N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 19, § 426.4 – Minimum qualifications for instructor certification.

(a) There shall be two categories of instructor certification: standard and special standard certification shall be further subdivided into level I and level II.
(b) To receive standard certification—level I, a fire instructor shall:
1. (1) have three years experience as a firefighter;
2. (2) be assigned instructor responsibilities by the chief fire official of the entity offering training;
3. (3) possess the physical ability to carry out instruction assignments; and
4. (4) complete the following courses of study:
(i) Firefighting Essentials; or 39 hrs.
(ii) Basic Firefighter; and 42 hrs. Initial Fire Attack; or 18 hrs.
(iii) Intermediate Firefighter; and 36 hrs. Pump Operator or Ladder Company Operations; and 18 hrs. Preparing for Command; and 24 hrs. Educational Methodology 1; or 40 hrs.
(iv) Fire Service Instructor 1; or 48 hrs.
(v) Training Officer Workshop levels I and II; or 24 hrs.
(vi) Fire Service Instructor II 40 hrs.
1. (5) complete in lieu of the knowledge/skill criteria prescribed in paragraph (4) of this subdivision, equivalent topics completed while attending the New York State Field Delivery Courses, Firefighting Essentials; Initial Fire Attack; Pump Operator Course or Ladder Company Operations; Preparing for Command; Educational Methodology; or Training Officer Workshop level I and II;
2. (6) complete in lieu of the knowledge/skill criteria prescribed in paragraph (4) of this subdivision, equivalent topics while attending federally-sponsored courses or recognized college level courses, provided such equivalency shall be deemed acceptable by the State Fire Administrator when submitted with adequate documentation regarding course criteria and attendance.
(c) To receive standard certification—level II, a fire instructor shall:
1. (1) fulfill the requirements for standard certification—level I; and
2. (2) complete one of the following courses of study that were not utilized to gain level I certification:
(i) Training Officer Workshop levels I and II; or 24 hrs.
(ii) Educational Methodology 1; or 40 hrs.
(iii) Fire Service Instructor 1; or 48 hrs.
(iv) Fire Service Instructor 11 40 hrs.
1. (3) complete in lieu of the knowledge/skill criteria prescribed in paragraph (b)(4) of this section equivalent topics completed while attending the New York State Fire Academy courses, Training Officer Workshop level I and II and Educational Methodology;
2. (4) complete in lieu of the knowledge/skill criteria prescribed in paragraph (b)(4) of this section equivalent topics while attending federally-sponsored courses or recognized college level courses, provided such equivalency shall be deemed acceptable by the State Fire Administrator when submitted with adequate documentation regarding course criteria and attendance.
(d) To receive special certification, fire instructors shall:
1. (1) have special skills, knowledge or abilities which qualify them to teach designated subjects relating to their special field; and
2. (2) submit application for special certification to the State Fire Administrator by the chief fire official of the entity offering training.