Subd. 1. Examination; requirements.

1. (a) The board must appoint an organization that is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress to prepare and administer firefighter certification examinations. Firefighter certification examinations must be designed to ensure and demonstrate competency that meets the NFPA 1001 standard or a national standard in areas including but not limited to:

   1. (1) fire prevention;
   2. (2) fire suppression; and
   3. (3) hazardous materials operations.
2. (b) Certification must be obtained by the individual demonstrating competency in fire prevention and protection under the NFPA 1001 standard.
3. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit any requirement imposed by a local fire department for more comprehensive training.

Subd. 2. Eligibility for certification examination.

Except as provided in subdivision 3, any person may take the firefighter certification examination who has successfully completed the following:

1. (2) a skills-oriented basic training course.

(1)(i) a firefighter course from a postsecondary educational institution, an accredited institution of higher learning, or another entity that teaches a course that has been approved by the board; or (ii) an apprenticeship or cadet program maintained by a Minnesota fire department that has been approved by the board; and

Subd. 3. Certain baccalaureate or associate degree holders eligible to take certification examination.

A person with a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree in applied fire science technology from an accredited college or university, who has successfully completed the skills-oriented basic training course under subdivision 2, clause (2), is eligible to take the firefighter certification examination notwithstanding the requirements of subdivision 2, clause (1).