FAQ's> Education & Training

What are the training and education requirements for the IFPM Standard?

If you are in a GS-0401 position or a technical position that is converted to the GS-401 series then you must meet the education requirements of the GS-0401 Supplemental Standards by October 1, 2009. In addition, some of the 14 key positions have "additional required training" that must be met by October 1, 2009 to be considered fully qualified for the position in question.

Does a GS-0462/0455-05 Senior Firefighter have to have a four-year degree?

A 4 -year degree is not required for these positions. The applicant may qualify based on specialized experience or a combination of education and specialized experience and must meet the selective factors.

Does an Associate Degree qualify me for the 401?

No, because the courses would not meet upper division level requirement. However, the courses may apply to some of the lower division course requirements.

Does a Bachelor of Applied Science degree qualify me for the 401?

The degree in and of itself may not meet the intent of the standard. However specific courses may meet the intent.

I have been told that even though I have 24 semester hours, with 18 upper level course work in natural resources, I do not qualify for the 401 series because I do not have a degree. Is that correct?

If you do not have a degree, a combination of education and experience may qualify you if you meet the criteria contained in B in the Supplemental Qualification Standard for the GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist. The OPM qualification standard does not require a degree it merely states that the required coursework is leading to a degree.

The GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist Supplemental Qualification Standard is available online at http://www.nifc.gov/training_quals/IFPM/ifpm.htm

Does just any upper division course qualify me for the GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist?

The courses must be related to biological sciences, natural resources, wildland fire management, forestry or agriculture. Other creditable disciplines can be found in Attachment 1 of the GS-0401 Supplemental Standard.

There is an excellent fuels management course offered through the University that would meet 3 semester hours of upper division credits toward the 401 series, but I am told it could not be used because "the 401 instructions say additional creditable education may be added to this listing only after a thorough review process involving subject matter experts from the 5 land management agencies and a panel of college professors who specialize in wildland fire education." If this true?

If the course is accredited by the college, it would be creditable toward GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist positions. A panel of experts and college professors will be used to evaluate education from other than accredited institutes of higher learning (i.e., NWCG, NCTC, etc.). College courses should be credited if they meet the disciplines required for the 401 series as identified in the GS-0401 Supplemental Standard.

I am currently a GS-0462/0455. What classes count towards a GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist position?

Courses are listed in the OPM Supplemental Qualification Standard for the GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist. This document can be view at http://www.nifc.gov/training_quals/IFPM/ifpm.htm

I have an employee who is short 8 semester hours for qualifying for a GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist position, can the agency pay tuition and provide work time for class time? If so, is there an agreement that the employee needs to sign?

The agency can pay for and provide work time for this education, however it must be in the best interest of the government and not only for personal gain. The employee may be required to sign an agreement.

If I have met the educational criteria for the GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist, will I qualify for other GS-0401 Fire Management positions?

You would qualify for the occupational series (GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist), however, you may not have the necessary specialized experience, additional required training, or the NWCG Incident Management Qualifications to be considered for the position.

Do I need to purchase college credit for the NWCG courses I have taken in order for them to count?

No, as long as you maintain a certificate of completion for the course or that it is documented in the Incident Qualifications and Certification System.

Can I test out of the educational requirements for the 401 using work experience?

No.

Does my Agency/Bureau have to pay for the costs to make mequalified for the IFPM?

Not unless you are currently employed in one of the positions affected. However, there may be programs where your Agency/Bureau can assist with costs. Some of the agency courses (i.e. NWCG) that you would normally take to perform your current job MAY count toward the IFPM Standard.

How can I get the training and development I need to meet the IFPM?

Ensure that you complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that states what your goals are. Include courses that you would like to take that meet your goals. Talk to your supervisor and training officer.

Is the Technical Fire Management program the only way that I can meet the educational criteria for the 401 without going to school for 4 years?

No, it is one way. There are other alternatives to TFM. The Supplemental Qualification Standard document lists NWCG courses that count toward the required 24 semester hours in biological sciences, natural resources, wildland fire mangement, forestry, or agriculture. In addition, there are college courses available in various formats. For more information refer to the IFPM website at www.nifc.gov/training_quals/IFPM/ifpm.htm.

Will additional NWCG coursework become qualifying for the 401 series?

All existing courses have been reviewed and will not be reconsidered. Newly developed courses will be reviewed. The 401 Education/Training Assessment Board will evaluate new NWCG courses and agency-provided courses for applicability.

If I take an NWCG course that is listed as an Upper Division Course listed in the Supplemental Qualification Standard for the GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist, but it is given at a technical or 2 year college, does it count?

Yes!

What is the process for requesting a re-evaluation of my education and qualifications, if I have not been considered qualified for a GS-0401 Fire Management Specialist position?

You can request a re-evaluation from an upper-level HR Specialist from the office that found you not qualified.

What is the definition of "courses equivalent to a major"?

Courses equivalent to a major in wildland fire management must include adequate scientific content to provide the basis for a professional-level degree. Because of this, courses offered as part of an Applied Science Degree, Associate Degree, or Vocational Certificate may not meet the requirements for upper division course work. The GS-0401 Supplemental Standard provides information on creditable course subjects.

If I earn a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources, but have my Bachelor’s Degree in a non-life sciences area (e.g. Business), will I still meet the educational requirement for the GS-0401 FIRE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST?

Yes, if your Master’s Degree program is in Natural Resources or Natural Resource related disciplines, you will qualify at the GS-09 level. See the GS-0401 Supplemental Standard for more information on this subject.