c) Complete a needs survey which establishes the fire department training needs of the  
area and describes how the RTC plans to fulfill those needs. Collect any documentation of  
support for the need of the new RTC.  
(d) Have and be able to maintain the capability to conduct firefighter I and II courses  
and examinations.  
(e) Work with the bureau in training technology development.  
(f) Have rooms, facilities, and equipment available to efficiently carry out programs of  
instruction.  
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(2) If the application meets the requirement of subrules (1) of this rule, the state fire  
marshal shall review the application for inclusion on the agenda for the next council  
meeting.  
(3) The council shall vote to approve or deny an RTC application.  
(4) An RTC shall maintain current contact information for the center and advisory  
board membership with the bureau within 30 days of any change using the bureau’s  
Regional Training Center Advisory Board form, BFS-242  
(5) The RTC shall perform all of the following on an annual basis to maintain council  
approval:  
(a) Maintain capability to conduct firefighter I and II courses and examinations.  
(b) Comply with all bureau rules.  
(c) Cooperate with the bureau in training technology development.  
(d) Submit a report to the state fire marshal annually by November 20 for the previous  
fiscal year October 1 to September 30. The annual report by each RTC shall include all of  
the following:  
(i) The training activity from the previous fiscal year.  
(ii) The use of approved county funds.  
(iii) The budget and expenses from the previous fiscal year.  
(iv) The RTC training plan for the upcoming fiscal year.  
(6) The state fire marshal, with the approval of council, shall authorize an RTC to  
conduct council approved courses for pre-service students.  
(7) Service time at an RTC does not count toward fire department service time unless  
the individual is registered as a fire department or a public safety department member.  
(8) RTC students who are not members of a fire department or a public safety  
department in this state shall be assessed a fee per student to cover the cost of providing  
the certification examination as established by the bureau by January 31 before the next  
fiscal year. Fees shall be remitted to the bureau 2 weeks after the course start date as  
provided under section 11(1)(j) of the act, MCL 29.371.  
R 29.414 Rescinded.  
R 29.415 Alternative learning platforms.  
Rule 15. (1) The state fire marshal, with the approval of the council, may endorse the  
implementation of alternative learning platforms, including, but not limited to, online  
learning, distance learning, or similar council approved methods.  
(2) An alternative learning platform must be sponsored by a recognized regional  
training center or requested by a county training committee chairperson. Either entity shall  
be responsible for instructor training and online delivery support for instructors and  
students. Alternative learning platforms must utilize a council-approved curriculum  
electronic learning management system.  
(3) The initial delivery of an alternative learning platform shall be a pilot program and  
be pre-approved by the council. Bureau staff may evaluate the pilot program in order to  
provide a report to the council. All of the following apply to alternative learning platforms:  
(a) Upon review of a report from the instructors and the course manager, including  
written feedback from all of the instructors and students and a positive recommendation  
27  
from the regional coordinator, the state fire marshal, with council approval, may approve  
future courses.  
(b) All alternative learning platforms for classification certification shall meet all NFPA  
standards for that certification.  
(c) All alternative learning platforms shall consist of the following:  
(i)The same learning objectives as a face-to-face training format.  
(ii) A maximum student-to-instructor ratio for hands-on practical components of a  
course of 5 students to 1 instructor.  
(iii) A written exam.  
(4) An individual who attends a council-approved alternative learning platform online  
course and wants to qualify for a certification examination shall comply with both of the  
following:  
(a) An individual shall meet 90% of the lecture hours and 100% of the practical skills  
hours. A course manager shall enforce the bureau make up policy.  
(b) An individual who completes make up training at his or her fire department or  
public safety department shall complete the bureau’s Make Up Training form, BFS-256,  
for each make-up session authorized by the course manager. The fire chief or public safety  
director shall sign the form and return the form to the course manager for inclusion in the  
final course paperwork submitted to the bureau via email.  
R 29.416 County training committee; election of chairperson.  
Rule 16. (1) All fire departments and public safety departments that are recognized in  
the fire service directory and that provide services within a county, shall have the  
opportunity to participate in their respective county training committee, pursuant to section  
11(1)(k) of the act, MCL 29.371, to receive the fireworks safety fees annually from the  
bureau, as provided in section 14 of the act, MCL 29.374.  
(2) A county training committee shall consist of 1 member from each recognized fire  
department and public safety department within the county.  
(3) A county training committee shall elect a chairperson each year. Each fire  
department and public safety department in a county shall have 1 vote when electing the  
chairperson. The chairperson shall serve for the calendar year beginning April 1 with a  
term expiring on March 31 of the following year.  
(4) A county training committee shall notify the bureau of the elected chairperson for  
the committee by submitting the bureau’s County Training Committee Data form, BFS-  
240, by April 1 of each calendar year.  
(5) If a vacancy of the chairperson position occurs, a county training committee shall  
elect a new chairperson within 30 days of the vacancy occurring and shall notify the bureau  
by submitting the bureau’s County Training Committee Data form, BFS-240.  
