The Fire Training Council maintains that there is a distinct difference between training and certification. I have a Massachusetts State Teaching certification. Teacher certification in the Commonwealth is an entirely different process than fire service certification. Certification in one Massachusetts system has no bearing on certification in another system. The individual applying for certification is responsible for arranging payment of the certification fees.
Some communities pay the fee while others make the fee the responsibility of the individual.
Check your local procedure for this aspect of certification. At the present time there is no requirement for recertification in the Commonwealth at any level solely offered by the Fire Training Council. The extent to which your community can influence your participation in the certification process depends on employment requirements, collective bargaining agreements and local protocols. The Fire Training Council offers fire service certification as a voluntary process. The Council does not become involved in the application of local protocols.