BLM Standards for

Fire Training and 

Workforce 

Development

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Land Management

2024
United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Fire and Aviation

3833 S Development Ave

Boise, Idaho 83705-5354

https://www.nifc.gov

February 7, 2024

To: Agency Personnel

From: Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation

Subject: BLM Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development

The BLM Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development states, references, or 

supplements policy for BLM wildland fire training and workforce development.

The BLM Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development will be revised, published 

and distributed as necessary, and is available at https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/ourpartners/blm/training.

Suggestions for modification of this publication should be sent to your BLM state fire training 

officer or to the BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program Manager. 

Contact information is listed at https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/our-partners/blm/training.

Grant Beebe

Assistant Director, Fire & Aviation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development 

Program Overview........................................................................................................................ 1

Document Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 1

Document Scope ......................................................................................................................... 1

Program Mission Statement........................................................................................................ 1

Program Objectives..................................................................................................................... 1

Fire Training and Workforce Development Doctrine................................................................. 1

Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 2

Review, Updates, Request for Change ....................................................................................... 3

BLM Fire Training Request for Change Process..................................................................................3

Chapter 2: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program 

Organization and Responsibilities............................................................................................... 4

Introduction................................................................................................................................. 4

National Organization and Responsibilities................................................................................ 4

Fire and Aviation Assistant Director (NIFC)........................................................................................4

Chief, Branch of Preparedness and Suppression Operations (NIFC) ...................................................4

BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program Manager (NIFC).......................4

BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program (FA-324)...................................5

Fire Operations Group (FOG)...............................................................................................................5

BLM National Training Center (NTC).................................................................................................5

State and Geographic Organization and Responsibilities........................................................... 5

State Directors.......................................................................................................................................5

State Fire Management Officer.............................................................................................................5

State Fire Training Officers..................................................................................................................6

Geographic Area Training Committees/Working Teams.....................................................................6

Geographic Area Training Representatives (GATRs)..........................................................................6

Local Organization and Responsibilities.................................................................................... 7

District Managers..................................................................................................................................7

Unit Fire Management Officers (FMO)................................................................................................7

Unit-Level Training Officers................................................................................................................8

Employee Responsibilities.......................................................................................................... 8
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Chapter 3: BLM National Workforce Development Programs............................................... 9

Introduction................................................................................................................................. 9

Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program (WFAP) ....................................................................... 9

Applying for WFAP Staff and Instructors............................................................................................9

Prescribed Fire Training Center (PFTC)..................................................................................... 9

Applying for PFTC ...............................................................................................................................9

Chapter 4: Interagency Fire Training Program Organizations and Processes.................... 10

Introduction............................................................................................................................... 10

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)..................................................................... 10

Mission................................................................................................................................................10

NWCG Training Development Program .................................................................................. 10

NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee (IPSC).................................................... 11

NWCG Training Delivery Committee (TDC).......................................................................... 12

NWCG Leadership Committee................................................................................................. 12

Interagency Fire Program (IFPM) Group ................................................................................. 13

Purpose................................................................................................................................................13

DOI Policy on Qualification Requirements for GS-0401 Fire Program Management .......................13

NWCG Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) 

Change Management Board...................................................................................................... 14

National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute (NAFRI)........................................................ 14

NWCG Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) ....................................... 14

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for IPTM ..........................................................................................15

BLM Equivalency for NWCG Courses.................................................................................... 15

NWCG Standards for Recognition of Prior Learning.........................................................................16

Nomination Process for an NWCG Course .............................................................................. 16

Chapter 5: BLM-Specific Fire Training and Qualifications................................................... 17

Introduction............................................................................................................................... 17

Incident Qualification and Certification ................................................................................... 17

Work Capacity Test (WCT)/DOI Medical Standards Program (MSP) .................................... 18

BLM National Fire Operations Fitness Challenge.................................................................... 18

Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) ........................................................ 18

IQCS Training.....................................................................................................................................19

Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) Review Committees (IQCRC) .................................. 19

Position Task Books ................................................................................................................. 19
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BLM Recertification Policy...................................................................................................... 19

BLM–Specific Requirements in the Recruitment and Selection Process................................. 20

BLM-Specific Incident Qualifications and BLM-Specific Training Courses.......................... 20

General BLM Non-fire Training Requirements ....................................................................... 20

Appendix A: BLM Fire Training and Qualification Request for Change Process............... 22

Appendix B: BLM Recertification Evaluation......................................................................... 24

Appendix C: BLM-Specific Incident Qualifications................................................................ 26

Appendix D: BLM-Specific Training Courses......................................................................... 34

Appendix E: Other BLM Training Requirements .................................................................. 36
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW CHAPTER 1

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Chapter 1: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development 

Program Overview

Document Purpose

The BLM Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development provides wildland fire and 

aviation training, qualifications, and workforce development program management direction for 

BLM personnel.

For the purpose of this document, the terms wildland fire and fire will be used interchangeably.

Document Scope

The BLM Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development states, references, or 

supplements policy for BLM fire and fire aviation training, qualifications, and workforce 

development program management. Original source policy is stated or referenced throughout this 

document. This document attempts to reference policy, rather than paraphrase policy to limit 

duplication. This document is intended to comply with and support the Review and Update of the 

1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy (January 2001) and the Guidance for 

Implementation of Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy (February 13, 2009); National 

Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, 2023; and the Integrated Rangeland Fire 

Management Strategy, 2015; and the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation 

Operations (Red Book), and other existing federal policy.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Fire Training and Workforce 

Development Program is to develop the wildland firefighting workforce through qualification 

standards, training standards, and workforce development programs in support of BLM fire 

management objectives.

Program Objectives

• Provide national leadership in all areas of BLM fire training and workforce development.

• Advocate for the professional development of the individual firefighter.

• Develop and disseminate a wide range of training and development opportunities for 

BLM fire personnel.

• Ensure that BLM fire training and workforce development supports the overall bureau 

mission.

Fire Training and Workforce Development Doctrine

The purpose of fire training and workforce development qualifications is to develop firefighters 

who can fight fire effectively and safely, and who can manage complex wildland fire programs at 

the highest levels.

Although training is often associated with technical skills and education with professional 

knowledge, a successful firefighter must excel in both areas, mastering a wide range of technical 

skills and building a significant body of professional knowledge. An experienced firefighter’s 
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW CHAPTER 1

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skills and knowledge should range from fundamental suppression tactics to complex wildland 

fire management in challenging interagency environments.

All firefighters undergo similar entry-level training. This universal training provides all 

firefighters with a common background and skill set in the basic components of wildland fire 

management.

Fire training consists of curriculum-driven classroom studies; on-the-job training; individual and 

group workforce exchanges; formal and informal crew-level training; and knowledge and skills 

gained through experience.

The formal training curriculum covers the entire field of wildland fire, from basic suppression to 

management of large and complex fires. Fire and aviation operations, fire behavior and effects, 

risk management, leadership, logistics, planning, finance, and other subjects are part of the fire 

training curriculum.

On-the-job training is formally integrated into the fire training curriculum. Lessons learned in 

controlled classroom settings are practically applied in uncontrolled fire environments where

performance is evaluated and documented by mentors.

Crew-level training is a critical component of effective wildland fire management. Crews train 

through the established curriculum, but also in many other ways, formal and informal. Every 

activity, from routine daily work to complex fire suppression operations, is a training 

opportunity; professional crews train and learn incessantly. The continuous training environment 

established by top crews amplifies the knowledge gained through experience.

Experience is the most critical aspect of fire training. A firefighter gains experience over time 

across a wide range of wildland fire environments and situations. Experience is enhanced as a 

training opportunity when it is critically reviewed and analyzed, even after success. After action 

reviews, tailgate meetings, and accident investigations are all methods for evaluating recent 

experience and identifying opportunities to improve. Self-improvement is critical to the 

development of the professional firefighter.

Successful fire training and workforce development will develop the highly trained, skilled, and 

experienced firefighters and leaders essential to the future success of the BLM fire program.

Policy

Firefighters must meet standards identified in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position 

Qualifications (PMS 310-1). 

Certain fire management positions must meet standards identified in the Interagency Fire 

Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide. 

Employees engaged in fire management activities will comply with all agency-specific training, 

qualifications, and health and safety policies. BLM standards for training and qualifications may 

exceed the minimum standards established by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group 

(NWCG). Additional standards will be approved by the Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation, 
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW CHAPTER 1

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and implemented through the Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS). 

Standards that exceed the minimums established by NWCG are identified in this document.

NWCG-developed direction, if adopted, will be issued as BLM-specific direction, as stated in 

Department Manual Part 620:

“The National Wildlife Coordinating Group is chartered by the Fire Executive Council, the

Chair of the National Association of State Foresters Forest Fire Protection Committee, and

the President of the Intertribal Timber Council, to provide national leadership to develop, 

maintain, and communicate interagency standards, guidelines, qualifications, training, and

other capabilities that enable synchronized operations among federal and non-federal

entities. These standards, guidelines, qualifications, training, and other capabilities are

adopted by individual agencies as policy or best practices. The NWCG facilitates

implementation of approved standards, guidelines, qualifications, and training.”