R 29.417 Training needs survey.  
Rule 17. (1) A county training committee chairperson shall conduct a training needs  
survey in April of each fiscal year. The survey shall be presented on the bureau’s County  
Training Committee Training Needs Survey form, BFS-243.  
(2) A county training committee chairperson shall compile an aggregate report of the  
results of the training needs survey including, but not limited to, a list of the fire  
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departments within the county and whether they participated or did not participate in the  
survey.  
(3) A county training committee chairperson shall submit a report to the bureau region  
coordinator on the bureau’s Fire Department Training Needs Survey form, BFS-244, that  
includes the results of the training needs survey. This report shall be submitted by June 15  
of each fiscal year.  
(4) If a county training committee chairperson does not submit the results of the training  
needs survey, this shall result in a delay of the October 1 release each fiscal year of the  
fireworks safety fees allocated for that county pursuant to section 14 of the Michigan  
fireworks safety act, 2011 PA 256, MCL 28.461.  
(5) A county training committee chairperson shall designate funding to courses in the  
bureau training information network by December 31 of each fiscal year.  
(6) A county training committee chairperson shall submit to the bureau a detailed list  
of all allocated courses, including course funding amounts, using fireworks safety funds by  
January 15 of each fiscal year.  
PART 5. CONTINUING EDUCATION  
R 29.418 Continuing education; requirements.  
Rule 18. (1) An AHJ may exceed the minimum continuing education requirements  
as specified in this rule while complying with the initial and continuing training  
requirements in R 408.17411.  
(2) The continuing education process shall apply to every firefighter in this state. The  
process shall run in a 3-year cycle beginning October 1 following the state’s fiscal year.  
(3) All training conducted, documented, and approved by a fire department or a public  
safety department in this state apply toward the continuing education requirement.  
(a) Local AHJ-specific continuing education courses do not require a certified fire  
instructor.  
(b) For continuing education training to apply toward the continuing education  
requirement, the individual conducting the training shall complete a fire department or a  
public safety department specific training roster or provide documentation of completion  
of the training to the student.  
(c) If the continuing education course is part of a council-approved course, the training  
shall be tracked in the bureau’s training information network and the student and instructor  
shall sign the roster for each training session for the course.  
(4) At the end of the 3-year cycle, a firefighter shall log into the bureau’s training  
information network and check the box validating that he or she has met the continuing  
education requirements on his or her profile. After a firefighter checks the box in the  
bureau’s training information network to renew all classification certifications, he or she  
may be audited by the bureau.  
(a) A firefighter who checks the box without having completed the continuing  
education requirements for each classification certification or certifications in the 3-year  
cycle is subject to the disciplinary process as outlined in R 29.410a of these rules.  
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(b) A firefighter who has not completed the required continuing education within the  
3-year cycle is allowed a 90-day grace period to complete the continuing education  
requirements for the previous cycle.  
(5) The following are the continuing education requirements for each certification  
classification:  
(a) An individual who is a firefighter of a recognized fire department or public safety  
department, who currently holds council certification, regardless of his or her rank,  
responsibilities, or certifications, shall obtain a minimum of 36 hours during the 3-year  
cycle, with a minimum of 6 hours per year, in firefighting knowledge and practical skills  
consistent with NFPA 1001, as adopted by reference in R 29.410. Both of the following  
apply to the continuing education required under this subdivision.  
(i) Firefighter continuing education is required for all firefighters in this state, including  
those individuals who were exempted from firefighter I or firefighter II certification due to  
being employed by a fire department before October 1, 1988.  
(ii) A firefighter may apply all common knowledge and practical skill hours necessary  
to meet this subdivision for all fire departments and public safety departments, at which he  
or she is employed. If 1 of the fire departments or public safety departments has specific  
duties or functions that exceed those of the other fire departments or public safety  
departments, the firefighter shall complete that additional specific training.  
(b) A fire instructor I or an individual with a higher certification classification shall  
complete 12 hours of fire instructor continuing education and shall obtain the required  
hours of continuing education by attending or instructing, or both, any of the following  
during the 3-year-cycle:  
(i) Instructor development conferences.  
(ii) Instructor development seminars and training.  
(iii) Instructor coordinator Emergency Medical Services (EMS) conferences.  
(iv) Instructor or instructional development courses sponsored by the National Fire  
Academy.  
(v) Complete the next level of fire instructor certification above the current instructor  
certification.  
(vi) Maintain continuing education for a Michigan EMS instructor coordinator license.  
(vii) Have taught an MFFTC course and documented it in the bureau’s training  
information network.  
(c) A fire officer I or an individual with a higher certification classification shall  
complete 12 hours of fire officer continuing education and shall obtain the required hours  
of continuing education by attending or instructing, or both, any of the following during  
the 3-year-cycle:  
(i) Chief or officer development conferences.  
(ii) Officer development seminars or training.  
(iii) Officer development courses sponsored by the National Fire Academy.  
(iv) The next level of fire officer certification above the current officer certification.  
;