Pennsylvania Fire Service Credentialing Program

The Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) and the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association (PACFCA) share a unified commitment to advancing the professional development of fire service leaders across the Commonwealth. Together, we recognize that effective leadership requires a continuous professional development plan that integrates the appropriate balance of education, training, certification, and experience.

As the birthplace of America’s fire service, Pennsylvania has a proud legacy of leadership and service. Our goal is to ensure that legacy continues by promoting uniform professional standards for fire service leaders—both volunteer and career—through collaborative training and credentialing opportunities offered jointly by PML and PACFCA statewide.

This voluntary program is designed to bridge the gap between individual and department-level recognition programs currently available throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It offers an additional professional development pathway for fire service members serving in Pennsylvania, while supporting and reinforcing existing statewide recognition efforts. The program also encourages active participation in complementary initiatives, including the voluntary firefighter certification program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

For more information on Pennsylvania fire service recognition programs, visit:

·         Individual Credentialing: www.pafirecredentialing.org

·         Department Certification and Recognition Program: www.pa.gov/osfc

Core Leadership Competencies

This program emphasizes the development of well-rounded fire service leaders through focused growth in the following areas:

Management Skills

Personal qualities, decision-making, and technical expertise necessary for effective organizational leadership.

Team-Building Skills

Accountability, adaptability, creativity, and empathy to foster strong, resilient teams.

Interpersonal Skills

Communication, mentorship, and leadership style that promote trust, professionalism, and operational success.

Professional Leadership Expectations

The Pennsylvania Fire Service Credentialing Program is designed to help leaders navigate the evolving fire service environment, including changes in laws, standards, and best practices. Participants commit to demonstrating the following leadership attributes:

·         Confidence – Inspiring motivation and trust, even when faced with challenges or adversity.

·         Focus – Managing distractions while maintaining progress toward organizational goals.

·         Positivity – Using a constructive mindset to motivate teams and exceed performance expectations.

·         Stability – Providing consistency and reliability when leading through change.

Mentorship and Professional Growth

Through a dynamic team of Peer Mentors, participants engage in a structured process that supports meaningful professional growth. This mentorship-driven approach strengthens leadership capabilities, reinforces accountability, and promotes higher professional standards throughout the Pennsylvania fire service.

Promoting professional development across Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency services ensures that current and future leaders are well-prepared to meet—and exceed—the demands of daily operations, management responsibilities, and leadership roles.

Credentialing and Eligibility

Recognition as a Pennsylvania Credentialed Fire Service Officer through PML and PACFCA is valid for three years, after which renewal is required.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an active or retired member of an approved reporting fire company or department with emergency response responsibilities in Pennsylvania

• Members of interstate-response agencies are also eligible

• Serve in any capacity: volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time, or full-time

This program provides equal opportunity for all Pennsylvania fire officers by establishing clear and relevant criteria based on education, training, certification, and experience.

Review and Approval Process

The Peer Mentor Review Team Leader(s) will:

·         Review applications

·         Provide guidance and mentorship throughout the process

·         Make recommendations for credentialing

·         All participants must agree to uphold the Professional Code of Conduct.

All credentialing applications receive final review and approval by the PACFCA Professional Standards Committee, working in coordination with the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Credentialed officers will receive advance notification prior to their credential expiration date to ensure timely submission of renewal applications.