Review, Updates, Request for Change

The BLM Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development will be updated as necessary. 

Proposed changes and updates to this document will be managed by the BLM National Fire 

Training and Workforce Development Program (FA-324) staff, with input from state fire training 

officers.

BLM Fire Training Request for Change Process

All suggestions for modification to this document should be sent through the appropriate state 

fire training officer via a BLM fire training request for change form (see Appendix A). The 

request for change process is used to recommend:

• Changes to or creation of BLM training courses;

• Changes to or creation of BLM position qualifications, including IQCS 

recommendations;

• Changes to BLM training policy; or

• Development of new training products or workforce development programs.

State fire training officers should address requests with state-level stakeholders and develop a 

consolidated state position. Requests should then be submitted to the national fire training and 

workforce development program manager who will forward the request to the BLM Training 

Group (BTG).

All requests for change will be processed and tracked by FA-324 staff. Some decisions may 

require coordination with other BLM committees and/or groups. BTG decisions or requests for 

further action(s) will be routed through the national fire training and workforce development 

program manager. Changes adopted through this process will be incorporated into the BLM 

Standards for Fire Training and Workforce Development during the next revision.
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

PROGRAM ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES CHAPTER 2

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Chapter 2: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development 

Program Organization and Responsibilities

Introduction

The BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program is made up of personnel

and groups with roles and responsibilities for programs located at the national, state, and local 

levels.

National Organization and Responsibilities

Fire and Aviation Assistant Director (NIFC)

• Approve BLM policy for fire training and qualifications.

• Approve bureau fire training and workforce development programs.

• Advise the director on fire program training and workforce development issues.

• Approve fire training assistance and expertise to BLM and interagency partners.

• Assure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and internal program 

standards.

Chief, Branch of Preparedness and Suppression Operations (NIFC)

• Oversees the BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program.

• Establish uniform processes involving the Fire Operations Group (FOG) and Fire 

Leadership Team (FLT) to develop, issue, implement, evaluate, enforce, revise, and 

reissue fire training and workforce development direction.

• Ensure that fire training and workforce development direction and materials are 

consistent with bureau policies, objectives, and regulations.

• Assure validity and relevance of course materials and instructional methodology.

• Coordinate and integrate fire training efforts with interagency partners.

BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program Manager (NIFC)

• Manage the BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program.

• Provide leadership and technical expertise to bureau fire programs and interagency 

partners in all areas of fire training and workforce development, including training 

systems design, standards development, curriculum development, course delivery, 

publications management, and qualifications standards.

• Develop and implement long-term strategies for continual evaluation and progressive 

modification of the bureau fire training and workforce development program in order to 

keep pace with developments and innovations in the field of training and education.

• Provide leadership and oversight to bureau and interagency training and workforce 

development programs and initiatives such as higher education programs and workforce 

mentoring program.

• Evaluate and adjust fire training and workforce development programs to achieve 

established objectives in the most cost-effective manner possible.
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

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BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program (FA-324)

The BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program (FA-324) functions

under the direction of the Chief, Branch of Preparedness and Suppression Operations. FA-324 is 

made up of a program manager, assistant manager, writer/editor, who provide overall support for 

the BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program.

Website: https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/our-partners/blm/training

Fire Operations Group (FOG)

The FOG is chartered under the Fire Leadership Team (FLT) and in collaboration with Fire 

Operations (FA-300) and is made up of state fire operation specialists. This group’s mission is to 

provide national leadership in all areas of BLM fire operations and promote and coordinate safe, 

effective, and efficient fire operations in order to accomplish BLM fire management objectives.

Website: https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/blm-fa/fire-operations/SitePages/Fire-OperationsGroup-(FOG).aspx?csf=1&web=1&e=onC9L2http://

BLM National Training Center (NTC)

The National Training Center provides instructor-led training, distant learning courses and other 

learning opportunities and services to agency employees, partners and contractors. The 

curriculum covers renewable and non-renewable resource management programs, planning and 

business management, engineering, safety, information technology and more. This professional 

development prepares employees and public collaborators to support the BLM's mission.

Website: https://www.blm.gov/learn/national-training-center

State and Geographic Organization and Responsibilities

State Directors

• Provide statewide leadership in fire training and workforce development.

• Ensure that fire or fire militia employees meet applicable fire training requirements 

established in this document, the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation 

Operations, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, Interagency 

Fire Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide, and the Federal 

Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement.

• Ensure training is completed to support delegations to line managers and principal 

actings.

• Support local, geographic, and national training efforts by providing instructors, 

coordinators, and subject matter experts for course development/revision.

State Fire Management Officer

• Provide leadership in fire training and workforce development.

• Ensure that fire or fire militia employees meet applicable fire training requirements 

established in this document, the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation 

Operations, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, Interagency 
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

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Fire Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide, and the Federal 

Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement prior to performing fire management duties.

• Maintain fire training and qualifications records.

• Develops, implements, evaluates, and documents fire and fire aviation training to meet 

current and anticipated needs.

• Certify position task books and incident qualification cards for Area Command and 

Complex Incident Management Command and General Staff positions.

• Certify and maintain a record of all FAL1 evaluators, FAL1 evaluations, and FAL1 

evaluator task sheets.

State Fire Training Officers

All states have a designated state fire training officer position; however, this may be assigned as 

a collateral duty by some states.

• Provide statewide leadership in fire training and workforce development.

• Assist the state director, state FMO, and unit fire program manager in meeting all fire 

training and workforce development requirements.

• Represent the state to meet national fire training objectives.

• May represent the state and the BLM on the geographic area training committee.

• Coordinate fire training efforts with state counterparts in operations, aviation, and fuels.

• Serve as the state IQCS account manager and coordinator.

• Work with the unit fire programs to provide subject matter experts and field reviewers for 

BLM and NWCG course development projects.

• Meet established fire training documentation and reporting requirements.

• Assist unit fire programs in complying with Interagency Fire Program Management 

(IFPM) qualifications standards.

• Coordinate and prioritize statewide NWCG fire training course nominations.

• Assist unit fire programs in identifying and facilitating on-the-job training opportunities.

• Provide leadership in the individual development plan process and mentoring programs.

Geographic Area Training Committees/Working Teams

Geographic area training committees/working teams are chartered under their respective 

geographic area coordinating groups or boards of authority. Their purpose is to provide 

coordinated, interagency training programs within their geographic areas. Charters and detailed 

information pertaining to the geographic area training committees/working teams can be found 

on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

Website: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/

Geographic Area Training Representatives (GATRs)

GATRs are selected by their governing geographic area coordinating groups and/or boards of 

directors to provide cost effective and efficient interagency wildland fire management training 

responsive to the needs and direction of their respective geographic areas, and in support of the 

national training effort.
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

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• Responsible for the scheduling, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of Geographic 

Area (GA) sponsored training within the GA.

• GATR represents NWCG training delivery issues/recommendations to the GA and 

National level.

• Responsible for forwarding recommendations and delivery issues to the NWCG Training 

Delivery Committee.

• Coordinates with other GATRs to share courses, cadres, and training materials to ensure 

cost effective, efficient training delivery throughout the geographic areas.

• Serves as the single point of contact for out-of-GA training nomination.

• Serves as the program lead for respective GA priority trainee mobilization coordination 

within and outside their GA. Responsible for providing inter-geographic priority trainee 

availability lists and spreadsheet documentation of priority trainee assignments.

• Administrative responsibility for the GA training in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

• Support coordination of subject matter expert and field reviewers for NWCG 

development.

• Provide forums to share innovative training ideas, concepts, and best management 

practices with each other.

• Responsible for implementation of the training workflow process of IQCS.

Website: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=306§ion=1

Local Organization and Responsibilities

District Managers

• Provide districtwide leadership in fire training and workforce development.

• Ensure that fire or fire militia employees meet applicable fire training requirements 

established in this document, the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation 

Operations, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, Interagency 

Fire Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide, and the Federal 

Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement.

• Ensure capability to delegate fire management duties to principal actings by 

accomplishing required training.

• Support local, geographic, and national training efforts by providing instructors, 

coordinators, and subject matter experts for course development/revision.

• Establish and implement fire training and workforce development plans to meet 

established fire management objectives of the annual work plan.

Unit Fire Management Officers (FMO)

• Provide leadership in fire training and workforce development.

• Ensure that fire or fire militia employees meet applicable fire training requirements 

established in this document, the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation 

Operations, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, Interagency 

Fire Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide, and the Federal 

Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement prior to performing fire management duties.
BLM NATIONAL FIRE TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

PROGRAM ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES CHAPTER 2

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• Evaluate and communicate fire training and workforce development needs with unit and 

state training officers to meet current and anticipated needs.

• Ensure all unit IQCS account managers have a delegation of authority from the certifying 

official.

Unit-Level Training Officers

All units have designated fire training officers; this is often a collateral duty.

• Provide unit-level leadership in fire training and workforce development.

• Assist the district manager and the FMO in all areas of fire training.

• Ensure that employees meet pertinent PMS 310-1 and BLM-specific qualifications 

requirements.

• Maintain fire training and qualifications records.

• Assess unit training needs and establish training objectives. Develop and implement 

training schedules to meet those objectives.

