Section 141.10  Purpose

 

The Illinois Fire Protection Training Act [50 ILCS 740] requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to establish training programs and to assist the development of training of firefighters throughout the State.  Section 1 of the Act requires the Office, in a Division of Personnel Standards and Education, to provide for the encouraging and aiding of municipalities, counties and other local governmental agencies of this State in their efforts to raise the level of local fire protection by upgrading and maintaining a high level of training for fire protection personnel.  It is declared to be the responsibility of the Office of the State Fire Marshal to encourage the participation of local governmental units in the programs established by the Office and to aid in the establishment of adequate training facilities. (Section 1 of the Act)

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.15  Definitions

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms have the meanings ascribed in this Section:

 

"Act" means the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act [50 ILCS 740].

 

"Application for Certification " means the application submitted by the employing fire chief or their designee for a Candidate to receive certification that verifies successful passage of the State Practical Examination and completion of a series of prerequisites for that certification under Subpart D.

 

"Candidate" means fire service personnel participating in the certification program for the purpose of certification or recertification.

 

"Certification" means the official documentation awarded by the Office to eligible fire protection personnel after successful completion of established requirements of this Part.

 

"Division" or "DPSE" means the Division of Personnel Standards and Education within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

 

"DPSE WebAccess Portal" or "WebAccess Portal" means the web-based program that shall be utilized by the fire service to participate in the certification programs. The DPSE WebAccess Portal can be accessed at:  https://webapps.sfm.illinois.gov/PSEPortal/Account/Login.

 

"Fire Advisory Commission" or "FAC" means the advisory board which is established under the State Fire Marshal Act [20 ILCS 2905/3] to advise the Office in the exercise of its powers and duties.

 

"Fire Association" means a fire-related association, organization or entity that is represented on the Fire Advisory Commission by a member who serves as an ex-officio member pursuant to Section 3 of the State Fire Marshal Act [20 ILCS 2905/3].

 

"Fire Brigade" means an organized group of employees at a facility who are knowledgeable, trained and skilled in at least basic firefighting operations, and whose full-time occupation might or might not be the provision of fire suppression and related activities for their employer.

 

"Fire Department" or "Department" means an organization providing fire suppression, training, fire administration, fire investigation, fire prevention, rescue, executive support and related activities.

 

"Fire Service", "Fire Service Personnel", "Fire Protection Personnel", "Fire Fighter" or "Firefighter" means a fire department, fire protection district, fire association, training facility, OSFM and the members of these entities who are engaged in fire suppression, training, fire administration, fire investigation, fire prevention, rescue, executive support and related activities, including individuals who have retired from active fire service duties and are officially affiliated with fire service training, mutual aid, incident command, fire ground operations or staff support for fire associations.

 

"Fire Service Experience" means fire suppression training, fire administration, fire investigation or fire prevention experience in a fire department, including rescue, executive support and related activities.

 

"Illinois Fire Service Institute" or "IFSI" means the State Fire Academy for the State of Illinois, operated by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, pursuant to 110 ILCS 365/2.

 

"Job Performance Requirements" or "JPRs" means a written statement that describes a specific job task, lists the items necessary to complete the task, and defines measurable or observable outcomes and evaluation areas for the specific task as recognized and defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

 

"Local Governmental Agency" means any local governmental unit or municipal corporation in this State. It does not include the State of Illinois or any office, officer, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or agency of the State except:

 

a State-controlled university, college, or public community college; or

 

the Office of the State Fire Marshal. (Section 2(b) of the Act)

 

"NFPA" means the National Fire Protection Association.

 

"Non-Affiliated Individual" means an individual who is not fire service personnel while attending and completing courses allowed under Section 141.215.

 

"Office" means the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

 

"Qualified Instructor" means an individual who possesses certification or certifications required to provide instruction for a specific certification level as listed in Subpart D.

 

"Recertification" means the process where a specified certification listed in Section 141.390 may be renewed through the successful completion of the relevant task book or tally sheet and the submission of a new Application for Certification by the employing fire chief or their designee.

 

"Request for Examination" means the submission of the Request for Examination to the Division from a training facility requesting to schedule a State Written Examination.

 

"Standards" or "Standard" means the applicable NFPA standard or standards.

 

"State Fire Marshal" or "SFM" means the Executive Director of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

 

"State Practical Examination" means a Division-approved psychomotor examination.

 

"State Written Examination" means a Division-approved computer-based or paper examination.

 

"Successful Completion" of a course means the completion of the course and meeting the requirements of the training facility.

 

"Tally Sheet" means the digital DPSE-provided sheet that may be used by candidates to document JPR completion or points required for recertification as specified in Section 141.390.

 

"Task Book" means a Division-provided booklet used to evaluate a candidate’s performance of skills or work experience required for a specific certification or recertification found in this Part. The task book includes: references to the relevant NFPA Standard and the observable behaviors, activities and tasks that must be met for certification or recertification.

 

"Training Facility" means an academy, fire association, fire department, fire protection district, fire brigade, or college located within the State of Illinois and approved by the Division to provide the training for fire protection personnel, as referenced in Section 141.100.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.20  Incorporations by Reference

 

a)         All incorporations by reference in this Section refer to the standards in effect on the date specified and do not include any later editions or amendments.

 

b)         The following nationally recognized standards published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471; www.nfpa.org) are incorporated by reference in this Part:

 

NFPA 1006:    Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications (2013)

 

NFPA 1031:    Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner (2014)

 

NFPA 1035:    Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer, Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist, and Youth Firesetter Program Manager Professional Qualifications (2015)

 

NFPA 1901:    Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2016)

 

c)         The following NFPA standards are incorporated by reference through March 31, 2023, to allow for administrative updates by the fire service:

 

NFPA 472:      Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents (2013)

 

NFPA 1001:    Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (2013)

 

NFPA 1002:    Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications (2014)

 

NFPA 1003:    Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (2015)

 

NFPA 1006:    Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications (2013)

 

NFPA 1021:    Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (2014)

 

NFPA 1033:    Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator (2014)

 

NFPA 1041:    Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications (2012)

 

NFPA 1403:    Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2012)

 

NFPA 1451:    Standard for a Fire and Emergency Service Vehicle Operations Training Program (2013)

 

NFPA 1521:    Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Professional Qualifications (2015)

 

NFPA 1971:    Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (2013)

 

NFPA 1981:    Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services (2013)

 

NFPA 1983:    Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services (2012)

 

d)         The following NFPA standards are incorporated by reference starting April 1, 2023, to allow for administrative updates by the fire service:

 

NFPA 1000:    Standard for Fire Service Professional Qualifications Accreditation and Certification Systems (2022)

 

NFPA 1001:    Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (2019)

 

NFPA 1002:    Standard for Fire Apparatus Drive/Operator Professional Qualifications (2017)

 

NFPA 1003:    Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (2019)

 

NFPA 1006:    Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications

(2013-Rope and Trench)

(2017-Confined Space and Vehicle and Machinery)

(2021-Structural Collapse, Surface Water and Watercraft)

 

NFPA 1021:    Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (2020)

 

NFPA 1033:    Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator (2022)

 

NFPA 1041:    Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications (2019)

 

NFPA 1072:    Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications (2017)

 

NFPA 1403:    Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2018)

 

NFPA 1451:    Standard for a Fire and Emergency Service Vehicle Operations Training Program (2018)

 

NFPA 1521:    Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Professional Qualifications (2020)

 

NFPA 1971:    Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (2018)

 

NFPA 1981:    Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services (2019)

 

NFPA 1983:    Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services (2017)

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.30  Establishing or Revising State Certification Standards

 

a)         When the NFPA releases a new or revised Standard related to a certification program, the Division shall determine the impact of the new or revised Standard on current certification requirements and based upon those determinations, will make recommendations regarding certification requirements to the State Fire Marshal. DPSE shall notify members of the Fire Advisory Commission (FAC) of the recommendations.

 

b)         The Division will be responsible for contacting the publishers to determine an estimated publish date for new or revised student and instructor materials and test banks that will reference the new or revised NFPA Standard.  The Division will request copies of those referenced materials and test banks when they are released and available.

 

c)         After receiving the new or revised reference materials and test banks, the Division shall review the materials and test banks to maintain compliance with the most current Standards.  This process will be completed within 3 months after the Division receives the new or revised published reference materials and test banks.

 

1)         The Division shall be responsible for reviewing the published reference materials and test banks to ensure that the reference materials and test banks meet all the Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) for the new or revised Standards.

 

A)        The Division review may include collaboration with Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) subject matter experts and IFSI Curriculum Staff, initiated by the Division contacting IFSI’s Director and Deputy Director.

 

B)        If the Division determines that the published materials do not fully meet the JPRs for the Standard or Standards, the Division shall develop a plan to adequately address all JPRs.  The plan may include contacting IFSI’s Director and Deputy Director to request input from IFSI subject matter experts and curriculum staff.

 

C)        If the Division determines that changes to any level of certification significantly impacts members of a fire association, the Division may, informally and on an ad hoc basis, request input by contacting the affected fire association.

 

D)        Notwithstanding specific requests from the Division for input on Standards, IFSI and fire associations may also contact the Division directly to offer input when a new or revised Standard is released.

 

2)         Test questions shall be selected exclusively from a test bank, when such a test bank is available.

 

A)        When a test bank is not available, the Division shall develop a bank of test questions based upon the Division-approved published reference materials and correlated to the JPRs of the applicable Standards.

 

B)        The Division shall determine the minimum number of test questions needed for each battery of written examinations and accept or develop evolutions for practical examinations to ensure each JPR is referenced.

 

C)        Only Division-approved test questions and evolutions shall be utilized for the State Written and Practical Examinations.

 

D)        The Division is responsible for ensuring the security of all approved test questions.

 

d)       Division recommendations to the State Fire Marshal (SFM) may include, but are not limited to:

 

1)         Level of certifications to be added or revised;

 

2)         Titles and editions of reference materials;

 

3)         Written and Practical Examinations;

 

4)         Certification requirements;

 

5)         Recertification requirements (Task Books);

 

6)         Proposed administrative rule changes; and 

 

7)         Certification transition periods, as needed:

 

A)        When a certification is revised by the Office, a transition period may be necessary to allow fire service personnel to complete any remaining unfinished requirements under the current adopted administrative rules of Subpart D for that level of certification; and

 

B)        When necessary, recommendations for a transition period will be included as part of the recommended revisions submitted by the Division.

 

8)         Pilot courses, as needed:

 

A)        When a new certification is created or an existing certification program is significantly revised by the Division, pilot programs may be scheduled as needed to validate new or revised coursework and examinations until the adoption of the new certification by the Office is completed;

 

B)        The Division shall determine the criteria for selecting and recommending pilot courses and a pilot course host to the SFM.  All pilot courses shall be approved by the SFM;

 

C)        The Division shall be responsible for scheduling the initial pilot courses to ensure that the validation of the pilot courses is completed accurately and efficiently;

 

D)        Fire service personnel who complete a pilot course and who meet all requirements of the newly established or revised certification may be eligible to obtain certification for that level; and

 

E)        The Office shall bear no responsibility for costs incurred during a pilot course.

