Pathway lookup
Firefighting in Virginia
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Virginia students can earn VDFP Firefighter I and II in high school starting at 16 with parental consent, through Firefighting I and II and a fire company affiliation.
State program: Firefighting I 8705 (280 hrs, 2 credits), Firefighting II 8706 (140 hrs, 1 credit); CIP not published by VDOE
What a high school can deliver
Firefighter I and II certification from VDFP before graduating, since students can certify at 16 with parental consent; HazMat Operations and CPR too.
Credentials students can earn
VDFP Firefighter I and II (IFSAC, Pro Board; free exams); HazMat Operations; CPR; Mayday Awareness (Chantilly example)
Age and hour requirements
16 by the first day with signed parental consent to VDFP before the first class; Firefighter I about 162 hours and II about 52 (2021 guidelines); no entry to a burning structure until certified except in training.
Other agencies involved
Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP): issues Firefighter I and II certification; how a high school registers its course and the lead time: Confirm with the agency.
Who can teach it
No teacher licensure rule on the course pages; fire agency instructor rules and the VDOE endorsement are not confirmed.
Child labor rules for work placements
No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-79.1 exempts volunteer fire company members 16+ with parental approval; 40.1-100(D)(3) bars entering a burning structure until certified except in training. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland work.
College credit after high school
No statewide agreement confirmed; VCCS Fire Science Career Studies Certificates by college ().
Where to go next
- The full Firefighting guide, showing Virginia
- The Virginia state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Firefighting in other states
Other pathways in Virginia
- Nurse Aide / Patient Care
- EMT
- Electrical
- Welding
- Construction and Carpentry
- HVAC/R
- Cybersecurity / Networking
- Programming / Computer Science
- Automotive
- Medical and Dental Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Agriculture
- Early Childhood Education
- Culinary and Hospitality
- Machining and Mechatronics
- Engineering and Drafting
- Law, Public Safety and Corrections
- Business Management and Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
Changes to this page
No changes since this page was published.
See something out of date? Tell us.