• Coordinate fire training efforts with interagency partners and non-fire programs.

• Represent the unit on local, zone, or geographic area fire training committees.

• Manage the unit IQCS account, including inputting training, qualifications, and 

experience information and producing incident qualifications cards (red cards).

• Coordinate the fire qualifications review process for the unit IQCS red card review 

committee.

• Assist with IFPM standards compliance.

• Coordinate and prioritize unit-level NWCG fire training course nominations.

• Assist employees in identifying and facilitating on-the-job training opportunities.

• Provide leadership in the individual development plan (IDP) process and mentoring 

programs.

• Assist the FMO in prioritizing training nominations.

• Work with agency and interagency counterparts to sponsor 100-300 level courses.

Employee Responsibilities

While the BLM has a responsibility to ensure that employees are properly trained and equipped 

to perform their jobs, employees are largely responsible for developing and advancing their own 

careers. Responsibilities may include:

• Work with immediate supervisor to identify training and development needs.

• Use annual performance plan and/or individual development plan to establish and 

implement a training and development strategy.

• Participate in and complete training courses and developmental activities.

• Apply knowledge and skills in field situations to gain experience.

• Enhance experience by participating in after action reviews and other activities that assess, 

analyze, and seek to improve performance.

• Ensure that training and records are accurately entered into IQCS.

• Maintain personal copies of training, qualifications, and experience.

• Execute only duties they have been trained and qualified to perform.
BLM NATIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS CHAPTER 3

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Chapter 3: BLM National Workforce Development Programs

Introduction

The BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program is constantly developing 

and improving programs that will better develop our future firefighters, leaders, and fire 

managers. This chapter addresses workforce development programs managed at the national 

level.

Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program (WFAP)

The Wildland Firefighter Apprentice Program is a program designed to enhance and develop 

future fire and aviation managers. The intent of the program is to take a career-entry firefighter 

and provide education, training, and paid work experience over a 12- to 48-month period, 

depending on experience. Upon successful completion of all the requirements of the program, 

the apprentice will reach journey-level status as a wildland firefighter.

BLM is able to send apprentices to the WFAP only to attend courses on a space-available basis.

Contact the BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program Manager for 

additional information and registration information. 

The BLM will continue to support the WFAP by providing staff and instructors through an 

interagency agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.

Applying for WFAP Staff and Instructors

Interested employees should visit the WFAP website for staff and instructors outreach 

information. Individuals selected as staff and instructors will notify the BLM National Fire 

Training and Workforce Development Program manager prior to departure from the home unit to 

receive funding information.

Website: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=326

BLM Representative: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program

Manager

Prescribed Fire Training Center (PFTC)

The National Interagency Prescribed Fire Training Center (NIPFTC) offers unique programs that 

blend prescribed burning experience with a flexible curriculum covering foundational topics for 

prescribed fire practitioners and fire and fuels managers. Emphasis is placed on field experience, 

providing maximum opportunities for a multitude of organizations and agencies (including 

international participants, non-governmental organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal 

government agencies) to build skills and knowledge of prescribed fire.

Applying for PFTC

Contact your state fuels lead or Angie Simpson, Fuels Management Specialist, for more 

information on BLM participation.

Website: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=958
INTERAGENCY FIRE TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND PROCESSES CHAPTER 4

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Chapter 4: Interagency Fire Training Program Organizations and Processes

Introduction

The BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program functions within and 

outside of the interagency environment. This chapter provides an overview of the National 

Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and the interagency committees under its direction 

and how the BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program interfaces in the 

interagency environment.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

Mission

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable 

interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners.

Primary objectives include:

• Establish national interagency wildland fire operations standards. Recognize that the 

decision to adopt standards is made independently by the NWCG members and 

communicated through their respective directives systems.

• Establish wildland fire position standards, qualifications requirements, and performance 

support capabilities (e.g., training courses, job aids) that enable implementation of 

NWCG standards.

• Support the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy goals: to restore and 

maintain resilient landscapes; create fire adapted communities; and respond to wildfires 

safely and effectively.

• Establish information technology (IT) capability requirements for wildland fire.

• Ensure that all NWCG activities contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated national 

interagency wildland fire operations.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/

NWCG Training Development Program

The NWCG Training Development Program provides national leadership in the development 

and delivery of the NWCG wildland fire training curriculum. The NWCG training curriculum is 

one of the primary vehicles by which NWCG standards are transmitted to the wildland fire 

community. The training curriculum includes classroom, online, and on-the-job training 

components. Primary objectives include:

• Modernize NWCG’s training systems through the Incident Performance and Training 

Modernization project.

• Develop and disseminate high quality, relevant wildland fire training in a cost-effective

manner to support the needs of the wildland fire community.

• Develop and disseminate wildland fire position task books based on established position

duties and responsibilities.
INTERAGENCY FIRE TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND PROCESSES CHAPTER 4

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• Ensure that qualification requirements, performance support material, and position task

books are aligned.

• Establish and implement an effective and efficient curriculum management process.

• Provide direction and support to NWCG subgroups with curriculum stewardship

responsibilities.

• Work with the NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee (IPSC), NWCG

Training Delivery Committee (TDC), Wildland Fire Learning Portal Governance Board,

geographic area training representatives (GATRs), FEMA, National Advanced Fire and

Resource Institute, the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC), and other pertinent

entities to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in all areas of wildland firefighter

training.

NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee (IPSC)

The Incident and Position Standards Committee (IPSC) provides national leadership in the 

development of wildland fire incident management standards and incident position standards that 

all NWCG agencies utilize for mobilization while maintain a long-term strategic perspective. 

Primary objectives include:

• Provide oversight and direction to ensure the consistent development, implementation 

and maintenance of incident management standards. These standards may include 

guidelines, procedures, processes, best practices, specifications, techniques, and methods.

• Provide oversight and direction to ensure the consistent development, implementation 

and maintenance of incident position standards. These standards include incident position 

descriptions (duties and responsibilities) and position qualification requirements for 

training, experience, physical fitness, and position currency.

• Coordinate with NIMSIC on wildland fire endorsements to NIMS NQS positions.

• Establish, implement, maintain and communicate business processes and criteria to assist 

NWCG committees and subgroups in performing this work.

• Collaborate with the NWCG committees, NWCG staff and other stakeholders to 

prioritize development and maintenance of incident management standards, incident 

position standards, publications, training materials, and other position performance 

support content.

• Ensure position standards and requirements are consistent with the National Incident 

Management System (NIMS).

• Coordinate implementation of incident position standards with the Incident Qualifications 

and Certification System (IQCS) and Incident Qualifications System (IQS) system 

managers.

• Identify and address strategic opportunities for incident management and incident 

positions standards improvement, sustainability and efficiency.

• Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, 

IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational 

elements.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/incident-and-position-standards-committee

BLM Representatives: FOG member and BLM National Fire Training and Workforce 

Development Program Manager
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NWCG Training Delivery Committee (TDC)

The Training Delivery Committee (TDC) provides national level oversight for the delivery of 

NWCG courses and supports the missions and responsibilities of the Incident and Position 

Standards Committee (IPSC), the Wildland Fire Learning Portal Governance Board, the NWCG 

Training Development Program (TDP), and other NWCG committees/groups with course 

management responsibilities.

• Establishes, maintains, implements, and oversees business processes for the delivery of 

NWCG courses.

• Assists the TDP with establishment, maintenance, and implementation of a NWCG 

training development/revision plan.

• Coordinates with other NWCG committees and the TDP to establish course development 

and revision priorities.

• Ensures that delivery issues and/or recommendations are provided to the TDP and 

addressed during the course revision process.

• Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, 

IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational 

elements.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/training-delivery-committee

BLM Representatives: Geographic area training representatives

NWCG Leadership Committee

The Leadership Committee (LC) promotes and enables the development of leaders in the 

wildland fire service. The LC provides educational and leadership development opportunities

and supports leadership innovation and best practices throughout the wildland fire community. 

Primary objectives include:

• Ensure that key stakeholders and partners are identified and engaged in committee 

activities.

• Ensure that leadership training is of high quality, is consistent with program doctrine, and 

is aligned with target audiences.

• Manage the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP).

• Ensure capacity, accessibility and quality of WFLDP products meet demand.

• Continually seek to improve and incorporate best practices in leadership development.

• Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, 

IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational 

elements.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/leadership-committee

BLM Representative: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/leadership-committee/roster
INTERAGENCY FIRE TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND PROCESSES CHAPTER 4

13

Interagency Fire Program (IFPM) Group

The Interagency Fire Program Management Group (IFPM Group) is established pursuant to the 

authorities granted in the federal Fire Management Board (FMB) charter.

Purpose

The purpose of the IFPM Group is to develop, maintain, and implement Interagency Fire 

Program Management Qualifications Standards for key fire management positions utilized by 

the federal land management agencies. 

The IFPM Group is primarily responsible for:

• Maintain the Interagency Fire Program Management Qualification Standards 

(Qualification Standards) for key fire program positions.

• Ensure consistent interagency application of the Qualification Standards.

• Integrate Qualification Standards into agency workforce development and succession 

planning efforts.