 

9)         IFSI and fire associations may offer to conduct a pilot course for any new or revised certification that has been approved by the SFM for inclusion in the certification program.

 

A)        If IFSI or a fire association is selected to host the initial pilot course, they may charge attendees tuition, but the total fees collected for the initial pilot course shall not exceed the reasonable material and equipment costs for that pilot course, as determined by IFSI or the fire association with SFM’s approval; and

 

B)        Fee limitations shall not apply for subsequent offerings of a pilot course conducted by IFSI or the fire associations after the initial pilot course has been validated.

 

e)         Once the Division makes determinations and recommendations pertaining to a new or revised Standard, the Division will notify the FAC.

 

1)         FAC members will be requested to notify their subject matter experts of the proposed changes to respective certifications.

 

2)         The Division will accept comments, concerns, suggestions or questions from FAC members' subject matter experts for 30 days after notifying the FAC:

 

A)        If the Division receives comments regarding the proposed changes, it shall review all comments and, if deemed necessary by the Division, schedule a meeting with subject matter experts to address their concerns.

 

B)        If a meeting is scheduled, subject matter experts will be invited and shall have the opportunity to review the proposed changes to the certification or recertification programs.  Test questions shall not be reviewed.

 

C)        If the Division does not receive comments within 30 days, the Division will present all recommendations to SFM for review, discussion and approval or rejection of recommendations.

 

3)         Upon approval by the SFM, the topic will be added to the next FAC meeting agenda for final notification of the proposed changes.

 

4)         Upon final notification to the FAC, the Division will begin disseminating information regarding the proposed changes and initiate the administrative rulemaking process. The FAC will be updated as to any developments at the next regularly scheduled FAC meeting.

 

f)         IFSI or members of the FAC representing fire associations may request that the Office adopt a new certification.

 

1)         IFSI or a fire association must submit a written request to the SFM requesting the consideration of a new certification.  The written request shall include but is not limited to:

 

A)        The title and edition of the referenced Standard;

 

B)        The title and edition of the referenced publisher material; and

 

C)        The title and publisher of the test banks.

 

2)         Upon receipt of the written request, the SFM will discuss with the Division the anticipated impact of the new certification on the fire service and Office.

 

A)        If approved, the Division shall contact IFSI or the fire association to begin the establishment of a new certification.

 

B)        If approved, the SFM shall announce the development of the requested new certification at the next scheduled FAC meeting.

 

C)        If denied, the SFM shall notify IFSI or the fire association in writing with an explanation of the denied request.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.40  Requirements for Participation in Training, Certification and Reimbursement (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.50  Appeal Process

 

A written determination made by the Office under this Part may be appealed and such appeal shall be governed by 41 Ill. Adm. Code 210. To be valid, the appeal must be in writing and received at the Office at 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield Illinois, 62703, within 30 days after the date of the determination.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.60  Reciprocity (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.65  Division of Personnel Standards (DPSE) WebAccess Portal

 

a)         The DPSE WebAccess Portal is the web-based program that shall be utilized by the fire service to:

 

1)         participate in certification programs;

 

2)         review, revise and submit records; and

 

3)         print examination results and certifications.

 

b)         Training facilities and fire departments may utilize the DPSE WebAccess Portal to update facility and rostered fire service personnel's contact information and to submit certification program required documentation.

 

c)         Fire service personnel who are employed by a training facility and appear on that training facility’s or fire department's roster shall register using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

1)         Registration shall be required prior to submission of request for examination and challenging State Written Examinations.

 

2)         Fire service personnel have the ability to review their records and print examination results and certifications.

 

d)         The fire chief shall be responsible for the issuance and revocation of permissions on the DPSE WebAccess Portal.  Fire Department personnel who are granted applicable permissions may act as the fire chief’s designee as it pertains to all aspects of the certification programs utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal. 

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

SUBPART B: TRAINING FACILITIES

 

Section 141.100  Training Facility Approval

 

a)         To become a training facility for purposes of conducting training as required by this Part, an application shall be submitted via the DPSE WebAccess Portal for review and approval by the Division. Each application shall include a minimum of one Course Approval Application as required in Section 141.115. If a submitted Course Approval is denied, the Training Facility Approval for that course shall be denied.

 

b)         A training facility shall have adequate resources available for conducting level specific training.  Training facility requirements include:

 

1)         For courses at all certification levels:

 

A)        Classrooms with adequate environmental control and seating capacity for the anticipated student population;

 

B)        Multimedia projection equipment, whiteboards, chalkboards or the like;

 

C)        Suitable interior or exterior areas for the performance of practical evolutions;

 

D)        Real or simulated props for use during the performance of practical skills evolutions; and

 

E)        Office-approved reference materials, available to both instructors and students.

 

F)         Ability to provide training in effective recognition of and responses to stress, trauma and post-traumatic stress experienced by firefighters that is consistent with Section 25 of the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act in a peer setting. [50 ILCS 740/8(d)]. The provisions of the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act [405 ILCS 105] can be found at: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3506&ChapterID=34 

 

2)         For Basic Operations Firefighter and Advanced Technician Firefighter courses:

 

A)        A training tower of not less than 2 stories in height;

 

B)        A smoke and fire room or building suitable for containing, and equipped for simulating, fire atmosphere and conditions;

 

C)        Forcible entry and ventilation drill facilities, including a means of providing the student an opportunity to practice opening a variety of doors, windows, roofs, floors and partitions; and

 

D)        Facilities for conducting live fire training (by permission and within the restrictions of applicable State and federal entities and in accordance with NFPA 1403), involving the following required scenarios:

 

i)          Structural fires;

 

ii)         Flammable liquid fires;

 

iii)        Liquefied petroleum or natural gas fires; and

 

iv)        Vehicle fires.

 

3)         For Confined Space Operations, Confined Space Technician, Rope Operations and Rope Technician courses:

 

A)        A training structure of not less than 2 stories in height, equipped with suitable engineered anchor points to be used during practical evolutions; and

 

B)        Documentation supporting the use and load capacity of the anchor points maintained by the training facility and available to the Division upon request.

 

4)         For a Structural Collapse Technician course, there shall be an area suitable for training in extensive shoring operations.

 

c)         A training facility shall have adequate equipment required to conduct level-specific training. Training facility equipment requirements include:

 

1)         For Basic Operations Firefighter and Advanced Technician Firefighter courses:

 

A)        A fire apparatus equipped in accordance with Chapters 5 and 6 of NFPA 1901;

 

B)        Rope and webbing suitable for search and rescue operations in accordance with NFPA 1983;

 

C)        Protective clothing for each student, in accordance with NFPA 1971;

 

D)        Approved Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and one spare cylinder for each student, in accordance with NFPA 1981, which may be supplied by the student; and

 

E)        Ability to replicate all learning experiences required for the level specific certification program.

 

2)         For Trench Operations, Trench Technician, Structural Collapse Operations, Structural Collapse Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Operations, Vehicle and Machinery Technician, Rope Operations, Rope Technician, Surface Water Operations and Watercraft Technician courses:

 

A)        Rope and webbing of assorted lengths and appropriate ancillary equipment, in accordance with NFPA 1983; and

 

B)        Hand and power equipment to be utilized during the performance of specialized practical evolutions as specified in the relevant NFPA Standard.

 

3)         For Hazardous Materials Operations, Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Operations and Confined Space Technician courses:

 

A)        Rope and webbing of assorted lengths and appropriate ancillary equipment, in accordance with NFPA 1983;

 

B)        Hand and powered equipment to be utilized during the performance of specialized practical evolutions;

 

C)        Approved Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and one spare cylinder for each student, in accordance with NFPA 1981, which may be supplied by the student; and

 

D)        Personal protective equipment to be utilized during the performance of specialized practical evolutions as specified in the relevant Standard.

 

d)         A training facility may utilize the resources of another training facility for training under this Part.

 

e)         Training Facility approvals will be granted on a calendar year basis.  A training facility’s approval will be valid for up to 5 calendar years from the date of the initial approval in conjunction with Course Approvals (See Section 141.115).  A new application for Training Facility approval shall be submitted, utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal, prior to December 31 of the calendar year in which it expires. Prior to the expiration date of Training Facility Approval, the Division shall notify the training facility at one year prior and at 90 days prior of the upcoming expiration date.

 

f)         The Division may monitor, evaluate and review all aspects of training facilities and courses for conformance with the requirements of this Part. [50 ILCS 740/8 and 50 ILCS 740/11]

 

g)         Training facilities not meeting the requirements of this Part shall have their approvals suspended or revoked.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.110  Resources Required for Certification as an Unlimited Training Facility or Regional Training Center (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.115  Course Approval

 

Training facilities wishing to offer courses leading to certification for classroom or web-based delivery shall submit a completed application for Course Approval, utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal, specifying the courses for which the training facility seeks approval.

 

a)         A Course Approval will be granted to those facilities that possess the specific Training Facility approval as required in Section 141.100.

 

b)         Training facilities shall submit the application for Course Approval utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal. The appropriate course name shall be selected from the courses offered. The training facility shall have the option of including the State Practical Examinations as part of the course completion roster by checking the box on the application prior to submission. When a training facility opts to include the State Practical Examination as part of the Course Approval, the training facility must attest that everyone listed on the course completion roster utilizing the Course Approval has completed and passed the State Practical Examination. A qualified instructor shall be required for each specified course to obtain approval.

 

c)         Course Approvals will be granted on a calendar year basis. A Course Approval will be valid for up to 5 calendar years from the date of the initial approval in conjunction with Training Facility Approvals. A new Application for Course Approval shall be submitted utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal, prior to December 31 of the calendar year in which it expires. Prior to the expiration date of Course Approval, the Division shall notify the training facility at one year prior and at 90 days prior of the upcoming expiration date.

 

d)         Training facilities may submit for approval for additional courses within the 5-year cycle.  The appropriate Training Facility Approval shall be required for the additional courses.  The expiration of the added courses shall remain in conjunction with the original expiration cycle. For example, a Course Approval granted between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 will be approved until December 31, 2026. If a Training Facility received additional course approvals within the 5-year cycle (for example. on March 1, 2024), the additional Course Approvals will also expire on December 31, 2026.

 

e)         For each approved course, training facilities shall be required to submit a schedule of all courses to be conducted utilizing that Course Approval.  The schedule shall be submitted using the DPSE WebAccess Portal Event Calendar no less than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the course.  The information required consists of, the name of the training facility with course approval, title of the approved course, location of the course, dates of classroom instruction, , contact name and contact information for the training facility, and if applicable, dates of examination.

