Training

The requirements and provision of training for firefighters can vary depending on whether there are national standards and rules or whether it is left up to local fire services to determine their training needs.

Belgium

All firefighters are trained in line with the requirements laid down by the Federal fire service

Croatia

The length, frequency and content are adapted to the type of training. Training includes health and occupational safety and is carried out in the College of Protection and Rescue

Czech Republic

The Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic has implemented a comprehensive school system, which is active for all functions and skills. New enrolled firefighters have to pass through the starting specialized entrance training which takes 5 months. Schooling and training take place at fire stations, second schools, colleges, and at the training college. Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic (HZS ČR) educates and trains its staff in 48 different specialising courses.

Denmark

Every firefighter must have 12x2hours training yearly. The training of 24 hours is issued by the government. Training is compulsory to become and remain a firefighter.

Estonia

Training requirements are set out in legislation and include health and safety

France

There are national guidelines on training but also requirements set at departmental level. The number of hours is determined by each department and vary between professional and voluntary firefighters. Health and safety training is set by the departmental health and safety committees.

Italy

A six month course is necessary to become an active firefighter. During the firefighter’s career, training activities are carried out during weekly periods. These are very diverse and may focus on different abilities. These include specific training cycles devoted to health and safety (e.g. about the use of individual protection devices, equipment and machinery). During rest periods, firefighters also have to do physical training and to update their professional skills. A three-month training course is necessary to become head of a team or section. The courses are often standardized and centralized in the central fire school, based in Rome.

Slovakia

Basic training: 10 weeks; practical tasks: 6 months; higher training and preparation for examinations: 2 weeks; applies also to the firefighters employed by private enterprises; practical training is mainly focused on managing security issues in practice

Spain

Training standards and requirements are determined locally

Last updated: 20.8.10