Instructor Registration
Welcome to the California State Fire Training (SFT) Instructor Registration page. By registering as an SFT Instructor, you're taking a significant step in shaping the future of fire safety and emergency response in the state of California. Becoming an SFT Instructor enables you to play an integral role in the dissemination of this crucial knowledge and training, thereby contributing to safer communities and more effective emergency responses.
It's important to note that Instructor Registration is a distinct process that allows you to teach SFT courses but does not confer professional certification in firefighting or emergency response. If you are looking to certify your own professional skills, this is a separate process entirely.To get started on your journey to becoming an SFT Instructor, follow the step-by-step application process outlined below.
How to Apply
- Review the Instructor Registration requirements listed in the SFT Procedures Manual (PDF).
Important: Do not apply for registration until you have met all requirements. - Download and complete the Instructor Application form & provide all supporting documents:
- Fill in the application form completely, and check off all of the classes that you are applying for.
- Include a current resume, copies of your applicable SFT course certificates, task books (when applicable), and your experience letter from the Fire Chief qualifying your experience.
- Submit completed application packet & supporting documents by mail.
PO Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460”
Instructor Reciprocity (PACE 2)
SFT provides an alternative method through the Peer Assessment for Instructor Equivalency (PACE II) process to qualify fire service personnel to teach specific courses when the applicant has not completed the course through SFT they wish to teach. To pursue Instructor Reciprocity, the applicant shall submit the following items to SFT:
- A completed Instructor Reciprocity Application form.
- A non-refundable Instructor Reciprocity fee per course requested
- A justification letter that includes: a request for Instructor Reciprocity review, a list of courses for which the applicant seeks equivalency, and a complete justification for the request.
- Copies of all relevant course records, certificates, resumes, and any other required documents
Instructor Task Books
State Fire Training (SFT) requires the completion of an Instructor Trainee Task Book as part of the process to become a Primary Registered Instructor to teach specific Fire Service Training and Education Program (FSTEP) courses. The Instructor Trainee Task Book Information Bulletin (PDF) provides clarification on the requirements of an Instructor Trainee Task Book and the number of instructor trainees that may be signed during one course.
State Fire Training proposed new instructor requirements and terminology that were approved by both the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) in July 2017 and the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) in August 2017. The Instructor Registration bulletin (PDF) aims to address and clarify instructor registration requirements from now through January 1, 2019, as a result of the upcoming changes. If you are still unsure about the requirements necessary to become an instructor or have questions regarding what is changing then consider reviewing this informational bulletin.
To successfully receive a California OSFM certification, apply for registered instructor or lead/skills evaluator, the Fire Chief or authorized signatory signing the certification task book or experience letter must be listed in the SFT Authorized Chief database before the certification task book or experience letter can be submitted. To update your Chief or to add an authorized signatory, please review the SFT Procedures Manual, Section 4.2: Updating an Authorized Signatory or simply use this Fire Chief/Authorized Signatory Sample Letter (Docx).