 

f)         For a training facility to receive Course Approval for the following courses, the training facility shall submit required course syllabi and content correlated to the respective Standard as specified in Section 141.115(g) for review by the Division. The review process must be completed and approved before the Course Approval will be processed.

 

1)         Company Fire Officer;

 

2)         Advanced Fire Officer;

 

3)         Chief Fire Officer;

 

4)         Fire Service Executive Support;

 

5)         Fire Department Incident Safety Officer;

 

6)         Fire Department Health and Safety Officer;

 

7)         Fire Service Instructor I, II, or III;

 

8)         Training Program Manager;

 

9)         Fire Inspector I or II;

 

10)        Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I;

 

11)        Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist; or

 

12)        Fire Investigator.

 

g)         Required information to be submitted to the Division for review includes, but shall not be limited to:

 

1)         Title of Course;

 

2)         Prerequisites;

 

3)         Reference Material;

 

4)         Attendance Policy;

 

5)         Pre-Course Assignments;

 

6)         Course Content;

 

7)         Referenced NFPA Standard and JPRs;

 

8)         Course Hours;

 

9)         Daily Agenda; and

 

10)        Qualified Instructors.

 

h)         If the training facility revises a course curriculum or if the course curriculum is revised due to a change in the applicable Standard or rules before the Course Approval cycle has expired, the course syllabi and content correlated to the respective Standard shall be resubmitted for approval.

 

i)          Instructor Requirements

 

1)         A certified Instructor I may teach the following courses in which the Instructor I possesses the specified certification:

 

A)        Basic Operations Firefighter

 

B)        Hazardous Materials Operations

 

C)        Fire Service Vehicle Operator

 

2)         A certified Instructor II may teach those courses referenced in Subpart D in which the Instructor II possesses the specified certification.

 

3)         State Practical Examination evolutions shall meet the requirement for student to instructor ratio where specified in Subpart D.

 

j)          Course completion rosters shall be submitted to the Division by the training facility, utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal, listing candidates who successfully completed courses. Candidates must complete 100% of the course requirements of the training facility to be eligible for inclusion on the course completion roster.

 

k)         The Division may monitor, evaluate and review all aspects of the delivery and record keeping of approved courses for conformance with the requirements of this Part.

 

l)          Training facilities shall:

 

1)         Provide records of student attendance (a minimum of 90% attendance is required for each student seeking certification), and student evaluations of the course;

 

2)         Retain training records in accordance with the applicable local government's records retention schedule but, in no case, less than 5 years for training record review purposes; and

 

3)         Retain complete training facility student records of course completion and test scores for at least 5 years for training record review purposes.

 

m)        Each training facility shall implement and follow an established system of records maintenance for classroom or web-based delivery that shall be retained and provided to the Division upon request for review.

 

1)         Training records shall include at minimum the following:

 

A)        Attendance or sign-in sheets;

 

B)        JPRs of subjects taught, referenced to the applicable Standards;

 

C)        Dates and beginning and ending hours trained for each session;

 

D)        Total student contact hours;

 

E)        Names and signatures of students;

 

F)         Names and signatures of instructors;

 

G)        Description of how the training was conducted (classroom and practical); and

 

H)        Physical location of the training.

 

2)         State Practical Examination training records shall contain at minimum the following:

 

A)        JPRs of subjects taught, referenced to the applicable Standards;

 

B)        Date of completion;

 

C)        Names and signatures of students; and

 

D)        Names and signatures of instructors.

 

3)         Computerized or web-based records of training shall include:

 

A)        Training records maintained utilizing a computerized or web-based records management system shall be acceptable if users have passwords and access rights.

 

B)        Users logging into their own account to track a training session, with their attendance at and completion of the training session validated by a Qualified Instructor or fire officer, shall have this entry counted as a digital signature.

 

C)        Users who have their training sessions logged for them by a Qualified Instructor or fire officer shall be required to review their training records on a scheduled basis via their own account, thereby validating their attendance at and completion of those training sessions.

 

n)         A training facility must have a system for evaluating the effectiveness of a course taught at that facility.

 

o)         The Division may revoke Course Approvals if a training facility violates any requirement of Subpart B or Subpart C.  In determining whether to revoke, the Division shall consider the seriousness and frequency of the offenses.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.120  Course Equivalency

 

Course equivalency may be granted to a candidate eligible to participate in the certification programs.  Courses which do not have prior Division approval, but which correlate with the content areas of the required courses by meeting the requirements of this Section, the applicable Standard and which conclude with an evaluation of the candidate’s retention of course materials may be granted course equivalency status by the Division. This course equivalency status indicates an approval for certification purposes only, not for reimbursement. 

 

a)         To request a course equivalency, the candidate shall submit a letter to the Division requesting course equivalency with attached proof of course completion from the entity where the non-approved course was taken.  Proof of course completions shall include the applicable referenced Standard.  Course equivalency shall be granted if the course is compliant with the specific Standard referenced in the Illinois certification in Subpart D.  If the course completion does not include the applicable referenced Standard, it shall be the responsibility of the candidate to obtain a formal letter from the legal or administrative staff of the entity where the non-approved course was taken, stating the applicable Standard that was referenced for the specific course.  College catalog descriptions are not sufficient documentation for review.

 

b)         When a course is granted course equivalency, the candidate will be allowed to challenge the State Written and Practical Examinations one time.  If passed on the first attempt and all certification prerequisites are met, the candidate will then be eligible for certification.  Failure of either the State Written or Practical Examination will invalidate the course equivalency status and require the candidate to successfully complete a Division-approved certification course prior to challenging the State Written and Practical Examination a second time.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.125  Course Approval Standards (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

SUBPART C: EXAMINATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

 

Section 141.200  State Examinations

 

a)         State Written Examinations shall be developed and provided by the Division and administered by approved testing facilities.  The battery of State Written Examinations to be given shall be determined by the Division. 

 

1)         The Office may approve vendors to proctor State Written Examinations following established State procurement rules.

 

2)         When challenging a State Written Examination, candidates shall follow established rules and guidelines set forth by the vendor proctoring the State Written Examinations.

 

A)        The Office shall pay, one time only, for a candidate to challenge a State Written Examination of a specific level.

 

B)        If a candidate fails the State Written Examination or fails to appear for their scheduled examination, it shall be the responsibility of the candidate or fire department to pay for additional opportunities to challenge the State Written Examination of the specific level.

 

3)         Fire service-related State Written Examinations require a 70% overall passing rate.  In the case of State Written Modular Examinations, a 70% overall passing rate for each module is required.

 

4)         State Written Examination results shall be posted to the candidate's records and made available by accessing the DPSE WebAccess Portal.  The Division shall maintain these scores and may use them internally for statistical and/or employment purposes.

 

5)         Procedure to Request State Written Examination

 

A)        The training facility or fire department shall submit the completed Request for Examination utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

B)        The Request for Examination attests that each candidate has a documented learning experience in each of the subject areas of the State Written Examination requested.  It shall be the responsibility of the candidate's employing fire chief, or their designee, to verify completion of all prerequisites for Requests for Examination submitted to the Division. 

 

C)        A Request for Examination includes:

 

i)          Name of training facility submitting Request for Examination;

 

ii)         Name of State Written Examination;

 

iii)        Training facility with proper Course Approval;

 

iv)        Fire Chief or Director’s name;

 

v)         Name of Qualified Instructor;

 

vi)        Names of candidates; and

 

vii)       Test start date.

 

D)        The candidate must be registered on the DPSE WebAccess Portal with a valid e-mail address as required in Section 141.65.

 

E)        When a Request for Examination is approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the candidate's registered e-mail from the vendor with instructions and examination requirements.  The candidate has 45 days from the test start date to schedule their examination date.  The test start date shall be submitted as part of the Request for Examination.

 

F)         Candidates challenging the State Written Examinations shall meet one of the following employment requirements and be at least 18 years of age:

 

i)          Engaged in firefighting in an organized Illinois fire department in accordance with the Act and attested by the candidate’s employing fire chief;

 

ii)         Employed by a local governmental agency;

 

iii)        Employed by an Illinois fire brigade;

 

iv)        Employee of the Office; or

 

v)         Individuals who have retired from active fire service duties and are officially affiliated with fire service training, mutual aid, incident command, fire ground operations or staff support for fire associations.

 

G)        Candidates who have not met minimum requirements for a State Written Examination shall not be examined. 

 

H)        Reasonable modifications to the practices or procedures for proctoring State Written Examinations, in accordance with the federal regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR 35), shall be permitted upon the Office’s receipt, review and approval of a written request from the candidate requesting the specific accommodations.  Formal documentation supporting the modification or accommodation sought shall accompany the written request. The vendor shall be notified by the Division of the approval, including the name of the candidate, the accommodations approved and the specific OSFM identification number for the candidate.

 

6)         The Office and IFSI, pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act [5 ILCS 22/1] and in accordance with the Civil Administrative Code [20 ILCS 5/5-655], entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement, in furtherance of the certification program, which allows IFSI end of course examinations that pertain to certifications to be reviewed and approved as equivalent to the State Written Examinations.  Candidates who complete the approved equivalent IFSI examinations and requirements are not required to challenge and pass the State Written Examinations. The Intergovernmental Agreement will be reviewed and revised as necessary.

 

7)         Re-examination of State Written Examinations

 

A)        No candidate shall be re-examined without further documented learning experiences in each of the failed subject areas.

 

B)        There shall be no limits set by the Division for the number of times a candidate may take the State Written Examination, except when the State Written Examinations are allowed under Section 141.120.

 

b)         State Practical Examinations shall be developed and provided by the Division.

 

1)         The test site shall have toilet facilities in proximity of the area.

 

2)         All candidates shall be in clear view of the Qualified Instructor.

 

3)         The proctor shall not be permitted to discuss or answer inquiries regarding skills required for the State Practical Examination.

 

4)         State Practical Examination results shall be posted to the candidate’s records and made available by accessing the DPSE WebAccess Portal. The Division shall maintain these results and may use them internally for statistical or employment purposes.

 

A)        Candidates challenging the State Practical Examinations shall meet one of the following employment requirements and be at least 18 years of age:

 

i)          Engaged in firefighting in an organized Illinois fire department in accordance with the Act and attested by the candidate’s employing fire chief;

 

ii)         Employed by a local governmental agency;

 

iii)        Employed by an Illinois fire brigade;

 

iv)        Employee of the Office; or

 

v)         Individuals who have retired from active fire service duties and are officially affiliated with fire service training, mutual aid, incident command, fire ground operations or staff support for fire associations.

 

B)        Candidates who have not met minimum requirement for a State Practical Examination shall not be examined, nor shall candidates who are ill or obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In making the determination of drug or alcohol impairment, the Division shall consider, but is not limited to, observation of demeanor, slurred speech, odor of alcohol, general behavior and other considerations that may aid in making the determination.

