Mississippi Code § 45-11-253 requires the MSCB to establish the minimum training standards for fire personnel and certify such persons as being qualified. The MSCB defines “fire personnel” as any person employed by a Mississippi fire department whose primary duties involve fire suppression or fire-related rescue activities.

No. Fire personnel who function in a non-paid capacity or less than full-time status as members of any Mississippi fire department are not required to be certified by the MSCB. However, such individuals may choose to voluntarily meet the MSCB testing requirements and may become eligible to receive Board certification.

a) After a fire department hires a firefighter, the fire department then contacts the Mississippi State Fire Academy to arrange for the newly employed firefighter(s) to take the CPAT.

b) Upon completion of the CPAT, the fire department arranges for its successful candidates to enroll in NFPA Firefighter 1001-I/II at the Mississippi State Fire Academy, or a fire department which will conduct the training makes arrangements with the Mississippi State Fire Academy for delivery of curriculum materials and the certification examination process (commonly referred to as the field delivery program).

c) Upon successful completion of NFPA 1001 Firefighter I/II on-campus at the Mississippi State Fire Academy or through field delivery at the fire department, firefighter(s) may be issued certification by the Minimum Standards and Certification Board (MSCB).

All certification requirements must be met within one year of the candidate’s original date of full-time employment or within a cumulative amount of time not to exceed 2,800 compensated hours. Under extraordinary circumstances, the MSCB may grant an extension of one (1) additional year beyond the original probationary period. Such request for extension shall be submitted in writing by the executive fire officer of the local fire fighting unit with an explanation of circumstance and need.

If a candidate is called to active duty during the candidate’s one-year probationary period, then the department may request a suspension of the candidate’s probationary period and/or a suspension of the candidate’s CPAT expiration. See Rule 1.05 for further explanation.

Fire personnel who are not currently employed by a Mississippi fire department fall outside of the MSCB’s jurisdiction. Therefore, the MSCB cannot legally issue an MSCB certificate or officially rule on the validity of a candidate’s certification prior to employment.

The MSCB may grant reciprocity to Mississippi fire fighters who possess valid certification credentials issued by other approved fire service training entities. Such reciprocity may allow direct entry into the MSCB certification system or may require additional testing. A denial for reciprocity will require the candidate to successfully complete all existing requirements for certification.

Any candidate seeking reciprocity must show evidence that all required training was completed prior to employment with a Mississippi firefighting unit, or consisted of a course not offered by the Mississippi State Fire Academy that was completed out of state, or completed while serving in the armed forces. Fire service agencies are prohibited from sending employees to out-of-state training entities for the purpose of gaining individual MSCB certification through reciprocity.

For more information see MSCB-1 Rule 1.09.

No. Although firefighters are encouraged to achieve advanced levels of NFPA professional qualifications, the MSCB only certifies persons as having met the minimum standard necessary for employment as a full time firefighter in this State, which is satisfactory completion of NFPA Firefighter 1001 I/II.

Certifications issued by the MSCB shall remain valid for the life of the individual provided there is not a break in service with a fire service agency for a period greater than two (2) years. In cases where a certified individual separates from a local fire fighting unit and does not serve with a fire service agency for two (2) years but no more than five (5) years, the person would be eligible for recertification by completing the MSCB approved examination process including CPAT. If a previously certified individual separates from a local fire fighting unit and does not serve with a fire service agency for more than five (5) years, the person will be considered a new entry and required to meet all training and examination requirements established for minimum standards certification.

Certified Mississippi Fire Fighters called to active military duty by Presidential order for a period of time greater than two years shall not be considered to have a break in service provided the employer does not terminate the employee during the period of separation. The MSCB shall be notified of such circumstances by the employee’s governing authority (i.e. human resource or personnel office) and be provided with official military documentation to validate the separation. Likewise, the MSCB shall be notified within 15 calendar days of an employee’s completion of military duty.

Maybe. A convicted felon shall not be certified by the Board unless such person, through petition made to the Board for certification, provides satisfactory evidence to demonstrate that such illegal act(s) are no longer detrimental to the public trust or create an adverse perception of the fire fighter’s ability to perform his or her sworn duties.