1. (1) All training, practicals, and examinations shall be based on the performance standards for the appropriate progression level as set forth in these rules and regulations and meet or exceed all applicable NFPA standards, including NFPA 1500. All practicals and written examinations will be given at a location reasonably proximate to local departments to make it as convenient as possible for applicants.
2. (2) Generally, Commission representatives are prohibited from testing personnel from their affiliated department. However, Commission representatives may test personnel from their affiliated department only in a regional test setting and if a majority of the applicants are from other departments.
3. (3) An applicant shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age in order to take a certification examination and shall have completed the prerequisite training course at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA), or be connected to a fire department in Tennessee, or be a resident of Tennessee.
4. (4) Applicants shall present a valid government-issued photo identification card prior to being admitted to any examination.
5. (5) Commission members and Commission representatives who wish to sit for a Commission- administered practical or written examination shall meet all requirements in order to register for the certification exam they wish to take. Members and representatives must notify the Director prior to testing for the certification exam. The exam shall be scheduled at any location other than the department in which they serve unless another Commissioner or Director remains present during the test event.
6. (6) Any individual found cheating on a Commission examination or found to have submitted falsified documentation to register for a Commission examination after a hearing pursuant to the UAPA, Consent Order, or Agreed Order shall be prohibited from participating in any Commission program for a period of time as determined by the Commission. Additionally, the individual shall be required to restart the certification level deemed appropriate by the Commission, considering the individual’s experience and the circumstances surrounding the incident. An individual found cheating a second time shall be barred from participating in any Commission program or in any certification.
7. (7) Applicants shall have twelve (12) months from the initial test date to complete both the practical and written examinations.
8. (8) Individuals called to active military duty shall have their deadlines to complete the practical examinations extended for the same period of time the applicant was on active military duty. Furthermore, if the applicant is on active military duty for a period greater than six (6) months, the clock will restart on the time allowed for the practical examinations to be valid, and the applicant will have one (1) year to complete that level of certification. A letter from the Fire Chief or Training Officer certifying this leave shall accompany the application for written examination.
9. (9) An applicant may request accommodation for a disability in taking a written examination offered by the Commission. The request for accommodation shall be made on the form provided by the Commission and submitted to the Director along with the application. Any documentation regarding an applicant’s disability and the need for accommodation in testing shall be considered confidential.
10. (10) The specific editions of the professional standards referred to throughout this chapter are those adopted in Chapter 0360-06-01.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-24-101, 4-24-106, and 4-24-107. Administrative History: Original rule filed August 27, 1979; effective October 10, 1979. Amendment filed November 8, 1990; effective December 23, 1990. Amendment filed December 14, 2009; effective March 14, 2010. Repeal and new rule filed October 27, 2014; effective January 25, 2015. Amendments filed July 27, 2018; effective October 25, 2018. Amendments filed April 2, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.