 

5)         State Practical Examinations required by the Division for all certifications other than Basic Operations Firefighter are valid for 12 months.  If a candidate has not passed the State Written Examination within 12 months after the State Practical Examination, the candidate must retake the State Practical Examination. State Practical Examinations for Basic Operations Firefighter are valid for 5 years.  If a candidate does not pass the State Written Examination for Basic Operations Firefighter within 5 years from the State Practical Examination date, the candidate must retake the State Practical Examination.

 

6)         The passing rate of all State Practical Examinations shall be 100% and it shall be the responsibility of the qualified instructor to follow the Division's rules and assure accuracy of the skills.

 

7)         If firefighters from a given fire department experience excessive or repeated failures of a State Written or Practical Examination, the fire chief and appropriate officers of the department are encouraged to contact the Office for assistance.

 

8)         Non-affiliated individuals may not challenge any State Written or Practical Examinations except as permitted under Section 141.215.

 

9)         The Office may extend deadlines for requirements of this Section for good cause shown (e.g., military deployments, medical leaves, personal emergencies, Acts of God or natural disasters, Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, etc.). [50 ILCS 740/1, 11 and 12]

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.205  Testing Facilities and Proctors (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.210  Invalidation of a Candidate's State Written or Practical Examination Scores

 

a)         During a State Written Examination, if the vendor finds evidence of a candidate cheating or violating any requirements of this Part, the vendor shall immediately end the candidate's examination and confiscate any unauthorized note or reference materials.  Evidence of cheating may include the following or similar activities:

 

1)         Looking at unauthorized notes or reference materials;

 

2)         Obviously looking directly at another candidate's answers;

 

3)         Talking during the examination;

 

4)         Suspicious behavior relevant to alcohol or drug abuse; or

 

5)         Failing to follow the vendor's instructions prior to or during the examination.

 

b)         The vendor shall submit a written report of the facts involved in the incident and include any confiscated materials to the Office.

 

c)         Confiscated materials shall be retained by the Division.

 

d)         When the Division determines that the evidence presented by the vendor is credible, the candidate's State Written Examination score shall be invalidated and a written notification shall be sent to the candidate and employing chief, which shall include:

 

1)         A description of the incident;

 

2)         Notification that the State Written Examination score was invalidated; and

 

3)         A notice that the candidate is not permitted to challenge a State Written Examination for 120 days.

 

e)         The Division will review training records of training facilities and fire service personnel. In the course of reviewing training records, a candidate’s State Written or Practical Examination scores shall be invalidated for causes including:

 

1)         A State Practical Examination score was awarded based upon erroneous documentation in training records or erroneous documentation submitted to the Division;

 

2)         The training facility fails to maintain or produce the required training records;

 

3)         The instructor was not qualified at the appropriate certification level;

 

4)         The training facility did not possess valid training facility or course approval; or

 

5)         Other factors indicating a failure to meet the required examination standards.

 

f)         When the Division determines that evidence involved requires the invalidation of a candidate’s State Written or Practical Examination score, the candidate's State Written or Practical Examination score shall be invalidated and a written notification shall be sent to the candidate, the candidate’s employing chief and training facility, if applicable, which shall include:

 

1)         Description of the incident; and

 

2)         Notification that the State Written or Practical Examination scores were invalidated.

 

g)         Any candidate whose State Written or Practical Examinations scores are invalidated may request a hearing in accordance with Section 141.50.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.215  Non-Affiliated Individuals

 

a)         Notwithstanding the other requirements of this Part, this Section establishes the process, effective January 1, 2023, for the Division to recognize non-affiliated individuals who complete select, approved courses, pass select State Written and Practical Examinations, and, upon becoming engaged as fire service personnel, have an opportunity to obtain Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications.

 

1)         The Division will recognize course completion by non-affiliated individuals who complete an approved course for Basic Operations Firefighter or Hazardous Materials Operations.  The Division will recognize course completion by non-affiliated individuals who complete the classroom portion only of the Fire Service Vehicle Operator course.

 

2)         The Division will allow non-affiliated individuals the opportunity to challenge the State Written Examinations for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations courses.

 

3)         The Division will recognize a non-affiliated individual’s passage of State Practical Examinations upon completion of an approved course from a training facility for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations.

 

4)         Non-affiliated individuals who pass the State Written and Practical Examinations for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations shall be issued a Recognition of Completion.

 

5)         Non-affiliated individuals who have been issued a Recognition of Completion and subsequently become engaged as fire service personnel may receive certification from the Office for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations if requirements under Subpart D are met.

 

b)         A training facility may add non-affiliated individuals to their roster utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal for the purpose of submitting course completions and Requests for Examination as described in this Section. 

 

1)         Information required to be added on the DPSE WebAccess Portal shall include the non-affiliated individual’s:

 

A)        Name;

 

B)        Address;

 

C)        Date of birth;

 

D)        Last 8 digits of their driver’s license;

 

E)        Status as “non-affiliated”; and

 

F)         Other optional statistical data at the discretion of the training facility.

 

2)         A training facility submitting course completions for non-affiliated individuals will be limited to submitting course completions for Basic Operations Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations and the classroom portion only for a Fire Service Vehicle Operator course and shall not submit course completions for non-affiliated individuals for any other courses.

 

3)         The training facility may submit Requests for Examinations for Basic Operations Firefighter or Hazardous Materials Operations State Written Examinations for non-affiliated individuals who have completed an approved course for Basic Operations Firefighter or Hazardous Materials Operations, respectively, on the DPSE WebAccess portal. To submit a Request for Examination, a training facility shall follow the process of Section 141.200(a)(5)(A) through(C) except that the verification required by 141.200(a)(5)(B) shall be provided by the training facility.

 

4)         A non-affiliated individual must be at least 18 years of age prior to challenging a State Written Examination.

 

c)         Non-affiliated individuals shall be allowed to register on the DPSE WebAccess Portal to access their records.  Registration using a valid email address shall be required prior to submission of request for examination and challenging State Written Examinations.

 

d)         When a Request for Examination is approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the non-affiliated individual’s registered e-mail from the vendor with instructions and examination requirements.  The non-affiliated individual has 45 days from the test start date to schedule their examination date.  The test start date shall be submitted as part of the Request for Examination.

 

e)         When challenging a State Written Examination, a non-affiliated individual shall follow established rules and guidelines set forth by the vendor proctoring the State Written Examination.

 

f)         A non-affiliated individual is responsible for paying costs for State Written Examinations.

 

g)         A non-affiliated individual shall be permitted reasonable modifications for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations State Written Examinations in accordance with Section 141.200(a)(5)(H).

 

h)         The Division will recognize a non-affiliated individual’s passage of State Practical Examinations upon completion of an approved course from a training facility for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations, as follows:

 

1)         The non-affiliated individual must be at least 18 years of age prior to challenging a State Practical Examination.

 

2)         State Practical Examinations for Basic Operations Firefighter are valid for 5 years. If a non-affiliated individual does not pass the State Written Examination within 5 years from the State Practical Examination date, the non-affiliated individual must retake the State Practical Examination.

 

3)         State Practical Examinations for Hazardous Materials Operations are valid for 12 months.  If a non-affiliated individual does not pass the State Written Examination within 12 months from the State Practical Examination date, the non-affiliated individual must retake the State Practical Examination.

 

4)         If non-affiliated individuals pass the respective State Written Examination within the required practical examination time limit, a passed practical examination will remain valid with no expiration deadline.

 

i)          In order to challenge a State Written Examination or State Practical Examination, non-affiliated individuals must meet the minimum requirements set forth in Section 141.200, except for the requirement to be engaged as fire service personnel. Non-affiliated individuals who do not meet the minimum requirements set forth in Section 141.200 (except for the requirement to be engaged as fire service personnel) shall not be allowed to challenge a State Written Examination or State Practical Examination.

 

j)          Non-affiliated individuals who are ill or obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not challenge the State Written Examination or State Practical Examination. In making the determination of drug or alcohol impairment, the Division shall consider, but is not limited to, observation of demeanor, slurred speech, odor of alcohol, general behavior and other considerations that may aid in making the determination.

 

k)         A non-affiliated individual shall be required to achieve a passing score for State Written and Practical Examinations for Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations equivalent to those set forth in Section 141.200.

 

l)          State Written Examination results shall be posted to the non-affiliated individual’s records and made available by accessing the DPSE WebAccess Portal.  The Division shall maintain these scores and shall use them internally for statistical or employment purposes.

 

m)        No non-affiliated individual shall be re-examined without further documented learning experiences in each of the failed subject areas. There is no limit set by the Division for the number of times a non-affiliated individual may take the State Written Examination.

 

n)         Where an additional requirement not specified in this Section 141.215 applies to candidates for State Written and Practical Examinations under Section 141.200, non-affiliated individuals shall also be subject to such requirement, except if that requirement is to be engaged as fire service personnel.

 

o)         A non-affiliated individual shall be subject to Section 141.210, except that notification required under that Section to be provided to the chief shall not be provided.

 

p)         The Division shall issue a Recognition of Completion to a non-affiliated individual who completes approved Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations courses and passes the respective State Written and Practical Examinations according to this Section. The Recognition of Completion shall, at minimum:

 

1)         Recognize that the non-affiliated individual has completed select courses and passed select State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

2)         List all referenced Standards applicable to the courses completed; and

 

3)         Specify that the recognition is not equivalent to OSFM Certification.

 

q)         A non-affiliated individual who becomes engaged as fire service personnel at any time during the process of courses and State Written and Practical Examinations allowed under this Section prior to receiving a Recognition of Completion may use completed courses or passed State Written and Practical Examinations in pursuit of certification, provided they meet requirements under this Part.

 

r)          A non-affiliated individual shall not receive certification.

 

s)         When a non-affiliated individual who has received a Recognition of Completion subsequently engages as fire service personnel, the fire chief may submit, via the DPSE WebAccess Portal, an Application for Certification for both Basic Operations Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Operations, in accordance with Sections 141.301 and 141.344.

 

t)          The process outlined in Section 141.255 for the invalidation of state certifications shall apply to the invalidation of a non-affiliated individual’s Recognition of Completion, except that the notification required under that section to be provided to the fire chief shall be provided to the non-affiliated individual.

 

u)         The Office shall not reimburse any costs related to course completion, including tuition and fees, or examination of a non-affiliated individual. No non-affiliated individual, fire service personnel or local governmental agency may make claims for reimbursement or receive reimbursement for any cost related to course completion, including tuition and fees, or examination of any non-affiliated individual. If a non-affiliated individual becomes engaged as fire service personnel, any course that commenced prior to engagement as fire service personnel shall be ineligible for reimbursement.

