How to Apply for a Fire Chief Credential

Learn about the process for obtaining Fire Chief Credentialing and Re-Credentialing through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission.

The Massachusetts Fire Chiefs credentialing and recredentialing program provides full-time, call, and volunteer applicants an opportunity to demonstrate, through recognition at the highest level, their skills, knowledge and professional achievements that benefit their respective departments and the cities or towns they serve. Such recognition is critical to the ongoing professional development of both the individual in particular and the fire service, in general. 

The Fire Service Commission, consistent with its mission, is dedicated to the development, oversight, and implementation of a credible and sustainable credentialing and recredentialing program that provides the opportunity to both recognize and foster the professionalism of the individual and fire service for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth. 

This credentialing program has been developed to promote career-long learning, development, and engagement in the fire service and is solely administered by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission. Any officer holding the rank of Lieutenant or above shall be eligible to apply for credentialing. All qualified applicants are encouraged to participate in this voluntary program.

Any applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Fire Service Commission may petition for review for good cause. Any determination regarding review by the Commission shall be final. 

For New Fire Chief Credential Seekers

Personnel who do not currently hold a Fire Chief credential can obtain one by completing the Fire Chief Credential Application and emailing it to [e-mail]. 

• Candidates wishing to attain the Fire Chief Credential will be required to accumulate 100 credits of approved attendance/activities over the individual’s career to date.
• Only the most current version of the application will be accepted. All previous versions will not be accepted or honored.
• The application must be completed it its entirety. Incomplete portfolios will delay processing and will not be accepted for review.

Quick Links:

• Click here for the Fire Chief Credential and Fire Chief Re-Credential Approved Trainings List.
• Click here to request credit for unlisted training.

For Those Seeking Re-Credentialing as a Fire Chief

Personnel who currently hold a Fire Chief Credential can maintain that credential through submitting a Fire Chief Re-Credential Application and emailing it to [e-mail].

• Candidates wishing to maintain the Fire Chief Credential will be required to accumulate 72 credits of approved attendance/activities in a consecutive 36-month period that begins on the date of issuance of the Fire Chief Credential or last recredential.
• Only the most current version of the application will be accepted. All previous versions will not be accepted or honored.
• The application must be completed it its entirety. Incomplete portfolios will delay processing and will not be accepted for review.
• All credentials expire on December 31st of their expiring year.

Quick Links:

• Click here for the Fire Chief Credential and Fire Chief Re-Credential Approved Trainings List.
• Click here to request credit for unlisted training.

Expired Fire Chief Credentials

In the event a previously credentialed individual fails to acquire the minimum credits in the 36-month consecutive period, the Fire Chief Credential shall become void and expired.

• Personnel who wish to have an expired Fire Chief Credential reinstated will be required to meet the current minimum standards for re-credentialing. This will require accumulating the required 72 credits of approved attendance or activities within 36 months of the date of application submission and not prior to the date the last credential was issued. 
• Credit will only be awarded for each of the categories if achieved during the consecutive 36-month period dated back from application submission date and cannot exceed the max credits awarded per category as listed in the application.

Quick Links:

• Click here for the Fire Chief Credential and Fire Chief Re-Credential Approved Trainings List.
• Click here to request credit for unlisted training.
• The Fire Chief Re-Credential Application should be submitted by email to [e-mail].