Certification
EFD Certification Course
The Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) through the use of the FPDS™ brings the science of structured call processing to the fire-rescue field. Completion of this course provides students with confidence to begin using the protocol on-line in the busiest of communication centers. Classes use hands-on teaching, class participation, simulated and actual calls, and feedback to prepare the students for work in a communication center.
Pre-Requisites and Information:
The EFD course is open to all applicants that read and write at a high school graduate or GED level. Initial certification requires the applicant complete an approved EFD course and complete a 50 question written exam at the end of the course with a minimum 80% score. If the applicant does not successfully pass the initial exam, retests are available by phone for a $30 fee.
Certification forms are available in class from a certified instructor, or directly from the Academy. Please call the Academy for more information.
Registration includes:
- EFD Course Manual
- Certification fee and testing with the National Academy of EFD
- 8 hours of CDE that can be used towards recertification in another discipline
Successful attendees receive:
- Academy Diploma
- Official Certificate of Course Completion
- 2 year subscription to the National Journal of Emergency Dispatch
- Academy insignia patch and pocket membership card
The EFD Course is open to all applicants 18 years or older with a highschool or equivalent degree. The intensive three day courses cover:
For more information on the EFD class, or to register for a course visit www.prioritydispatch.net for access to a customer service representative in your area.
Certification forms are available in class from a certified instructor, or directly from the Academy. Please call for more information.
EFD Recertification Requirements
Academy Certification is valid for two years unless revoked or suspended. Your continued affiliation with the Academy relies upon your support of the Code of Ethics and upon your participation in the Continuing Dispatch Education program (CDE).
EFD recertification applications can be accepted as early as six months before expiration and as late as 90 days after the expiration date. If expiration is more than 90 days late the member must submit an expired certification waiver request and the Academy’s Lapsed Certification Policy will apply.
- Submit verification of 24 hours of CDE during the 2 year recertification period (see below). Each credit hour is based on 1 hour of participation.
- Successfully complete the Academy's "open book" 50 question correspondence recertification exam with a score of at least 80 percent; (retests are also available for a $30. fee)
- Submit your fee of $50 (for your dues, patch, newsletter subscription, postage, & test processing) with a completed recertification application. If you attend a recertification course approved by the Academy, this fee is sometimes included in the tuition for the course.
For the status of your application call the Academy at 1-800-960-6236. You will receive an application and exam by mail.
Re-certification forms are available in class from a certified instructor, or directly from the Academy. Please call for more information.