 

v)         The Office may extend deadlines for requirements of this Section for good cause shown (e.g., military deployments, medical leaves, personal emergencies, Acts of God or natural disasters, Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, etc.). [50 ILCS 740/1, 11 and 12]

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.220  Certificates Earned by Bypass Examination (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.230  Examination Procedures for End-of-Course Examinations Not Administered by the Office (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.240  Bypass Examination (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.250  State Certifications

 

a)         Qualified candidates for certification shall be at least 18 years of age and meet one of the following employment prerequisites:

 

1)         Engaged in firefighting in an organized Illinois fire department in accordance with the Act and attested by the candidate's employing fire chief;

 

2)         Employed by a local governmental agency;

 

3)         Employed by a fire brigade;

 

4)         Employee of the Office; or

 

5)         Individuals who have retired from active fire service duties and are officially affiliated with fire service training, mutual aid, incident command, fire ground operations, or staff support for fire associations.

 

b)         Certifications shall be granted when all requirements for that level are met as provided in Subpart D.  It shall be the responsibility of the candidate’s employing chief, or their designee, to verify and attest completion of all prerequisites set out in Subpart D prior to submitting an Application for Certification to the Division, utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

c)         Employing departments of candidates receiving certification shall be sent electronic notification of the certification from the Division.  The candidate can view and print their certification by utilizing the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

d)         The certification program does not recognize certification levels as ranks due to the inconsistency of rank structures utilized by fire departments throughout the State.

 

e)         Refer to Section 141.395 for clarification on how to utilize obsolete certifications as prerequisites for certifications and instructor qualifications.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.255  Invalidation of Candidate’s State Certifications or Recertifications

 

a)         A previously awarded certification may be invalidated when it is determined by the Division that one of the following has occurred:

 

1)         A Certification was awarded based upon erroneous documentation in training records or erroneous documentation submitted to the Division; or

 

2)         Cheating on the State Written or Practical Examination; or

 

3)         Any other basis for invalidation as set out in Section 141.210.

 

b)         A previously awarded recertification may be invalidated when it is determined by the Division that a recertification was awarded based upon erroneous documentation. When it is determined that a certification is invalidated under subsection (a), all subsequent recertifications shall also be invalidated.

 

c)         When the Division determines that evidence of an occurrence listed in subsection (a) or (b) exists to invalidate a candidate’s State Certification or Recertification, the Division shall:

 

1)         Invalidate the specific certifications or recertifications involved in the occurrence;

 

2)         Provide written notification to all fire service personnel whose certifications or recertifications were invalidated and explanation of the situation and reasons for invalidation, including the right to appeal the invalidation and the procedure for appeal; and

 

3)         Provide written notification to the chiefs of all fire service personnel whose certifications or recertifications were invalidated and explanation of the situation and reasons for invalidation, including the right to appeal the invalidation and the procedure for appeal.

 

d)         Records of invalidation of certifications or recertifications shall be retained by the Division, including all applicable documentation referencing the invalidation of the certification or recertification.

 

e)         Where certifications are invalidated, fire service personnel who meet the prerequisites set forth in Subpart D and requirements set forth in Section 141.250 may reapply for certification upon verification and attestation by the employing chief.

 

f)         Where recertifications are invalidated, fire service personnel who hold the certification and meet the prerequisites set forth in Section 141.390 may reapply for recertification upon verification and attestation by the employing chief.

 

g)         Any candidate whose certifications or recertifications are invalidated may request a hearing, in accordance with Section 141.50.

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

SUBPART D: CERTIFICATION LEVELS

 

Section 141.300  Firefighter II (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.301  Basic Operations Firefighter

 

a)         An Illinois Basic Operations Firefighter certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1001. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification; 

 

2)         Successful completion of a Basic Operations Firefighter course consisting of a minimum of 180 instructional hours;

 

3)         Passage of the State Written and State Practical Examinations;

 

4)         Completion of the classroom portion for Fire Service Vehicle Operator certification;

 

5)         Completion of certification requirements for Hazardous Materials Operations;

 

6)         Completion of a CPR/Basic First Aid course;

 

7)         Completion of NIMS 100 and 700 courses;

 

8)         Completion of the Courage To Be Safe course;

 

9)         Familiarity with the signs and symptoms of mental illness, mental health and resiliency, and applicable resources to manage such situations;

 

10)        Ability to identify the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, particularly opioids, and a familiarity with applicable resources to manage such situations; and

 

11)        Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as a Fire Service Instructor I. There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Basic Operations Firefighter as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

h)         Modular Training

 

1)         Basic Operations Firefighter training may be taken in a series of modules or as a complete course. The module series shall include:

 

A)        Module A

 

i)          Orientation;

 

ii)         Firefighter Safety;

 

iii)        Fire Department Communication;

 

iv)        Building Construction;

 

v)         Fire Behavior;

 

vi)        Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA);

 

vii)       Portable Fire Extinguishers; and

 

viii)      Ropes and Knots.

 

B)        Module B

 

i)          Search and Rescue and Firefighter Survival;

 

ii)         Forcible Entry;

 

iii)        Ladders;

 

iv)        Ventilation;

 

v)         Water Supply;

 

vi)        Fire Hose, Appliances, Nozzles and Fire Streams; and

 

vii)       Fire Control and Wildland Firefighting.

 

C)        Module C

 

i)          Salvage and Overhaul (Loss Control);

 

ii)         Fire Origin, Cause and Protecting Evidence;

 

iii)        Fire Protection Systems;

 

iv)        Fire Prevention;

 

v)         Hazardous Materials Awareness; and

 

vi)        Assisting Special Rescue Teams.

 

2)         The State Written Examination for Basic Operations Firefighter training may be taken in a series of modules or as one complete examination.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.302  Airport Firefighter

 

a)         An Illinois Airport Firefighter certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1003.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Advanced Technician Firefighter;

 

3)         Successful completion of an Airport Firefighter course consisting of a minimum of 40 instruction hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and State Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department. 

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as a Fire Service Instructor II and Airport Firefighter.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Airport Firefighter as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.303  Advanced Technician Firefighter

 

a)         An Illinois Advanced Technician Firefighter certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1001. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Fire Service Vehicle Operator; 

 

3)         Current certification as Vehicle and Machinery Operations;

 

4)         Successful completion of an Advanced Technician Firefighter course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

5)         Passage of the State Written and State Practical Examinations;

 

6)         Documentation of a minimum of one year cumulative fire service experience, beginning from the Basic Operations Firefighter or Firefighter II certification date;

 

7)         Documentation of a minimum of 3 cumulative years of fire service experience;

 

8)         Completion of NIMS 200 course; and

 

9)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Instructor II.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Advanced Technician Firefighter as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.304  Firefighter III (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.306  Fire Apparatus Engineer

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Apparatus Engineer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1002.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Fire Service Vehicle Operator;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Apparatus Engineer course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and State Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification. 

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Apparatus Engineer.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Apparatus Engineer as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.308  Fire Officer I (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.309  Company Fire Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Company Fire Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1021.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Advanced Technician Firefighter;

 

3)         Current certification as Fire Service Instructor I;

 

4)         Successful completion of a Company Fire Officer course following the described phases of education:

 

A)        Phase 1:  Background and foundational information can be taught via on-line learning management systems or in the classroom, consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours; and

 

B)        Phase 2:  Practical applications and information review shall be completed in a traditional classroom setting.  This section shall be completed in class to achieve student interaction with the complex management situations that Company Fire Officers encounter.  This phase consists of a minimum of 80 instructional hours.

 

5)         Passage of the State Written Examination: 

 

A)        Once a candidate has successfully completed Phases 1 and 2 of an approved Company Fire Officer course, the candidate may challenge the State Written Examination. 

 

B)        The State Written Examination must be passed within one year after completion of Phase 2 of an approved Company Fire Officer course. If the State Written Examination is not passed within one year after the completion of Phase 2 of an approved Company Fire Officer course, the candidate will be required to retake Phases 1 and 2 prior to receiving certification.

 

6)         Phase 3:  Upon successful completion of Company Fire Officer Phases 1 and 2, and passage of the State Written Examination, the candidate will have a maximum of 3 years to complete the Company Fire Officer Task Book (Task Book), supplied by the Division.

 

A)        The completed Task Book shall be verified by a certified Company Fire Officer. 

 

B)        The qualified instructor and employing fire chief shall document the completion of the Task Book.

 

C)        If the Task Book is not completed within 3 years, the candidate shall be required to retake all Phases prior to certification.

 

7)         Documentation of a minimum of 4 cumulative years of fire service experience; and

 

8)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Company Fire Officer.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Company Fire Officer as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

h)         Exception to Prerequisites.  If a candidate was previously certified as Fire Officer I, and meets the requirements of subsections (b)(1), (2), (3), (7), and (8), then the candidate must pass the Company Fire Officer State Written Examination and complete the Task Book to be issued a Company Fire Officer certification. 

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.310  Fire Service Executive Support

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Service Executive Support certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1021. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Successful completion of the Fire Service Executive Support courses consisting of a minimum of 104 instructional hours;

 

3)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

4)         Documentation of a minimum of 3 cumulative years of fire service experience; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Service Executive Support.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Service Executive Support as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.312  Fire Department Incident Safety Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Department Incident Safety Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1521. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Company Fire Officer;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Department Incident Safety Officer course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written Examination; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Department Incident Safety Officer.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Department Incident Safety Officer as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for equivalent courses will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.313  Fire Department Health and Safety Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Department Health and Safety Officer shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1521.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Company Fire Officer;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Department Health and Safety Officer course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written Examination; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Department Health and Safety Officer.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Department Health and Safety Officer as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for equivalent courses will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.314  Fire Officer II (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.315  Advanced Fire Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Advanced Fire Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1021.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as a Company Fire Officer;

 

3)         Current certification as Fire Department Incident Safety Officer;

 

4)         Current certification as Fire Service Instructor II;

 

5)         Completion of the NIMS 800 course;

 

6)         Successful completion of an Advanced Fire Officer course following the described phases of education:

 

A)        Phase 1:  Background and foundational information can be taught via on-line learning management systems or in the classroom, consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours; and

 

B)        Phase 2:  Practical applications and information review shall be completed in a traditional classroom setting.  This section shall be completed in class to achieve student interaction with the complex management situations that Advanced Fire Officers encounter. This phase consists of a minimum of 80 instructional hours.

 

7)         Passage of the State Written Examination: 

 

A)        Once a candidate has successfully completed Phases 1 and 2 of an approved Advanced Fire Officer course, the candidate may challenge the State Written Examination.

 

B)        The State Written Examination must be passed within one year after completion of Phase 2 of an approved Advanced Fire Officer course. If the State Written Examination is not passed within one year after completion of Phase 2 of an approved Advanced Fire Officer course, the candidate must retake Phases 1 and 2 prior to receiving certification.

 

8)         Phase 3:  Upon successful completion of Advanced Fire Officer Phases 1 and 2 and passage of the State Written Examination, the candidate will have a maximum of 3 years to complete the Advanced Fire Officer Task Book (Task Book) supplied by the Division.

 

A)        The completed Task Book shall be verified by a certified Advanced Fire Officer. 

 

B)        The qualified instructor and employing fire chief shall document the completion of the Task Book.

