Optional · 1 of 3

Certifications that raise your pay or open doors

• Paramedic

  The biggest single upgrade. Many departments pay a permanent premium for it and some will not hire without it.

• Hazardous materials technician

  Specialist team work with chemical and fuel spills.

• Technical rescue

  Rope, confined space, trench and swift water. Specialty team assignments.

• Fire investigator and fire inspector

  The route off the truck and into a daytime schedule later in your career.