• Establish and maintain a process for reporting issues and concerns related to the 

maintenance of the Qualification Standards.

• Communicate with fire management and human resources management staff on 

Qualification Standards utilizing the IFPM website, status reports, FAQs and decision 

papers.

• Coordinate with the Incident Qualification and Certification (IQCS) Change Management 

Board to maintain the qualification requirements for key fire management positions in 

IQCS for tracking and reporting purposes.

• Coordinate with the interagency classification group on the development and 

maintenance of interagency standard position descriptions for key fire management 

positions.

• Collect data, develop reports and present findings to FMB as requested.

DOI Policy on Qualification Requirements for GS-0401 Fire Program Management

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard for the 0401 series includes 

a “positive” education requirement. OPM has also established the GS-0401 Supplemental 

Qualification Standard for Fire Program Management. Applicants are responsible for providing 

documentation or proof that they have met the applicable educational provisions described in the 

supplemental standard. No applicant may be placed in a position covered by the GS-0401 

Supplemental Qualification Standard for Fire Program Management without meeting these 

requirements.

Training officers must work closely with human resources personnel to ensure that the 

coursework meets the requirements of the GS-0401 supplemental standard.

Departmental policy on Qualification Requirements for GS-0401 Fire Program Management is 

located at https://www.nifc.gov/programs/interagency-fire-program-management/ifpm-standard.

Website: https://www.nifc.gov/programs/interagency-fire-program-management
INTERAGENCY FIRE TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND PROCESSES CHAPTER 4

14

BLM Representatives: Chief, Branch of Preparedness and Suppression Operations and BLM

National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program manager

NWCG Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) Change Management 

Board

The IQCS Change Management Board (CMB) is chartered under the IQCS program manager. 

The CMB purpose is to provide agency business oversight and rules that reflect agency 

qualification policies and standards that need to be applied within the IQCS.

The CMB has the following distinct purposes:

• Ensures the application accurately reflects the business requirements and meets the needs 

of the user community.

• Provides interpretation and implementation direction on changes to the NWCG guidance 

or standards and provide appropriate agency specific guidance.

• Primary source of business direction to the system managers.

• Approve change requests where level of effort is greater than 16 staff hours, impacts the 

business process of agencies or IQCS membership requests by an agency/entity.

• Approve requests for new agency membership into the application.

• Ensure all approved change requests are based on a demonstrated business needs.

• Agency specific qualification request are shared with each member prior to 

implementation.

• Identify agency qualification documents that reflect agency policies.

• Approve all system modifications that may affect implementation of business 

requirements, user security roles, or have a major effect on the responder’s data.

More information on BLM IQCS standards and training is contained in Chapter 5.

Website: https://iqcsweb.nwcg.gov/

BLM Representative: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program 

assistant manager

National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute (NAFRI)

The National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute (NAFRI) is responsible for course delivery 

of 500-600 level NWCG courses and other national training courses as endorsed by NWCG.

Website: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=257§ion=0

BLM Representative: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program

manager

NWCG Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

The modernization of NWCG’s training systems is part of the larger Systems Improvement 

effort intended to support NWCG’s core mission of enabling interoperable wildland fire 

operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. The Incident Performance 

and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort is a key component of Systems Improvement and is 

comprised of three components:
INTERAGENCY FIRE TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND PROCESSES CHAPTER 4

15

• Incident position management

• Next Generation position task books (Next Gen PTBs)

• Streamlined training

Providing quality training to firefighters and support personnel is critical, and as such IPTM is a 

national effort and a top priority of the NWCG Executive Board. In 2022, NWCG received 

funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to complete the IPTM effort.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for IPTM

NWCG solicits for SMEs as part of the IPTM effort. SME involvement is crucial in modernizing 

incident position qualifications and training over the next five years (2023-2027). Creating 

incident position standards and training that is relevant and specific to each position requires 

SMEs with recent experience working in the position. Engaged SMEs are key to success of the 

IPTM effort – SMEs will be selected by the parent committee, in conjunction with the 

position stewards. The selected SMEs will work directly with the contractor and NWCG 

Training staff to develop the performance support packages for each position, to include incident 

position standards, Next Gen PTBs, and any training material or products necessary to support 

the position. The input of SMEs with current knowledge of each position is critical to ensuring 

the performance support packages are useful and relevant. Individuals interested in participating 

as an SME need supervisor approval, must commit to full participation throughout the process, 

and can sign up at 

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=urWTBhhLe02TQfMvQApUlFNoO5whY

PZPhsuttXodmhNUQ09DQzZSUVkyNjRUQU1DM0UxR1JSNVA4OC4u. Additional SME 

information, and the timeline for work on specific positions is located at 

https://www.nwcg.gov/iptm.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/iptm

BLM Representative: BLM National Fire Training and Workforce Development Program 

manager

BLM Equivalency for NWCG Courses

The BLM has determined that the courses listed in the table below are equivalent to the 

associated NWCG courses. Persons who have successfully completed the identified equivalent 

course do not need to attend the corresponding NWCG course and should receive credit in IQCS.

NWCG-APPROVED CURRICULUM APPROVED EQUIVALENT COURSE(S)

Facilitative Instructor (M-410) National Fire Protection Association, Fire Service Instructor 

I (NFPA 1041) 

Introduction to Fire Effects (RX-310) Successful completion of Technical Fire Management 

(TFM) 

Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180) Firefighter Training (S-130, 2004 version).

The 2004 version of S-130 incorporated L-180 into the 

course package. 
INTERAGENCY FIRE TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS AND PROCESSES CHAPTER 4

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NWCG Standards for Recognition of Prior Learning

The NWCG Standards for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) establishes the use of a formal 

competency-based qualification process that allows any credentialing authority to recognize and 

account for competence acquired through life-long learning and experience. RPL is a process 

that evaluates an individual’s formal and non-formal learning to determine the extent to which 

that individual has achieved the required competencies to perform effectively in a specific 

emergency management or responder position. It is widely recognized that a standardized 

NWCG RPL process will reduce redundant training, support efforts to increase speed and time to 

competency, and support efforts to boost national resource surge capacity. 

Federal agencies with responsibilities under the National Response Framework (NRF) are 

required to ensure that emergency response providers, incident management personnel, and any 

other personnel responding to a disaster declaration are credentialed and typed in accordance 

with 6 U.S.C. 320. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5) also sets minimum 

standards that emergency responders must meet.

RPL is a competency-based process that evaluates an individual’s experience, formal and nonformal, to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required competencies 

of an emergency response position. RPL is a qualification process used to determine a person’s 

competency to do a job at a prescribed level for the basis of credentialing. RPL measures the 

candidate’s demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience (the overall performance) against 

national standard competencies established for specific jobs. The evaluation process focuses on 

candidates’ ability to meet the established standards rather than how they acquired the 

knowledge, skills, or abilities. Candidates may have acquired their skills in another emergency 

response/services discipline, through formal training in a particular field, in the military, or 

through a combination of career employment experiences. Candidates should not be judged on 

where or how they learned to do a job, but rather their ability to do the job.

Documents to navigate the RPL process are available at https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/309.

Nomination Process for an NWCG Course

See the Wildland Fire Learning Portal under “National Training Centers” and “Geographic 

Areas” tabs for information on the nomination process.
BLM-SPECIFIC FIRE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS CHAPTER 5

17

Chapter 5: BLM-Specific Fire Training and Qualifications

Introduction

BLM firefighters must meet minimum standards identified in the NWCG Standards for Wildland 

Fire Position Qualifications (PMS 310-1), and for non-PMS 310-1 positions, refer to the Federal 

Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement.

Bureau personnel will meet the training, certification, and qualification processes outlined in the 

PMS 310-1, the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement, and this document. However, 

the bureau may place higher standards for training, certification, and qualifications.

Department Manual Part 620, Chapter 2.2, Section E:

“The National Wildlife Coordinating Group is chartered by the Fire Executive Council, the 

Chair of the National Association of State Foresters Forest Fire Protection Committee, and 

the President of the Intertribal Timber Council, to provide national leadership to develop, 

maintain, and communicate interagency standards, guidelines, qualifications, training, and 

other capabilities that enable synchronized operations among federal and non-federal 

entities. These standards, guidelines, qualifications, training, and other capabilities are 

adopted by individual agencies as policy or best practices. The NWCG facilitates 

implementation of approved standards, guidelines, qualifications, and training.”

BLM adopts NWCG standards, or implements additional standards, by issuing guidance through 

the bureau directives system.

Incident Qualification and Certification

The agency administrator (or delegate) is responsible for annual certification of all agency and 

administratively determined (AD) personnel serving on wildfire, prescribed fire, and all-hazard 

incidents. This responsibility includes monitoring medical status, fitness, training, performance, 

and ensuring the responder meets all position performance requirements. 

Training, medical screening, and successful completion of the appropriate work capacity test 

(WCT) must be properly accomplished. All incident qualification cards issued to agency 

employees, with the exception of emergency firefighter (EFF-paid or temporary employees at the 

FFT2 level), will be printed or electronic using the Incident Qualifications and Certification 

System (IQCS). Incident qualification cards issued to EFF or temporary employees at the FFT2 

level may be printed at the local level without use of the IQCS.