 

C)        If the Task Book is not completed within 3 years, the candidate shall be required to retake all Phases prior to certification.

 

9)         Documentation of a minimum of 5 cumulative years of fire service experience; and

 

10)        Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Advanced Fire Officer.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Advanced Fire Officer as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for equivalent courses will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

h)         Exception to Prerequisites.  If a candidate was previously certified as Fire Officer II, and meets the requirements of subsections (b)(1) through (5), (9) and (10), then the candidate pass the Advanced Fire Officer State Written Examination and complete the Task Book to be issued an Advanced Fire Officer certification. 

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.316  Chief Fire Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Chief Fire Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1021.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Currently hold a position at the managerial or administrative level; and  

 

3)         Current certification as an Advanced Fire Officer;

 

4)         Completion of the NIMS 300 and 400 Command and General Staff courses;

 

5)         Documentation of a minimum of 10 cumulative years of fire service experience;

 

6)         Submission of the Chief Fire Officer application supplied by the Division, including:

 

A)        Resume;

 

B)        Organizational chart of their fire department;

 

C)        Copy of their highest degree or transcripts;

 

D)        Copy of their Advanced Fire Officer certification;

 

E)        Copies of their NIMS 300 and 400 or Command and General Staff course completions;

 

F)         Three letters of reference, one being from their immediate supervisor;

 

G)        Documentation of a minimum of 10 cumulative years of fire service experience; and

 

H)        Signed statement of attestation by the fire chief or, in the case of the applicant being the fire chief, the supervisor of the fire chief (such as Mayor, President of Trustees or similar official).

 

7)         Successful completion of an approved Chief Fire Officer course following these phases of education:

 

A)        Phase 1:  Background and foundational information can be taught via online learning management systems or in the classroom, consisting of a minimum of 200 instructional hours; and

 

B)        Phase 2:  Practical applications and information review shall be completed in a traditional classroom setting. This section shall be completed in class to achieve student interaction with the complex management situations that Chief Fire Officers encounter. This phase consists of a minimum of 100 instructional hours.

 

8)         Passage of the State Written Examination;

 

A)      Once a candidate has successfully completed Phases 1 and 2 of an approved Chief Fire Officer course, the candidate may challenge the State Written Examination;

 

B)       The State Written Examination shall be passed within one year after completion of Phase 2 of an approved Chief Fire Officer course. If the State Written Examination is not passed within one year after completion of Phase 2 of an approved Chief Fire Officer course, the candidate shall be required to retake Phases 1 and 2 prior to receiving certification;

 

9)         Phase 3:  Submission of a completed task book for certification.  The task book for certification shall be signed by the fire chief or, in the case of the applicant being the fire chief, the supervisor of the fire chief (such as Mayor, President of Trustees or similar official). The candidate shall have a maximum of 3 years from date of passage of the State Written Examination to complete the Chief Fire Officer task book supplied by the Division;

 

10)       For Full Certification, a candidate must meet all requirements in NFPA 1021 for Fire Officer III and Fire Officer IV and the requirements identified in the current task book.

 

11)       For Provisional Certification, a candidate must meet all requirements in NFPA 1021 for Fire Officer III and requirements identified in the current task book:

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Chief Fire Officer.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Chief Fire Officer as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.317  Fire Department Safety Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Department Safety Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1521.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Fire Department Incident Safety Officer;

 

3)         Current certification as Fire Department Health and Safety Officer; and

 

4)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Department Safety Officer.

 

e)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.318  Fire Service Instructor I

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Service Instructor I certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1041.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Basic Operations Firefighter;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Service Instructor I course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

5)         Documentation of a minimum of 3 cumulative years of fire service experience; and

 

6)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for a Fire Service Instructor I as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for equivalent courses will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

h)         Fire service personnel that provide proof of a valid and current Professional Educator License issued pursuant to Article 21B of the School Code [105 ILCS 5], and in compliance with any rules adopted by the State Board of Education regarding licensure, shall be deemed to have successfully completed the Fire Service Instructor I and II course and passed the State Written and Practical Examinations for Fire Service Instructor I and II.  Fire service personnel must submit to the Division, in writing, a request to update training records and attach proof of the Professional Educator License. Once confirmed by the Division, the fire service personnel’s training records will be updated.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.320  Fire Service Instructor II

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Service Instructor II certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1041. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Advanced Technician Firefighter;

 

3)         Current certification as Fire Service Instructor I;

 

4)         Successful completion of a Fire Service Instructor II course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

5)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

6)         Documentation of a minimum of 5 cumulative years of fire service experience; and

 

7)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II.

 

e)         Fire Department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Service Instructor II as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

h)         Fire service personnel that provide proof of a valid and current Professional Educator License issued pursuant to Article 21B of the School Code [105 ILCS 5], and in compliance with any rules adopted by the State Board of Education regarding licensure, shall be deemed to have successfully completed the Fire Service Instructor I and II course and passed the State Written and Practical Examinations for Fire Service Instructor I and II.  Fire service personnel must submit to the Division, in writing, a request to update training records and attach proof of the Professional Educator License. Once confirmed by the Division, the fire service personnel’s training records will be updated.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.322  Fire Service Instructor III

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Service Instructor III certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1041.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current Certification as Fire Service Instructor II;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Service Instructor III course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

5)         Documentation of a minimum of 3 cumulative years of experience as a Fire Service Instructor; and

 

6)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor III.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Service Instructor III as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.324  Training Program Manager

 

a)         An Illinois Training Program Manager certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1041.  

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Fire Service Instructor II;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Training Program Manager course consisting of a minimum of 24 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written Examinations;

 

5)         Documentation of a minimum of 3 cumulative years of experience beginning from Fire Service Instructor II certification date; and

 

6)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Training Program Manager.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Training Program Manager as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.326  Basic Fire Prevention Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Basic Fire Prevention Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1031 and NFPA 1035.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency, as attested by the fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current Certification as Fire Inspector I;

 

3)         Current Certification as Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I;

 

4)         Documentation of a minimum of 2 cumulative years of fire prevention activities; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel’s training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Basic Fire Prevention Officer.

 

e)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.327  Fire Inspector I

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Inspector I certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1031. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency, as attested by the fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Successful completion of a Fire Inspector I course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

3)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

4)         Documentation of a minimum of one cumulative year of fire prevention and inspection activity; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Inspector I.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Inspector I as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.328  Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist

 

a)         An Illinois Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1035.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or local governmental agency or the Office, as attested by the fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Successful completion of a Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist course consisting of a minimum of 12 instructional hours;

 

3)         Passage of the State Written Examination; and

 

4)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel’s training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.329  Fire Inspector II

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Inspector II certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1031.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency, as attested by the fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Fire Inspector I;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Inspector II course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

5)         Documentation of a minimum of 3 cumulative years of fire prevention and inspection activity; and

 

6)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Inspector II.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Inspector II as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.330  Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I

 

a)         An Illinois Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1035. 

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency, as attested by the fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Successful completion of a Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I course consisting of a minimum of 32 instructional hours;

 

3)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

4)         Documentation of a minimum of one cumulative year of fire prevention experience; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120. 

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.331  Advanced Fire Prevention Officer

 

a)         An Illinois Advanced Fire Prevention Officer certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1031 and NFPA 1035.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency, as attested by the fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Basic Fire Prevention Officer;

 

3)         Current certification as Fire Inspector II;

 

4)         Current certification as Public and Life Safety Educator I;

 

5)         Successful completion of an approved Plans Examiner course;

 

6)         Documentation of a minimum of 4 cumulative years of experience in fire prevention activities; and

 

7)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Advanced Fire Prevention Officer.

 

e)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.332  Public Fire and Life Safety Educator III (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.334  Fire Investigator

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Investigator certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency or the Office, as attested by the chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Successful completion of a Fire Investigator course consisting of a minimum of 120 total instructional hours. The course shall be offered in 3 modules. Each module shall consist of a minimum of 40 instructional hours per module;

 

3)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

4)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Fire Investigator. There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Investigator as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.336  Arson Investigator

 

a)         An Illinois Arson Investigator certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel or employed by a local governmental agency or the Office, as attested by the chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Successful completion of the Fire Investigator Course (see Section 141.334);

 

3)         Successful completion of an Arson Investigator course approved by the Division and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board; and

 

4)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor must be approved by the Division and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board prior to the course offering.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Arson Investigator as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.338  Fire Inspector II and Plan Examiner I (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.340  Fire Inspector III and Plan Examiner II (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.342  Hazardous Materials Awareness (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.344  Hazardous Materials Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Hazardous Materials Operations certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1072.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification; 

 

2)         Current certification as Basic Operations Firefighter;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Hazardous Materials Operations course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)        A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor I and Hazardous Materials Operations. There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Hazardous Materials Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.346  Hazardous Materials Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Hazardous Materials Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1072.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Hazardous Materials Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Hazardous Materials Technician course consisting of a minimum of 80 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Hazardous Materials Technician.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Hazardous Materials Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 14.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.348  Hazardous Materials Incident Command (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.350  Technical Rescue Awareness (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.352  Confined Space Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Confined Space Operations certification shall meet or exceed the level identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Confined Space Operations course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Confined Space Operations.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Confined Space Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.353  Confined Space Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Confined Space Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Confined Space Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Confined Space Technician course consisting of a minimum of 24 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Confined Space Technician. There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Confined Space Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.354  Trench Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Trench Operations certification shall meet or exceed the level identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Trench Operations course consisting of a minimum of 32 instructional hours; 

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations.  State Practical Examinations shall include participation as a rescue team member in at least one live trench scenario; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Trench Operations.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Trench Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.356  Trench Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Trench Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current Certification as Trench Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Trench Technician course consisting of a minimum of 32 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations.  State Practical Examinations shall include participation as a rescue team member in at least one live trench scenario; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Trench Technician.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Trench Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.358  Rescue Specialist – Vertical II (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.360  Structural Collapse Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Structural Collapse Operations certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Structural Collapse Operations course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Structural Collapse Operations.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Structural Collapse Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.362  Structural Collapse Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Structural Collapse Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Structural Collapse Operations;

 

3)         Current certification as Confined Space Operations;

 

4)         Current certification as Vehicle and Machinery Operations;

 

5)         Successful completion of a Structural Collapse Technician course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

6)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

7)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Structural Collapse Technician.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Structural Collapse Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.364  Vehicle and Machinery Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Vehicle and Machinery Operations certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Basic Operations Firefighter;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Vehicle and Machinery Operations course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours; 

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Vehicle and Machinery Operations.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Vehicle and Machinery Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.366  Vehicle and Machinery Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Vehicle and Machinery Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Vehicle and Machinery Operations;

 

3)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

4)         Successful completion of a Vehicle and Machinery Technician course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

5)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

6)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Vehicle and Machinery Technician.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Vehicle and Machinery Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.367  Rope Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Rope Operations certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Basic Operations Firefighter;

 

3)         Successful completion of Rope Operations course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Rope Operations.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Rope Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.368  Motorsports Safety Technician (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.369  High Angle Rope Operations (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.370  Fire Service Vehicle Operator

 

a)         An Illinois Fire Service Vehicle Operator certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1002 and NFPA 1451.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Basic Operations Firefighter;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Fire Service Vehicle Operator course consisting of a minimum of 8 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations;

 

5)         Completion of the required NFPA 1002 competency course;

 

6)         Completion of an additional 8 hours of documented driving of the vehicles with differing wheelbases in use by the employing authority having jurisdiction; and

 

7)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor I and Fire Service Vehicle Operator.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Fire Service Vehicle Operator as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.371  Rope Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Rope Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification; 

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Rope Technician course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Rope Technician.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Rope Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.372  Surface Water Operations

 

a)         An Illinois Surface Water Operations certification shall meet or exceed the level identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

3)         Successful completion of a Surface Water Operations course consisting of a minimum of 40 instructional hours;

 

4)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

5)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Surface Water Operations.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Surface Water Operations as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.373 Ice Technician (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.374  Swiftwater Technician (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.375  Watercraft Technician

 

a)         An Illinois Watercraft Technician certification shall meet or exceed the qualifications identified in NFPA 1006.

