Ohio Fire Chief Credentialing Program
The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association (OFCA) and the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation (OF&ESF) have identified the need to further enhance the professionalism of chief fire officers throughout the state of Ohio by the establishment of a uniform credentialing program. The goal of the program is to ensure a strong degree of accountability. The Credentialing Program sets forth the goals needed for chief fire officers to establish a higher degree of professionalism so that fire chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department, their community, and other organizations. The goal is to promote the professional development of the chief fire officer in Ohio and to assist these chiefs in their daily operations, management, and leadership.
Credentialed participants will be required to renew their credentials every three years.
Through this program, the OFCA has attempted to establish occupational education, fire service related training, and experience criteria relevant to the position of fire chief. This process provides an equal opportunity for the volunteer, paid-on-call, or full-time applicant to meet the minimum criteria for achieving the Ohio Fire Chief credential.
At this time, the chief fire officer designation is open to officers serving at the Battalion Chief level or above. Candidates are required to provide an organizational chart verifying their position within the department. An individual seeking OFC credentialing must be an active member of a Fire and/or EMS organization and member of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association at the time of application
By participation in this program, an applicant agrees to abide by a Mission Statement and Code of Professional Conduct. The credentialing process will be solely administered by The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association Credentialing Committee.