IQCS account managers will be identified at the national, regional/state, and local level to ensure 

all training and qualification requirements are accurately recorded in the IQCS. All records must 

be updated annually or modified as changes occur.

BLM employees shall not certify the qualifications of private sector contractors or educational 

institutions trainees or instructors except where formal agreements are in place. Non-agency 

firefighters will be certified by state or local fire departments, or private training providers 

approved by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) through their local GACC. Agencies will 

not assist in the administration or sponsor the work capacity test (WCT) as the certifying agency.
BLM-SPECIFIC FIRE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS CHAPTER 5

18

Work Capacity Test (WCT)/DOI Medical Standards Program (MSP)

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications establishes physical fitness 

standards for NWCG sanctioned firefighters. These standards are assessed using the WCT. Prior 

to attempting the WCT, all employees who participate in wildland fire activities requiring a 

fitness level of arduous must participate in the DOI Medical Standards Program (MSP).

Website: https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/medical-standards

BLM National Fire Operations Fitness Challenge

The BLM Fire Operations Fitness Challenge encourages and recognizes achievement in physical 

fitness by BLM firefighters. The fitness challenge provides a common system by which BLM 

firefighters can measure current fitness, establish fitness goals, and track fitness improvement.

Website: BLM Fire Operations Fitness Challenge

Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS)

The Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) is the incident qualification and 

certification record keeping system for the BLM. The Responder Master Record provided by 

IQCS meets the BLM requirement for maintaining fire qualification records. The system is 

designed to provide managers at the local, state/regional, and national levels with detailed 

qualification, experience, and training information needed to certify employees in wildland fire 

positions. IQCS is a tool to assist managers in certification decisions; however, it does not 

replace the manager’s responsibility to validate employees meet all requirements for position 

performance based on the BLM standards.

IQCS implemented functionality that supports electronic employee training and qualification 

records. IQCS account managers should begin utilizing the document upload feature 

(https://iqcsweb.nwcg.gov/module-5-qualification-competencies-management) for all new 

responders and begin transitioning to electronic file storage for existing responders.

Uploaded documents in support of training and qualification records will include proof of all 

required training, licenses/certification, certified position task books, and documentation for 

manual award of competencies (if applicable). For existing responders with large historical hard 

copy files, a feature is available that allows upload of multiple documents as a single electronic 

file. Upload only documents that support training and qualifications, not general non-fire 

training requirements (e.g., FISSA, EEO, ethics). Historical documents currently included in the 

hard copy training folder, such as performance evaluations, current copy of the incident 

qualification card, and review/audit forms (if applicable), may be uploaded but are not required.

Employees are responsible for working with the training officer/IQCS account manager to ensure 

that training and qualification records are accurate. Once all required documents are converted to 

electronic files, IQCS becomes the system of record and the employee should assume possession 

of the hard copy training folder.

During the transition, IQCS certifying officials have the option to keep employee training and 

qualification records as a hard copy file or an electronic file. All records will be stored and/or 
BLM-SPECIFIC FIRE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS CHAPTER 5

19

destroyed in accordance with agency policies. Transition of hard copy records to electronic 

records must be completed by December 31, 2024.

IQCS Training

All authorized users will complete mandatory IQCS user training. IQCS training is only 

available online in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. For additional questions, contact the BLM 

state IQCS representatives listed at https://iqcsweb.nwcg.gov/contact-us/blm-reps. IQCS staff 

updates training materials to match modifications and improvements to IQCS.

All IQCS account managers must have a delegation of authority from their certifying official.

Website: https://iqcsweb.nwcg.gov/

Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) Review Committees (IQCRC)

Each unit with fire management responsibilities will establish an incident qualification card 

qualification and certification process, which may include a qualification and certification 

committee. In areas cooperating with other federal, state, or local agencies, an interagency 

qualification and certification committee should be established and include representatives from 

each unit. These qualification and certification committees provide management oversight and 

review of the wildland and prescribed fire positions under their jurisdiction. The committee:

• Ensures that qualifications generated by IQCS or other agency systems for employees are 

valid by reviewing the training and experience of each employee.

• Determines whether each employee possesses the personal characteristics necessary to 

perform the wildland and prescribed fire positions in a safe and efficient manner.

• Makes recommendations to the appropriate agency administrator or designee who is 

responsible for final certification signature.

• Develops interagency training needs and sponsors courses that can be offered locally.

• Ensures training nominees meet minimum requirements for attending courses.

Position Task Books

The unit’s certifying official is responsible for certification and verification of all employees’ 

qualifications to ensure they meet BLM standards, including required training and completion of 

position task books (PTBs).

For more information on roles and responsibilities for completing the PTBs refer to PMS 310-1.

To delete a position task book in IQCS, contact the IQCS Help Desk. The request will be 

forwarded to the BLM IQCS Change Management Board representative for approval.

BLM Recertification Policy

If an employee (including an agency-sponsored AD) has lost currency in a position, the 

employee is converted to trainee status for that position. To regain full qualification for the 

position, the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform in the position as determined by 

the IQCS certifying official. Prior to recertification, the employee must:
BLM-SPECIFIC FIRE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS CHAPTER 5

20

• Complete the BLM Recertification Evaluation found in Appendix B.

• Complete one or more evaluation assignments.

• Complete any additional requirements as determined by the certifying official (e.g.,

additional assignments and/or courses).

NOTE: This policy only applies to positions for which a PTB is required.

If a certifying official requires a decertification of a qualification, it is recommended to utilize 

the “Block” function in IQCS and to properly document in the justification block.

Website: https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/our-partners/blm/training

BLM–Specific Requirements in the Recruitment and Selection Process

Personnel hired by the BLM must meet requirements established in the position description. If 

the position description requires Incident Command System (ICS) qualifications, only 

qualifications and minimum requirements specified in the PMS 310-1 will be applied as selective 

factors and/or screen-out questions. To avoid reducing candidate pools, BLM-specific 

requirements that are supplemental to the PMS 310-1 may not be used as selective placement 

factors/screen-out questions. Supplemental BLM-specific training or qualification requirements 

may only be used as selective factors and/or screen-out questions when requested and justified 

by the selecting official and approved by human resources. Impacts to the candidate pool must be 

addressed in the justification. As with all other BLM or DOI-specific training/experience 

requirements (e.g., Do What’s Right training and purchase card training) that newly hired 

employees from other agencies may not have, the supervisor and IQCS certifying official are 

responsible for reconciling that employee’s training and IQCS record after the employee has 

entered on duty. This may be accomplished by providing additional training/experience or by 

manually awarding competencies as per established IQCS protocol.

BLM-Specific Incident Qualifications and BLM-Specific Training Courses

As additional agency requirements to the PMS 310-1, the BLM has identified additional 

requirements to support the wildland fire management program for Engine Boss (ENGB), 

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1), Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), Firing 

Boss (FIRB), and Fire Effect Monitor (FEMO).

Refer to the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications Supplement for information on non-PMS

310-1 positions.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1

See Appendix C and Appendix D for BLM positions with additional qualification and training 

requirements above the NWCG PMS 310-1 standards.

To request changes to current positions and/or their requirements or request new positions or 

training courses, refer to Appendix A – BLM Fire Training Request for Change.

General BLM Non-fire Training Requirements
BLM-SPECIFIC FIRE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS CHAPTER 5

21

All fire personnel will meet specific agency training, experience, and qualification requirements 

for incident assignments. Additional training which is deemed necessary to improve employee 

proficiency and safety but is not addressed within the NWCG curriculum will be offered to the 

employee and taken in a timely manner. See Appendix E for more information.
BLM FIRE TRAINING REQUEST FOR CHANGE PROCESS APPENDIX A

22

Appendix A: BLM Fire Training and Qualification Request for Change 

Process

All requests for change forms will be submitted through the appropriate state fire training officer

to the national fire training and workforce development program manager. The request for 

change process is used to recommend:

• Changes to or creation of BLM training courses;

• Changes to or creation of BLM position qualifications, including IQCS 

recommendations;

• Changes to BLM training policy; or

• Development of new training products or workforce development programs.

When the state fire training officer receives a request for change, he/she is expected to seek input 

from their state prior to submitting the request to the national fire training and workforce 

development manager to ensure the change request is national in scope and meets an identified 

need of the bureau. If so, the state fire training officer will forward the request to the national fire 

training and workforce development manager who will forward the request to the BLM Training 

Group (BTG) for placement on the agenda.

All requests for change will be processed through BTG conference calls or meetings and tracked 

by FA-324 staff. Some decisions may require coordination with other BLM committees and/or 

groups.

Once a decision has been reached, the BTG will forward the request to the Chief, FA-320/FOG

for concurrence, if required, and notify the national fire training and workforce development

manager and state fire training officers of the final decision, and if any further action is needed.

Changes adopted through this process will be incorporated into the BLM Standards for Fire 

Training and Workforce Development during the annual revision.

Form Instructions:

1. State/Office Requesting Change: Indicate the state requesting the change and identify 

the appropriate state fire training officer.

2. Unit Representative Contact Information: Provide the name, home unit, telephone 

number, and email address of the person initiating the change request.