 

b)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Surface Water Operations;

 

3)         Certification from an approved Illinois Department of Natural Resources or US Coast Guard on-line Boat Safety Course;

 

4)         Successful completion of a Watercraft Technician Course consisting of a minimum of 16 instructional hours;

 

5)         Passage of the State Written and Practical Examinations; and

 

6)         Application for Certification.

 

c)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

d)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Watercraft Technician.  There shall be at least one instructor for every 6 students during State Practical Examination evolutions.

 

e)         Fire department or individual reimbursement may be available for training costs for Watercraft Technician as provided in Subpart E.

 

f)         The course as set forth in Section 141.115 and the training facility as set forth in Section 141.100 must be approved by the Division.

 

g)         Credit for an equivalent course will be approved by the Division when the equivalent course meets the requirements of Section 141.120.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.376  Dive Technician (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.377  Ice Dive Technician (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 41 Ill. Reg. 6594, effective August 1, 2017)

 

Section 141.380  Invalidation of Certification (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.385  Rescue Operations

 

a)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Operations;

 

3)         Current certification as Structural Collapse Operations;

 

4)         Current certification as Confined Space Operations;

 

5)         Current certification as Vehicle and Machinery Operations;

 

6)         Current certification as Trench Operations;

 

7)         Current certification as Surface Water Operations; and

 

8)         Application for Certification.

 

b)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

c)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Rescue Operations.

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.386  Rescue Technician

 

a)         Prerequisites

 

1)         Engagement as Illinois fire protection personnel, as attested by the employing fire chief of the candidate seeking certification;

 

2)         Current certification as Rope Technician;

 

3)         Current certification as Structural Collapse Technician;

 

4)         Current certification as Confined Space Technician;

 

5)         Current certification as Vehicle and Machinery Technician;

 

6)         Current certification as Trench Technician;

 

7)         Current certification as Watercraft Technician; and

 

8)         Application for Certification.

 

b)         Training documentation shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training records at the employing fire department.

 

c)         A qualified instructor for this level must be certified as Fire Service Instructor II and Rescue Technician.

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.390  Recertifications

 

a)         The goal of the recertification process shall be to ensure continued demonstration of knowledge and skill proficiency in given areas of certification for Illinois fire service personnel.

 

b)         All referenced recertifications in this Section shall be specific to certifications attained from the Office.

 

c)         Any certification that requires a recertification shall remain valid if the recertification requirements are not completed, but shall not be considered current.  Certifications that are not considered current shall be ineligible to be used as a prerequisite to obtain a higher level of certification.

 

d)         Certifications that require recertification are: 

 

1)         Fire Investigator

 

2)         Arson Investigator

 

e)         Certifications that require recertification beginning January 1, 2022 are: 

 

1)         Fire Apparatus Engineer

 

2)         Company Fire Officer

 

3)         Fire Department Incident Safety Officer

 

4)         Fire Department Health and Safety Officer

 

5)         Advanced Fire Officer

 

6)         Chief Fire Officer

 

7)         Fire Department Safety Officer

 

8)         Fire Service Instructor I

 

9)         Fire Service Instructor II

 

10)        Fire Service Instructor III

 

11)        Training Program Manager

 

12)        Fire Inspector I

 

13)        Fire Inspector II

 

14)        Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I

 

15)        Hazardous Materials Operations

 

16)        Hazardous Materials Technician

 

17)        Confined Space Operations

 

18)        Confined Space Technician

 

19)        Trench Operations

 

20)        Trench Technician

 

21)        Structural Collapse Operations

 

22)        Structural Collapse Technician

 

23)        Vehicle and Machinery Operations

 

24)        Vehicle and Machinery Technician

 

25)        Rope Operations

 

26)        Fire Service Vehicle Operator

 

27)        Rope Technician

 

28)        Rescue Operations

 

29)        Rescue Technician

 

f)         Level-specific certifications issued on or before January 1, 2022 will no longer be considered current on December 31, 2025, except for Fire Investigator and Arson Investigator, which are referenced further within this Section.

 

g)         Certifications issued on or after January 1, 2022 will no longer be considered current 4 years after their issuance date.

 

h)         Recertification process for all levels except Fire Investigator and Arson Investigator: 

 

1)         Certifications shall remain current 4 years after their issuance date.

 

2)         Applicants for recertification must hold a current level-specific certification issued by the Office.

 

3)         Applicants for recertification must complete recertification training that follows the level-specific job performance requirements ("JPRs") in the relevant NFPA Standard within the previous 4-year certification period: 

 

A)        Documentation of successful recertification training may be demonstrated by completing the level-specific Recertification Task Book (Task Book).

 

B)        If an applicant or fire department opts not to utilize the Task Book, documentation of successful recertification training shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training record. Training records utilized for recertification documentation, at a minimum, shall include the components listed on the Task Book Proficiency Log Sheets.

 

4)         Application for recertification: 

 

A)        If utilizing the Task Book, the Proficiency Log Sheets shall be uploaded using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

B)        If not utilizing the Task Book, a completion report meeting the same criteria of the Proficiency Log Sheets shall be uploaded using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

C)        In lieu of uploading either the Proficiency Log Sheets or completion report, recertification completion data shall be manually entered in the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

D)        The application for recertification cannot be submitted more than 12 months prior to the date upon which certification is no longer considered current.

 

5)         The Division shall send notification to the employing fire department at one year and at 90-days prior to the date that fire service personnel's certification will no longer be considered current.

 

6)         The Office shall grant each candidate a 90-day grace period to complete the recertification requirements. If recertification is not completed within the 90-day grace period, the candidate may maintain current certification in the established recertification cycle if the candidate completes a new Task Book within 6 months of the end of the 90-day grace period, with task dates after the date the previous certification is no longer considered current.  The application for recertification shall include the Proficiency Log Sheets uploaded or manually entered using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.  Training used in one certification cycle cannot be used towards recertification in another certification cycle.  If the new Task Book is not completed within 9 months of the original date that certification is no longer current, the fire service personnel may make the certification current in a new recertification cycle by submitting proof of completion of an approved level-specific course.

 

7)         When submitting for recertification, the fire chief must attest that all the requirements of this Section are met and affirms that: 

 

A)        The candidate seeking recertification is engaged as Illinois fire protection personnel.

 

B)        Training documentation for recertification shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's fire department training records and is available for review by the Division upon request.

 

C)        The submission of the application and Proficiency Log Sheets or completion report is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

 

8)         Fire service personnel who possess the highest level of certification within specific disciplines and who desire that certification to remain current, shall only be required to recertify at the highest level. Once recertified at the highest level, all lower level recertifications shall automatically be processed and approved.

 

9)         Recertification Requirements for Rescue Operations. Fire service personnel who possess a Rescue Operations certification may complete the recertification requirements outlined in the level- specific JPRs in the relevant NFPA Standards in lieu of completing each rescue operations-level requirements for recertification.

 

A)        Documentation of successful recertification training may be demonstrated by completing the Task Book.

 

B)        If a fire department opts not to utilize the Task Book, documentation of successful recertification training shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training record.

 

C)        Training records utilized for recertification documentation, at a minimum, shall include the components listed on the Task Book Proficiency Log Sheets.

 

10)        Recertification Requirements for Rescue Technician. Fire service personnel who possess a Rescue Technician certification may complete the recertification requirements outlined in the level- specific JPRs in the relevant NFPA Standards in lieu of completing each rescue technician-level requirement for recertification.

 

A)        Documentation of successful recertification training may be documented by completing the Task Book.

 

B)        If an applicant or fire department opts not to utilize the Task Book, documentation of successful recertification training shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's training record.

 

C)        Training records utilized for recertification documentation, at a minimum, shall include the components listed on the Task Book Proficiency Log Sheets.

 

i)          Recertification Process for Fire Investigator and Arson Investigator.

 

1)         Certifications shall remain current 4 years after their issuance date.

 

2)         Applicants for recertification must hold a current Office level-specific certification.

 

3)         Applicants for recertification shall complete recertification training that follows the established course objectives identified in NFPA 1033, totaling 100 points over the 4-year period, based on the point system on the tally sheet used by the Division. Point dissemination shall be determined by the Division.

 

4)         Application for recertification: 

 

A)        If utilizing the Division-supplied Recertification Tally Sheet, the Tally Sheet shall be uploaded using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

B)        If not utilizing the Division-supplied Recertification Tally Sheet, a completion report meeting the same criteria of the Tally Sheet shall be uploaded using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

C)        In lieu of uploading either the Tally Sheet or completion report, recertification completion data shall be manually entered using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

D)        The application for recertification cannot be submitted more than 12 months prior to the date upon which certification is no longer considered current.

 

5)         The Division shall send notification to the employing fire department at one year and at 90-days prior to the date that fire service personnel's certification shall no longer be considered current.

 

6)         The Office shall grant each candidate a 90-day grace period to complete the recertification requirements.  Training used in one certification cycle cannot be used towards recertification in another certification cycle.  If recertification is not completed within the 90-day grace period after the date that certification is no longer considered current and the candidate desires to maintain a current certification, the candidate shall be required to complete an approved Fire Investigator course to obtain recertification.

 

7)         When submitting an application for recertification, the chief attests that all the requirements of this Section are met and affirms that: 

 

A)        The candidate seeking recertification is employed by a local governmental agency or the Office.

 

B)        Training documentation for recertification shall be maintained in the fire service personnel's department training records and available for review by the Division upon request.

 

C)        The submission of the application and Tally Sheet or completion report is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

 

8)         For fire service personnel who possess both Fire Investigator and Arson Investigator certifications and who recertify at either level, the dates that certification is no longer considered current will be changed for both levels to the latter date.

