CFITrainer.net: fire investigation training on fire, arson, and explosion
DNR Forest Fire Structural Protection (3hr video)
Fire Hero Learning Network, through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
FireRescue 1 Academy, through Lexipol: subscription-based training
Fire Safety Academy: Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), though UL: research-backed fire training
NASM Training, National Association of State Fire Marshals
NFPA Emergency Response Training: some free, some have a charge
RF-DASH Online training: Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety and Health
TRAIN Wisconsin: EMS
UL Training Resources: images, videos, lesson plans and more!
WPS: In-person training requests, online training, AEGIS safety hazard training, safety handouts, natural gas safety data sheet
CN Dangerous Goods: Online and in-person training on dangerous goods and hazmat transported by rail
TRANSCAER: Hazmat training related to transportation incidents
ACADIS: individual courses (some free) and learning management platform
Fire Engineering Training: subscription for individuals and/or learning management platform and content for departments (~$100/year for individual)
NVFC Virtual Classroom: available to NVFC members (~$25/yr)
RECERT (Jones & Bartlett): Fire & EMS. Low cost (~$60/yr), good content, difficult to navigate
TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension): low-cost online courses
Vector Solutions: learning management platform and content
Public Safety Training Center (PSTC): view current training or request a course
Wisconsin DNR
Wisconsin DOT
Wisconsin Emergency Management: state-wide schedule. Shows local, distant, and remote options.
WPS: In-person training requests, online training, AEGIS safety hazard training, safety handouts, natural gas safety data sheet
Center for Suicide Awareness: free in-person resiliency training
Plugged In Coaching & Consulting's motivational speeches, engaging trainings and interactive workshops help you cultivate the skills needed to develop meaningful relationships to improve your service and yourself.
REACT Center, Camp Douglas, operated by Wisconsin Emergency Management: hands-on, all-climate training through realistic courses in technical rescue, collapse, confined space, rope, and hazardous materials response, plus Fire Officer and Instructor certifications.
National Fire Academy: available courses
TRANSCAER: Hazmat training for transportation incidents
NOTE: There is not one path through courses and certification. This is only a rough guide, and is specific to Wisconsin.
Firefighter I* 96h; online components (can complete before):
ICS 100 (FEMA): Introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS 700 (FEMA): An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
Courage to be Safe: Part of the Everyone Goes Home program
Advance Warning: Protect roadway incident scenes
Blocking: Safe positioning at roadway incident scenes
Stress First Aid: The effects of stress, how to recognize and deal with it for yourself and others
ICS 200 (FEMA): Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
Hazardous Materials Operations* 20h
(for cert, pass FFI skills)
Firefighter II* 42h
(prereq. FFI cert or equiv.)
online: ICS 200 (FEMA): Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
Driver/Operator--Pumper* 66h
Driver/Operator--Aerial* 36h
(prereq FFI and Driver/Op--Pumper)
ICS300 24h: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents. Recommended for fire officers. In-person, scheduled through Wisconsin Emergency Management. Look for upcoming opportunities here.
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I 40h: Teach
(prereq: FFII or equiv. Cert expires 5yr from date of issue)
Fire Officer I 40h: Fire Officer, supervisory level
(prereq. FFII; for cert, take Instructor I course); online components (can complete before:
Leadership, Accountability, Culture, and Knowledge (LACK), Fire Hero Learning Network
After Action Review (AAR), Fire Hero Learning Network
Company Officer's Health & Safety Responsibilities, Fire Hero Learning Network
Why Data? (NASFM): Understanding your role in fire incident data
Fire Inspector I 60h: Do basic fire inspections, apply codes & standards
ICS400 1h: Advanced ICS, Complex Incidents. Recommended for chiefs and assistant chiefs. In-person, scheduled through Wisconsin Emergency Management. Look for upcoming opportunities here.
Fire Officer II, 40h: Fire Officer, management level
(prereq. FOI)
*Course paid for by the state if you pass and you're affiliated with a fire department
Fire Investigator, 80h
(prereq. age 18+, HS diploma/equivalent, 3+ yrs with your department. Cert expires 5yr from date of issue)
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor II, 32h: Develop lesson plans, supervise instructors
(prereq. ESI I. Cert expires 5yr from date of issue)
Fire & Emergency Services Instructor III: Training Program Manager
(prereq. ESI II. )
Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF)
(prereq. FFII cert)
Driver/Operator ARFF
(prereq. FFII cert, Airport FFcertm driver license, CDL or CDL permit)
Wisconsin Technical College System Policy & Procedures for Fire Certification (updated July 2023)
In rough order of distance from Marathon County. Each link will take you to the available fire course listings where possible.
Midstate (multiple), select Fire Training
Moraine Park, select NON-CRED and search for the class
Milwaukee Area (Milwaukee), search for subject
Reach out to your local fire department--you don't have to be a firefighter or EMT to help your community! Departments can use help in organizing fundraisers, cleaning the station, maintaining equipment, writing grants, and more. Share your skills and help your community!
FEMA: Community Preparedness; build a preparedness kit, get some basic training to be the help until help arrives, and more.
Red Cross: Volunteer; Sign up to help in your community. Could be as simple as testing and installing smoke alarms, or getting deployed to larger disasters.
See if your city or county has a CERT program