3. Description of the Proposal: Briefly describe the proposed change in sufficient detail.

4. Description of the Issue: Describe the issue your proposal is intended to solve. Provide 

the significant background information on the issue.

5. Desired Outcome: Provide a description of the final product. Offer suggested language 

for policy change, if applicable.

6. Estimated Cost/Workload Required: Provide an estimated amount the proposal will 

cost to accomplish. Estimate the number of people and time it will take to bring the 

request to resolution. Offer alternatives for delivering the desired outcome. Understand 

that this is a simple estimate of workload.
BLM FIRE TRAINING REQUEST FOR CHANGE PROCESS APPENDIX A

23

BLM Fire Training and Qualification Request for Change

State/Office Requesting Change:

State Fire Training Officer:

Unit Representative Name:

Unit Representative Home Unit:

Unit Representative Contact #:

Unit Representative Email:

Date Submitted:

Description of the Proposal (Be concise.)

Description of the Issue (Concise overview and background and reasons change is needed.)

Desired Outcome (Describe potential end product, proposed language, estimated due date, 

etc.)

Estimated Cost/Workload Required

~For Committee Use Only~

BLM Training Group Approval  Yes 

 No 

 Pending/Further Information Needed

Date:

Rationale:

Chief, FA-320/FOG Approval, if required  Yes 

 No 

 Pending/Further Information Needed

Date:

Rationale:
BLM RECERTIFICATION EVALUATION Appendix B

24

Appendix B: BLM Recertification Evaluation 
BLM RECERTIFICATION EVALUATION Appendix B

25
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

26

Appendix C: BLM-Specific Incident Qualifications

As additional agency requirements to the PMS 310-1, the BLM has identified additional 

requirements to support the wildland fire management program for engine boss (ENGB), 

prescribed fire burn boss Type 1 (RXB1), prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2), firing boss

(FIRB), fire effects monitor (FEMO), and procurement unit leader (PROC).

The BLM also follows the NWCG Standards for Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation

(PMS 484) and BLM supplemental policy (issued through directives) in dealing with prescribed 

fire qualifications, certification, and fitness standards.

In April 2014, the Fire Leadership Team (FLT) approved a proposal from the BLM Fire 

Operations Group (FOG) to require certain NWCG leadership courses for key fireline positions

(see Information Bulletin No. FA 2015-006, Implementation of Required Leadership Training 

for Key Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Fireline Positions). These requirements are:

• L-280 Followership to Leadership for crew boss (CRWB), engine boss (ENGB), felling 

boss (FELB), firing boss (FIRB), heavy equipment boss (HEQB), helicopter manager

(HMGB), and incident commander, Type 4 (ICT4) positions;

• L-380 Fireline Leadership for task force leader (TFLD), strike team leader, heavy 

equipment (STEQ), strike team leader, engine (STEN), strike team leader, crew (STCR), 

helibase manager (HEBM), and prescribed fire burn boss, Type 2 (RXB2) positions;

• L-381 Incident Leadership for incident commander, Type 3, (ICT3) and 

division/group supervisor (DIVS) positions.

Website: https://www.nwcg.gov/wfldp

For information on non-PMS 310-1 positions, refer to the Federal Wildland Fire Qualifications

Supplement.

Engine Boss (ENGB)

BLM utilizes the term “engine captain” to describe an individual whose position description 

reflects primary responsibility as a supervisory wildland firefighter of a wildland fire engine in a 

BLM fire management organization and should not be confused with engine boss. The “engine 

captain” is not a fireline qualification. The BLM-specific engine boss qualification uses the 

NWCG position task book; however, training requirements differ.

**Identifies additional BLM Requirement

REQUIRED TRAINING

ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (ICS-200)

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130)

Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230) 

Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) 
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

27

**Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface (S-215) 

**BLM Engine Driver Refresher (annually; IQCS Number: RT-301)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

**Satisfactory position performance as incident commander Type 5 (ICT5)

AND

**Satisfactory position performance as engine operator (ENOP)

AND

Satisfactory performance as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

AND

Completion and certification of PTB as engine boss (ENGB)

PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL

Arduous

THESE POSITIONS MAINTAIN CURRENCY FOR ENGB

**Engine operator (ENOP)

Division/group supervisor (DIVS)

Incident commander Type 3 (ICT3)

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

Operations section chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 1 (RXB1)

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

Safety officer, line (SOFR)

Safety officer Field (SOFF)

Single resource boss including (CRWB, FELB, FIRB, HMGB, HEQB)

Strike team leader engine (STEN)

Task force leader (TFLD)

ENGB MAINTAINS CURRENCY FOR THESE POSITIONS

Field observer (FOBS)

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

Incident commander Type 5 (ICT5)

Single resource boss (CRWB, FELB, FIRB, HEQB)

Strike team leader engine (STEN)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE 

AND SKILLS

Engine Boss (Single Resource) (S-231)

Firing Operation (S-219)

Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)

Basic Air Operations (S-270)

Followership to Leadership (L-280)
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

28

Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB)

REQUIRED TRAINING

ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (ICS-200)

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130) 

Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230) 

Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Satisfactory performance as a firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

AND

Completion and certification of PTB as heavy equipment boss, single resource (HEQB)

PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL

Arduous

THESE POSITIONS MAINTAIN CURRENCY FOR HEQB

Division/group supervisor (DIVS)

Incident commander Type 3 (ICT3)

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

Operations section chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 1 (RXB1)

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

Safety officer, line (SOFR)

Safety officer field (SOFF)

Single resource boss, including (CRWB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB, HMGB)

Strike team leader, heavy equipment (STEQ)

Task force leader (TFLD)

** Dozer operator, initial attack (DZIA)

HEQB MAINTAINS CURRENCY FOR THESE POSITIONS

Field observer (FOBS)

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

Single resource boss (CRWB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB)

Strike team leader, heavy equipment (STEQ)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE 

AND SKILLS

Basic Air Operations (S-270)

Firing Operation (S-219)

Followership to Leadership (L-280)

Heavy Equipment Boss (Single Resource), (S-236)

Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

29

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1)

**Identifies additional BLM Requirement

REQUIRED TRAINING

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130)

Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (S-490)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Satisfactory performance as a prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

AND

**Satisfactory performance as an incident commander Type 3 (ICT3)

AND

Completion and certification of PTB as a prescribed fire burn boss Type 1 (RXB1) 

PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL

Light

THESE POSITIONS MAINTAIN CURRENCY FOR RXB1

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG)

Strategic operational planner (SOPL)

RXB1 MAINTAINS CURRENCY FOR THESE POSITIONS

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Incident commander Type 3 (ICT3)

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG)

Single resource boss, including (ENGB, FELB, FIRB, HEQB, CRWB)

Strategic operational planner (SOPL)

Strike team leader, including (STCR, STEQ, STEN)

Task force leader (TFLD)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE 

AND SKILLS

Advanced Fire Effects (RX-510)

Fire Program Management, an Overview (M-581)
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

30

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)

** Identifies additional BLM Requirement

REQUIRED TRAINING

**Fireline Leadership (L-380)

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130)

**Prescribed Fire Implementation (RX-301)

Smoke Management Techniques (RX-410)

Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (S-390)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Satisfactory performance as a firing boss, single resource (FIRB)

AND

Satisfactory performance as an incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

AND

Completion and certification of PTB as a prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL

Moderate

THESE POSITIONS MAINTAIN CURRENCY FOR RXB2

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 1 (RXB1)

Prescribed fire manager (RXMG)

Strategic operational planner (SOPL)

RXB2 MAINTAINS CURRENCY FOR THESE POSITIONS

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) 

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) 

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4) 

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 1 (RXB1) 

Prescribed fire manager (RXMG)

Single resource boss, including (ENGB, FELB, FIRB, HEQB, CRWB) 

Strategic operational planner (SOPL) 

Strike team leader, including (STCR, STEN, STEQ) 

Task force leader (TFLD)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE 

AND SKILLS

Introduction to Fire Effects (RX-310)

Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation (RX-341)
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

31

Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB)

** Identifies additional BLM Requirement

REQUIRED TRAINING

ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (ICS-200)

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130)

Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230)

Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

**Firing Operations (S-219)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Satisfactory performance as firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

AND

Completion and certification of PTB as a firing boss, single resource (FIRB)

PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL

**Arduous (This is above the PMS 310-1 “moderate” standard)

THESE POSITIONS MAINTAIN CURRENCY FOR FIRB

Division/group supervisor (DIVS)

Incident commander Type 3 (ICT3)

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

Operations section chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)

Prescribed fire burn boss, Type 1 (RXB1)

Prescribed fire burn boss Type 2 (RXB2)

Safety officer, line (SOFR)

Safety officer field (SOFF)

Single resource boss, including (CRWB, FELB, ENGB, HMGB, HEQB)

Task force leader (TFLD)

FIRB MAINTAINS CURRENCY FOR THESE POSITIONS

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Field observer (FOBS)

Incident commander Type 4 (ICT4)

Single resource boss, including (CRWB, FELB, ENGB, HEQB)

OTHER TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND 

SKILLS

Basic Air Operations (S-270)

Followership to Leadership (L-280)

Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260)
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

32

Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)

** Identifies additional BLM Requirement

REQUIRED TRAINING

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130)

Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

**Introduction to Fire Effects (RX-310)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Satisfactory performance as a firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

AND

Completion and certification of PTB as a fire effects monitor (FEMO)

PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL

**Arduous (This is above the PMS 310-1 “moderate” standard)

THESE POSITIONS MAINTAIN CURRENCY FOR FEMO 

Field observer (FOBS) 

Fire behavior analyst (FBAN) 

Long term fire analyst (LTAN) 

FEMO MAINTAINS CURRENCY FOR THESE POSITIONS

Field observer (FOBS) 

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE 

AND SKILLS

Field Observer (S-244)

Introduction to Fire Effects (RX-310)

Historical Reference for Firing Leader (FIRL): Over time, several changes have been 

made to the position that controls ignition/firing/burning operations on wildland fires. The 

BLM has gone from ignition specialist 1 and 2 (RXI1, RXI2) and firing boss (FIRB) to only 

firing boss (FIRB). On October 3, 2007, the BLM endorsed two positions: firing boss (FIRB) 

and firing leader (FIRL). In 2013 the FIRL position was removed (FA-IM-2014-001).