 

j)          When all recertification requirements are met, a new certificate will be available on the DPSE WebAccess Portal.

 

k)         The Office may extend deadlines for requirements of this Section for good cause shown (e.g., military deployments, medical leaves, personal emergencies, Acts of God or natural disasters, Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamations, etc.). [50 ILCS 740/1, 11 and 12]

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.395 Historical Certification Titles

 

a)         The Division reserves the right to acknowledge historical certification titles as equivalent to current certification titles, to be utilized for instructor qualifications and as prerequisites for fire service personnel to transition to a current certification title.

 

1)         Firefighter II certification shall be allowed as a prerequisite for certification and instructor qualifications that requires Basic Operations Firefighter certification.  Fire Service personnel who possess a Firefighter II certification can transition and obtain a Basic Operations Firefighter certification by completing the additional requirements for certification.  The Firefighter II certification shall be equivalent for the course completion and State Written and Practical Examinations towards Basic Operations Firefighter Certification.

 

2)         Firefighter III certification shall be allowed as a prerequisite for certification and instructor qualifications that requires Advanced Technician Firefighter certification.  Fire Service personnel who possess a Firefighter III certification can transition and obtain an Advanced Technician Firefighter certification by completing the additional requirements for certification.  The Firefighter III certification shall be equivalent for the course completion and State Written and Practical Examinations towards Advanced Technician Firefighter Certification.

 

3)         Fire Officer I certification shall be allowed as a prerequisite for certification and instructor qualifications that requires Company Fire Officer certification.

 

4)         Fire Officer II certification shall be allowed as a prerequisite for certification and instructor qualifications that requires Advanced Fire Officer certification.

 

5)         Fire Prevention Officer certification shall be equivalent to Basic Fire Prevention Officer and shall be allowed as a prerequisite for certification and instructor qualifications for Fire Inspector I.

 

6)         Fire Inspector II and Plans Examiner I shall be equivalent to Advanced Fire Prevention Officer.

 

7)         Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist shall be equivalent to Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist.

 

8)         Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operations shall be equivalent to Hazardous Materials Operations.

 

9)         The combined certifications of Hazardous Materials Technician A and Hazardous Materials Technician B shall be equivalent to Hazardous Materials Technician.

 

10)        Rescue Specialist-Confined Space shall be equivalent to Confined Space Operations.

 

11)        Rescue Specialist-Vertical I shall be equivalent to Rope Operations.

 

12)        Rescue Specialist-Trench shall be equivalent to Trench Operations.

 

13)        Water Operations shall be equivalent to Surface Water Operations.

 

(Source:  Added at 45 Ill. Reg. 11584, effective August 31, 2021)

SUBPART E: REIMBURSEMENT

 

Section 141.400  Reimbursement  

 

a)         Prerequisites

 

1)         All local governmental agencies and individuals may elect to participate in the training programs. All local governmental agencies and fire service personnel may elect to participate in the Division’s certification programs. Local governmental agencies and fire service personnel may elect to participate for certification only or for certification and reimbursement for training expenses as described in the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act [50 ILCS 740]. (Section 9 of the Act)

 

2)         Local governmental agencies and fire service personnel may participate in all aspects of the Division’s certification programs without passage of a local governmental ordinance.  Proof of passage of a local governmental ordinance shall be required, however, to qualify local governmental agencies and fire service personnel to receive reimbursement.

 

3)         To be eligible to receive reimbursement for training under the Act, the local governmental agency shall comply with the following requirements:

 

A)        The local governmental agency shall require by ordinance completion of a basic level course approved by the Office, and the passage of the State test for certification at the basic level within the probationary period as established by the local governmental agency.  A local governmental agency will not receive reimbursement for training if the ordinance does not state the length of the probationary period or if the length of the probationary period does not comply with Section 10-1-7.1(c) of the Illinois Municipal Code [65 ILCS 5/10-1-7.1(c)] or Section 16.06(b) of the Fire Protection District Act [70 ILCS 705/1606(b)], as applicable.  A certified copy of the Ordinance must be on file with the Office. (Section 9 of the Act). A local governmental agency will not receive reimbursement for training that occurs prior to the completion of this requirement.

 

i)          Volunteer or paid-on-call fire service personnel may receive reimbursement for basic level training completed beyond their probationary period, if the basic level training is completed within 3 years from the date of initial engagement as fire service personnel.

 

ii)         Local governmental agencies that request reimbursement and file a certified copy of the required ordinance with the Division shall be eligible for reimbursement starting on the date a copy of the ordinance is received by the Division.  Reimbursement may only be made for courses that commence on or after the date the Division receives a certified copy of the ordinance.

 

iii)        Failure to complete the basic training and certification within the required period will render that individual and local governmental agency ineligible for reimbursement funding for basic training for that individual in the calendar year in which his probationary period ends. The individual may later become certified without reimbursement. (Section 9 of the Act)

 

B)        The local governmental agency shall agree to abide by the requirements of this Part governing the training of fire service personnel.

 

C)        The fire department must submit National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) reports to the Office for each month of the calendar year in which reimbursement is claimed. The fire department must be NFIRS-reporting compliant no later than April 15th of the calendar year in which claims for reimbursement are submitted. No reimbursement shall be provided if the fire department is not NFIRS-compliant.

 

D)        Course completions must be submitted on the DPSE WebAccess Portal by the training facility by deadline for the submission for claims for reimbursement under this Section.

 

E)        The Division shall reimburse only one time for a course completion but shall not reimburse for the same course repeated later by fire service personnel.

 

F)         The fire service personnel for which reimbursement is claimed must have prerequisite certifications which are required under level specific certification prerequisites referenced in Subpart D prior to the beginning date of the course to be eligible for submission of claims for reimbursement.

 

4)         Failure to satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)(3) will result in denial of the claims for reimbursement.

 

b)         Claims

 

1)         Annually, the Office shall electronically send eligible local governmental agencies the current Funding Document specifying details to submit for reimbursement.  The Funding Document shall include the courses eligible for reimbursement.  A claim for reimbursement is permitted only once per course per fire service personnel.

 

2)         The Office shall reimburse up to 50% of the following costs incurred by eligible local governmental agencies or fire service personnel:

 

A)        Salary. Salary is the sum actually paid by the local governmental agency for fire service personnel while attending courses.  Salary does not include a local governmental agency’s contributions to insurance and pension programs but does include contributions deducted from the fire service personnel’s salary for insurance and retirement.

 

i)           The formula for computing fire service personnel’s hourly salary is: yearly salary at the time of the training divided by the number of hours for which the fire service personnel is paid.  It is acknowledged that hourly shifts may vary from 40 to 56 or more hours per week.  In such instances, the formula should be adjusted to most accurately reflect the above definition.

 

ii)          Variation in fire service personnel salary or between fire service personnel of equal grade must be explained.

 

B)        Tuition and registration fees. A paid receipt from a training facility shall be attached to the reimbursement claim signature form.

 

C)        Meals. Cost reimbursement for meals shall not exceed the reimbursement schedule allowed by 80 Ill. Adm. Code 3000, Appendix A.

 

D)        Transportation costs. Cost reimbursement for transportation shall not exceed the calculated amount in accordance with requirements of this Section. Computations for such costs shall be provided on or attached to the reimbursement claim signature form.

 

i)          Cost reimbursement claims for transportation shall be calculated using the auto mileage rate allowed by 80 Ill. Adm. Code 3000, Appendix A.

 

ii)         A round trip shall be calculated as twice the distance from the address of the employing department to the training location.

 

iii)        If the course is offered on consecutive days (e.g., Monday through Thursday, or Saturday and Sunday) and overnight lodging is used, the Office shall reimburse for only one round trip per consecutive day period (e.g., 6 round trips for a course offered on 6 weekends or one round trip for a 5-day course).

 

iv)        If a course is offered on consecutive days (e.g., Monday through Thursday, or Saturday and Sunday), and overnight lodging is not used, the Office shall reimburse for round trip costs for each day.

 

v)         If the course is offered on non-consecutive days (e.g., Monday and Wednesday evenings), the Office shall reimburse round trip transportation costs for each day.

 

vi)        Reimbursement for mileage shall only be provided for one person when 2 or more persons travel together. No duplicative claims for reimbursement of mileage shall be made for persons traveling together.

 

E)        Lodging. Lodging cost reimbursement shall be exclusively for the cost of the room and applicable taxes and shall not exceed the reimbursement schedule allowed by 80 Ill. Adm. Code 3000 Appendix A. A paid receipt shall be attached to the reimbursement claim signature form.

 

3)         Fire service personnel who elect to participate for reimbursement may submit claims for reimbursement directly to the Division for expenses incurred for the calendar year in which reimbursement is claimed.  Reimbursement for fire service personnel shall be limited to tuition and registration fees, mileage, lodging and meals. Such reimbursement shall be limited to out-of-pocket expenses not paid or reimbursed, in whole or in part, by the local governmental agency.  Reimbursable expenses shall be subject to the reimbursement schedule allowed by 80 Ill. Adm. Code 3000 Appendix A.

 

4)         In the event that the appropriation for reimbursement for training is insufficient to meet all claims for reimbursement at the 50% level, all claims for reimbursement shall be reduced proportionately and paid in the same proportion. 

 

5)         No more than 50% of the reimbursements distributed to local governmental agencies in any fiscal year shall be distributed to local governmental agencies of more than 500,000 persons. (Section 10 of the Act)

 

6)         Local governmental agencies shall submit claims for reimbursement using the DPSE WebAccess Portal.  Once the submission is complete, the required claim signature form shall be printed.  The claim signature form requires original signatures.  Required receipts shall be attached to the claim signature form and mailed to the Division before the deadline in subsection (b)(7).

 

7)         For a calendar year (January 1-December 31), the deadline for the submission of claims for reimbursement shall be February 28 of the following year.

 

A)        In the event that February 28 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline for the submission of the claims shall be the next business day.

 

B)        The accompanying claim signature form and receipts shall be postmarked no later than the deadline.

 

C)        Any claims for reimbursement, claim signature forms and receipts submitted after the deadline are considered invalid and will be denied.

 

8)         Reimbursement that was awarded based upon erroneous documentation in fire service personnel training records or erroneous documentation submitted to the Division shall be repaid to the Office in the amount of reimbursement received for which the fire department or fire service personnel was ineligible.

 

9)         Reimbursement for training costs is limited to the amounts authorized in this Section, or the amount requested, whichever is less.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.405  Prerequisites for Participation for Reimbursement (Repealed)  

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.410  Requirements (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.415  Claim Forms(Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.420  Claim Deadline (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.425  Amount of Reimbursement (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.450  Appropriations (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.460  Advanced Training Programs (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

SUBPART F: FEES

 

Section 141.500  Fees (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)

 

Section 141.505  Waiver of Fees (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 47 Ill. Reg. 424, effective January 1, 2023)