Committee advances bill to allow modular testing for Firefighter 1 certification

Senate Bill 90, authored by Sen. Doug Mastriano, was moved unanimously from the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee to the full Senate for consideration after members said modular testing could make Firefighter 1 certification more attainable for volunteers.

Supporters told the committee the bill would let candidates take module-level tests after each of four training modules rather than a single, end-of-course 100-question exam and separate skills evaluation. Representative Stender said the change would increase both success and participation among volunteer firefighters: “I really appreciate this, and I think this is a a piece of legislation that will really help, volunteer fire service as a whole.”

Mike, a committee staff member who explained the bill, said it “provides for modular testing for firefighter 1 certification and makes technical changes to annual reporting requirements.” Representative Scott and others described the current Firefighter 1 pathway as intensive, noting that the four-module structure can be difficult to complete without the option to test module-by-module.

Chairman Gillan voiced support and said he recalled consultation with the fire commissioner’s office. No committee member recorded a negative vote; the chairman announced the bill was moved to the floor unanimously.

The measure also makes technical changes to annual reporting requirements tied to the certification process. The committee did not take additional votes beyond advancing the bill; further committee review and possible amendments could occur on the Senate floor or in subsequent committees.

The committee adjourned after advancing this and other public-safety bills.