For further information on these changes, refer to FA IM-2010-009 at

https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/blmfa/Directives/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fblm%2Dfa%2FDirectives%2F2010IM

%2FFAIM2010009%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fblm%2Dfa%2FDirectives%2F2010IM

and Attachment 1 at https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/blmfa/Directives/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fblm%2Dfa%2FDirectives%2F2010IM

%2FFAIM2010009a1%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fblm%2Dfa%2FDirectives%2F2010IM.
BLM-SPECIFIC INCIDENT QUALIFICATIONS APPENDIX C

33

Chainsaw Operators and Fallers

The BLM faller positions are located in the PMS 310-1. The BLM has also adopted the use of 

the NWCG position task book for all faller positions for certification. Refer to the Interagency 

Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, Chapter 13.

The BLM requirements for final evaluation for each faller position is as follows:

• The individual tasks required for completion of the FAL3 PTB must be evaluated by a 

qualified FAL2 or FAL1. The final evaluator’s verification for a FAL3 trainee must be 

completed by a qualified FAL2 or FAL1; 

• The individual tasks required for completion of the FAL2 PTB must be evaluated by a 

qualified FAL2 or FAL1. The final evaluator’s verification for a FAL2 trainee must be 

completed by a qualified FAL2 or FAL1; 

• The individual tasks required for completion of the FAL1 PTB must be evaluated by a 

qualified FAL1. The final evaluator’s verification for a FAL1 trainee must be completed by 

any agency Faller 1 Evaluator; 

• Each BLM state FMO will certify and maintain a list of their current FAL1 evaluators. The 

FAL1 evaluator standards and a list of certified FAL1 evaluators are located at 

https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/blm-fa/fire-operations/SitePages/ChainsawOperations.aspx.

• The final certification of all wildfire faller positions will remain the responsibility of the 

IQCS certifying official. 

• All wildfire saw operation qualifications are maintained through IQCS and displayed on the 

incident qualification card.
BLM-SPECIFIC TRAINING COURSES APPENDIX D

34

Appendix D: BLM-Specific Training Courses

Engine Operator (IQCS #N9018)

Engine operator training is intended to provide employees filling the engine operator (ENOP) 

position on engine modules with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to safely and 

effectively utilize engines in the wildland fire environment with a minimum of down time. The 

course provides a solid foundation of information and hands-on training upon which to build 

strong job skills for the ENOP’s day-to-day activities. Furthermore, on-the-job-training and 

locally-specific training will be needed to fully equip engine operators with the skills required to 

perform their jobs safely and proficiently.

Website: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=2734

BL-300 Fire Vehicle Driver Orientation (IQCS #BL-300)

The goal of the Vehicle Driver Orientation course is to provide all personnel with the foundation 

of knowledge to make sound decisions and maintain situational awareness while operating and 

working around vehicles so that everyone comes home safely.

This training is the first part of a process to train and educate entry-level and first-year BLM 

crewmembers to drive or move a vehicle in an emergency or around the parking lot of a 

governmental site. For vehicles not covered by the commercial driver’s license (CDL) 

requirements, this could also mean running for parts in town, driving the vehicle in fire camp 

(fueling or getting supplies), and repositioning the vehicle on the fireline. For vehicles covered 

by CDL requirements, the driver would need a CDL training/learner permit, and a qualified CDL 

passenger in the cab for any non-emergency driving.

Website: https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/our-partners/blm/training/fire-vehicle

RT-301 BLM Fire Vehicle Driver Refresher Training

BLM Fire Vehicle Driver Refresher Training is an objectives-based training requirement. 

Refresher training must be done annually for all vehicle drivers that meet the requirements stated 

in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, Chapter 2. The training may 

be provided in any way the local fire management officer chooses if all the objectives are met 

and documented.

Website: https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/our-partners/blm/training/fire-vehicle
BLM-SPECIFIC TRAINING COURSES APPENDIX D

35

BL-303 668 Super Heavy Driver Training

Working Capital Fund (WCF) class-668 vehicle drivers are required to complete WCF Class-668 

Driver and Maintenance Training (once). WCF Class-668 Driver and Maintenance Training

may be conducted at the unit/zone/state level utilizing qualified and experienced class-668 

operators. National Fire Equipment Program staff are available as unit instructors; the hosting 

unit is responsible for course coordination.

Contact: NFEP Staff

Driver Training for Regular Drivers of Fire Equipment

All regular drivers of specialized vehicles (e.g., engines, water tenders, crew carriers, fuel 

tenders, helicopter support vehicles) must complete BL-300 Fire Vehicle Driver Orientation 

(initially) and RT-301 Fire Vehicle Driver Refresher Training (annually).

For the purposes of this policy, a regular driver is defined as an employee whose duties include 

driving fire equipment on a regular basis. This may include highway, off-road, city, mobile 

attack, and extreme terrain driving.

Website: https://www.nifc.gov/standards/guides/red-book
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

36

Appendix E: Other BLM Training Requirements

Introduction

As stated in Chapter 5, all fire personnel will meet specific agency training, experience, and 

qualification requirements for incident assignments. Additional training which is deemed 

necessary to improve employee proficiency and safety but is not addressed within the NWCG 

curriculum will be offered to the employee and taken in a timely manner.

• The tables presented on the following pages list most training that BLM employees are 

required to, or are suggested to, take depending on BLM policy and mission. 

BLM-specific training and qualifications for fireline and prescribed fire positions is 

presented in Appendix C and Appendix D.

Legend for the Manual or Authority Column

• H-1112-1 = Safety and Health Management Handbook

• CFR = Code of Federal Regulations

• DM = Departmental of Interior Manual

• HRM = Human Resources Management (National Operations Center)

• IM = Instruction Memorandum

• NHRMC = National Human Resources Management Center

• Red Book = Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations

• TC = National Training Center (https://www.blm.gov/learn/national-training-center)

• PMS 310-1 = NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications

Definitions for the Type of Training Column

• BLM Fire = Training required of BLM fire personnel only

• Corporate = Training (departmental or agency) required of all BLM personnel

• DOI Talent
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

37

Required Training

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

Wildland Fire Safety 

Annual Refresher

(RT-130)

All personnel 

participating in fire 

suppression or 

prescribed fire 

activities

PMS 310-1

Red Book

No minimum hourly 

requirement

Annual

Local 

https://www.nwcg.gov/pub

lications/trainingcourses/rt-130

IQCS

Bloodborne Pathogens All employees 

handling or 

potentially exposed 

to medical waste, 

blood or body fluids

29 CFR 1910.1030

H-1112-1, Chapter 24

Red Book

Varies

Annual for employees at 

increased risk due to 

assigned duties (e.g., IHC, 

helitack, engine crews, 

SMJ)

Local or DOI Talent online

course

Manually

DOI Talent (Course 

Shortname BLM-B024)

Corporate

Commercial Driver 

License

(CDL)

Drivers of 26,000 

pounds or greater 

GVWR vehicles

49 CFR Part 383-395

Individual state laws

Hours differ by state

Refresher - individual state 

law

Locally

Manually

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

38

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

Fuel Transport 

Hazardous Materials 

Training 

Required for all 

employees who 

transport, prepare for 

transport, load, 

unload, handle, or are 

responsible for the 

safety of hazardous 

materials that are 

being transported

PMS 442 (U.S. DOT/OSHA) Upon initial employment 

and a refresher every 3 

years thereafter

https://www.fs.usda.gov/td/fueltran/training/index.ht

m

Manually

Corporate

Contracting Officer 

Representative 

(COR)/COR Refresher

All CORs DOI-Acquisition Regulations 

(DIAR) 1401.670

BLM Manual 1510-1.670

Federal Acquisition 

Institute

(Certification tab)

