1. (a) Training programs that are intended to satisfy the requirements of this section must meet the curriculum, competencies, and hour requirements of this section. All applicants for certification must meet the examination requirements of this section.

2. (b) In order to obtain Driver/Operator - Pumper certification the individual must:

   1. (1) hold certification as Structural Fire Protection Personnel, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel, or Marine Fire Protection Personnel;

   2. (2) complete a commission approved Driver/Operator - Pumper Curriculum and successfully pass the commission examination as specified in Chapter 439 of this title (relating to Examinations for Certification). An approved driver/operator - pumper program must consist of one of the following:

      1. (A) complete a commission approved Driver/Operator - Pumper Curriculum of at least 40 hours as specified in Chapter 7 of the Commission's document titled "Commission Certification Curriculum Manual," as approved by the Commission in accordance with Chapter 443 of this title (relating to Certification Curriculum Manual).
      2. (B) complete an out-of-state training program that has been submitted to the commission for evaluation and found to be equivalent to or exceed the commission approved Driver/Operator - Pumper Curriculum.
      3. (C) complete a military training program that has been submitted to the commission for evaluation and found to be equivalent to or exceeds the commission approved Driver/Operator - Pumper Curriculum.
3. (c) Out-of-state or military training programs which are submitted to the commission for the purpose of determining equivalency will be considered equivalent if all competencies set forth in Chapter 7 (pertaining to Driver/Operator - Pumper) of the "Commission Certification Curriculum Manual" are met.
4. (d) The commission approved Driver/Operator - Pumper Curriculum must be conducted by a training facility that has been certified by the commission as provided in Chapter 427 of this title (relating to Certified Training Facilities).
5. (e) An individual from another jurisdiction who possesses valid documentation of accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress as Driver/Operator - Pumper shall be eligible to take the commission written examination for driver/operator - pumper.
6. (f) No individual will be permitted to take the commission examination for driver/operator - pumper unless the individual documents, as a minimum, completion of NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter I training.

Source Note:The provisions of this §433.3 adopted to be effective November 14, 1999, 24 TexReg 10139; amended to be effective November 5, 2000, 25 TexReg 10749; amended to be effective December 27, 2001, 26 TexReg 10620.