Recertification – Every 2 

years

Federal Acquisition 

Institute

Corporate

No FEAR Act All employees 5 CFR 724.203 Within 60 days of 

onboarding; Biannually

DOI Talent online course 

DOI Talent

DOI Mandatory 

Training Link or as 

assigned in DOI 

Talent

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

39

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

Defensive Driving All employees 485 DM 16

H-1112-1

Red Book

Every 3 years Manually or 

DOI Talent (Use 

Course Shortname 

BLM-B-021 if you 

only drive Interior or 

rental vehicles. If you 

drive BLM or GSA 

vehicles use Aware 

Driver 2.0 from 

Improv Learning)

Corporate

Do What’s Right All fire employees Red Book, chapter 2 2 hours 

Annual – Current Direction

Instructor-led, DOI Talent, 

or as determined by EEO 

manager

Manually

BLM Fire

DOI Talent (Course 

Shortname BLM-D052)

EEO and Diversity 

Training for Supervisors

Managers/

supervisors

See current direction at:

https://doimspp.sharepoint.co

m/sites/blmocr/SitePages/TrainingPrograms.aspx

As directed

Annual

Local

Manually

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

40

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

EEO and Diversity 

Training for 

Nonsupervisory 

employees 

Nonsupervisory 

employees

See current direction at:

https://doimspp.sharepoint.co

m/sites/blmocr/SitePages/TrainingPrograms.aspx

As directed

Annual

Local

Manually

Corporate

Employee Safety 

Orientation

All fire personnel

employees

29 CFR 1960.59

H-1112-1, Chapter 5

Red Book

Varies

Once

Locally

Manually

Corporate

Ethics All employees 5 CFR 2635

Ethics SharePoint

Varies

Annually

DOI Talent online course 

DOI Talent - as 

assigned in DOI 

Talent

Corporate

Information Management

and Technology (IMT) 

(aka: Cybersecurity 

(FISSA), Privacy, 

Records Management, 

Section 508 Compliance, 

Controlled Unclassified 

Information Reference 

Guides and the DOI 

Rules of Behavior (IMT))

All personnel using 

BLM IT systems

Public Law 100-235

5 CFR 930.301

Initial employment

Annual refresher

DOI Talent online course

DOI Talent (Course 

Shortname OCIO20XXIMTSCORMQuiz or as 

assigned in DOI 

Talent)

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

41

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

First Aid All field-going 

employees and 

firefighters

29 CFR 1910.151

Red Book, Chapter 2

Upon initial employment 

and every 2 years or per 

certifying authority

Local

Manually

Corporate

Freedom of Information 

Act (FOIA)

Recommended for all 

BLM employees 

(including temporary 

hires)

BLM Manual 1278

Records Management 

SharePoint

Varies 

DOI Talent online course

Manually or

DOI Talent

Corporate

HAZWOPER – Field 

Awareness (section 6)

All field and fire 

personnel potentially 

discovering 

hazardous substances

29 CFR Part 1910.120(q)

Red Book, Chapter 2

Varies (1 hour online) 

Must meet objectives in 

CFR

Upon initial employment 

Annual refresher

Manually

https://www.ntc.blm.g

ov/krc/legacy/course/1

086

Corporate

BLM Hazard 

Communications 

(HAZCOM) – Globally 

Harmonized System 

(GHS)

All field and fire 

personnel potentially 

discovering 

hazardous substances

Red Book, Chapter 2 1 hour

Once

DOI Talent online course 

or local

Manually or DOI 

Talent (Course 

Shortname BLM-H010)

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

42

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

Hearing Conservation All employees 

exposed to 8-hour 

time-weighted 

average sound level 

of 85 dBA 

(chainsaw/pump 

operators, helicopter 

personnel, etc.)

29 CFR 1910.95

H-1112-1, Chapter 27

Varies 

Must meet objectives in 

CFR

Annual

Local/DOI Talent online 

course/As directed

Manually or DOI 

Talent (Course 

Shortname BLM-H007)

Corporate

Integrated Charge Card 

Training

All DOI integrated 

charge cardholders

41 CFR Chapters 301-304

Office of Acquisition & 

Property Management

Varies or every 3 years

Level specific

Manually

Corporate

DOI Talent

Safety Training for 

Collateral Duty Safety 

Officers (CDSOs)

All personnel 

participating in fire 

suppression or 

prescribed fire 

activities

29 CFR 1960.58

H-1112-1, Chapter 5

Within six months of 

appointment

IQCS

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

43

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

Supervision for New 

Supervisors

Initial supervisory 

training within one 

year of the new 

supervisor’s 

appointment

5 U.S.C. 4121

Office of Human Resources

Varies to 40 hours

Within 12 months of 

appointment

Once

DOI Talent (DOI 

University)

https://doiu.doi.gov/catalog

DOI University

Corporate

Supervision for 

Experienced Supervisors

Follow-up training 

for supervisors at 

least once every three 

years

5 U.S.C. 4121 Varies

During the first 3 years and 

on a recurring schedule 

DOI Talent (NTC/DOI 

University) instructor-led 

course/agency determined

https://doiu.doi.gov/catalog

DOI University

Corporate

Fire Training for Agency 

Administrators (AADM 

qualification)

Agency administrator 

or designated acting

Red Book, Chapter 2 (page 

12)

Once/currency IQCS
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

44

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority

Point of Contact

Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/Type 

of Training

Risk Management All employees H-1112-1, Chapter 2 Varies 

Once

Local or DOI Talent online 

course

Manually or DOI 

Talent

Corporate

Safety Training for 

Supervisors

All supervisors 29 CFR 1960.55

H-1112-1, Chapter 5

Varies 

Once

Local or DOI Talent online 

course

Manually or DOI 

Talent

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

45

Specialized Required Training

Some training may be required due to a position the employee may hold or a Job Hazard Analysis/Risk Analysis (JHA/RA) 

requirement.

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion

Tracking Method/

Type of Training

BLM UTV Operations UTV operators Red Book, chapter 14 DOI Talent course 

“Introduction to Basic 

Utility Terrain Vehicle 

Operation.” 

AND

Recreational Off Highway 

Vehicle Association 

(ROHVA) course (must 

include UTV 

loading/unloading, trailer 

use, and winch operations as 

prescribed in lesson plans 

eight through ten of the 

BLM UTV range cards prior 

to employees engaging in 

these activities OR the 

current version (8/2018) of 

the BLM UTV Operator 

Field Training Range Cards.

Refresher/Evaluation -

Every three years. Infrequent 

users (less than 16 hours of 

riding a year) shall have a 

check ride prior to scheduled 

use of a UTV.

Local

DOI Talent Short name: 

BLM-TC-1112-14

Manually

Corporate

IQCS
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

46

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion

Tracking Method/

Type of Training

Forklift Driving All personnel 

required to operate a 

forklift

29 CFR Part 1910.178

H-1112-1, Chapter 18

Certification course that 

meets the requirements of 

29 CFR 1910.178 prior to 

operation. Recertification 

must take place every 3 

years. 

Locally

Manually

Corporate

Hazardous Waste 

Operations and 

Emergency Response 

(HAZWOPER) 

All field personnel 

involved with 

emergency 

Hazardous Waste 

response as 

determined by 

JHA/risk assessment

29 CFR Part 1910.120(e)

H-1112-1, Chapter 5

8/24/40 hours initially 

depending on duty 

assignment. Annual 

refresher as determined by 

risk assessment

Manually or DOI 

Talent

Corporate

Oil and Gas Hazard 

Recognition and 

Mitigation

All fire personnel 

whose offices have 

oil and gas 

operations within 

their fire suppression 

jurisdictions

Red Book, Chapter 7

H-1112-1, Chapter 20

Varies

Annual

Local

Manually

Corporate
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

47

Type of Training Type of Employee Manual or Authority Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion

Tracking Method/

Type of Training

Resource Advisor All personnel 

working as resource 

advisors

Resource Advisor’s Guide for 

Wildland Fire (PMS 313)

Federal Wildland Fire 

Qualifications Supplement

Varies 4-8 hours

Annual refresher

Local

IQCS

DOI Talent

(Course Shortname

DOI-READ-BasicOLT-101)

Corporate

Watercraft Operation All personnel 

required to operate a 

watercraft

485 DM 22

H-1112-1, Chapter 16

24 hours initially

Refresher 8 hours every 5 

years

Local

Manually

Corporate

Per H-1112-1, training 

can be found at 

Watercraft Safety 

Training or contact the 

state watercraft safety 

lead or local safety 

specialist to determine 

if other courses are 

available in your area.
OTHER BLM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS APPENDIX E

48

Specialized Team Training

The following table 

contains training 

opportunities for 

specific teams: Type of 

Training

Type of Employee More Information Length/Recurrence/

Training Location

Course Completion 

Tracking Method/

Type of Training

Critical Incident Stress 

Management (CISM)

All personnel who 

wish to participate as 

part of a CISM Team

Red Book, Chapter 7

https://gacc.nifc.gov/cism/ind

ex.html

https://gacc.nifc.gov/cism/

training.html

Manually

Corporate

DOI Serious Accident 

Investigation

Core Serious 

Accident 

Investigation Team 

members

Red Book, Chapter 18 24 hours

Recurrency training every 

5 years

BLM National Training 

Center

DOI Talent (Course 

Shortname BLM-TC1112-05) or as 

determined by bureau