Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Sneak peak to the new look for the website
June 12, 2019
Here's a sneak peek at the new look for the website. Please check it out and let us know what you think! Click here.
Health and wellness program page
April 30, 2019
A health and wellness program page has just been launched. This page will be continually updated with pertinent firefighter related health and wellness information.
Check it out here.
Available soon: New module for FIDO administrators submitting applications
April 8, 2019 Update: now available since May 22, 2019
A new module has been developed for FIDO department administrators submitting applications, including certifications, exams, IFSAC Seals, and record reviews. The module will allow department administrators to submit a single application, or to "bundle" several applications of particular type, which can then be included on a single invoice.
The new module is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
See a preview of the module and view Application Tutorials here.
Revised TCFP 066 Compliance Inspection Guide is now available
April 5, 2019
TCFP-066 Compliance Inspection Guide is available to help regulated departments prepare for an inspection. This inspection guide and checklist is updated and available by clicking here: Compliance Inspection Memo
Reminder Notice:
January 15, 2018
Revised standard operating procedure related to firefighter protective clothing is due to the regional compliance officer January 31, 2019.
Violation notices to follow for failure to comply.
The information is being distributed to departments, training programs, and other affected entities, and it can also be accessed here.
Attention all Certified Training Facilities:
December 10, 2018
The renewal module for certified training facilities will be available on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Log into FIDO to create and pay invoice by 1/31/2019 to avoid late fees.
New Exams Available Online
September 13, 2018
The following exams are now available in online format:
- Inspector I
- Inspector II
- Plans Examiner I
- Inspector (Combined: Inspector I, Inspector II, Plans Examiner I)
- Aircraft Rescue Firefighter
- Hazardous Materials Awareness
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Investigator
Please go to Online Test Sites to view all available online tests.
***RENEWAL BEGINS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2018***
August 8, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018, departments and individual certificate holders can renew certifications via the new FIDO renewal module for the October 31, 2018 expiration date.
AVOID LATE FEES! RENEWAL PROCESS & PAYMENT must be COMPLETED by OCTOBER 31, 2018.
Individual Certificate holders click here for more information.
The 2017 Injury Report is now available
August 22, 2018
The 2017 Injury Report has been posted. You can download a copy of it here.
New Requirements for PPE SOPs
August 8, 2018
New rule language was recently adopted in 435.1 of the Commission's Standards Manual pertaining to care and maintenance of PPE. Along with the adoption, TCFP has also developed guidance regarding components that must be included in a regulated entity's care and maintenance SOP. The information is being distributed to departments, training programs, and other affected entities, and it can also be accessed here. Organizations will need to review their current SOP's, make revisions as necessary, and submit the revised SOP's to TCFP for review and approval no later than January 31, 2019. Please contact your regional compliance officer if you have any questions.
***ON-LINE TESTING IS NOW AVAILABLE***
August 8, 2018
We want to make sure everyone knows on-line testing is currently available for the following exams:
- Instructor I, II and III
- Officer I, II, III and IV
- Basic Wildland Firefighter
- Incident Safety Officer
- Hazmat Incident Commander
- Driver Operator-Pumper
- Driver Operator-Aerial
More state certification exams will be coming on-line in the future.
The testing fee is still $55 for these exams. There is likely an additional fee (usually between $20-$30) charged by the on-line testing center in your area. You can find out more about the costs of the different testing centers, as well as a listing of all the testing centers, at https://www.tcfp.texas.gov/testing/online_test_sites.asp.
If you would like to get in touch with one of our staff members about on-line testing, please email testing@tcfp.texas.gov.
TCFP Test Application Fee Reduced
May 20, 2018
Effective May 20th, the fee for processing applications for testing is reduced from $85 to $55.
- Mailed applications that are postmarked on or after May 20th will be processed at the new $55 fee. Those postmarked prior to May 20th are subject to the $85 fee.
- Online applications that are processed by TCFP on or after May 20th will be processed at the new $55 fee. Those processed prior to May 20th are subject to the $85 fee.
The fee for sectional exams ($35) remains unchanged.
Fees for Certifications remain unchanged and are still processed at $85.
Having trouble accessing FIDO?
April 26, 2018
If you are experiencing difficulty logging in to your FIDO account, and are using Internet Explorer, it may be due to your browser
being out of date. Please update your settings by following these steps on your computer:
- Go to your Start menu
- select Control Panel
- Select Internet Options
- In the General tab, select Settings in the Browsing History section
- Select the Every time I visit webpage button
- Click OK and exit out
- Close all instances of your browser
- Re-open your browser and try accessing FIDO again.
2017 Injury Reporting Deadline
April 10, 2018
Please submit all 2017 injury reports by April 30 to have your department's data included in the official report to the commission. All reports of "No Injuries" should also be submitted by this date.
For general information about injury reports, please refer to the injury reporting program page. If you have additional questions or concerns about reporting 2017 injuries, please call 512-936-3833 or email info@tcfp.texas.gov.
NOTE: Injury reports will still be accepted after the deadline, but will not be included in the 2017 Injury Report.
TCFP Customer Service survey now available
March 20, 2018 Update: Survey is now closed.
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection wants your input! Please take our brief customer service survey to let us know how we are doing. This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
FIDO Update
February 12, 2018
Commission personnel are working this week to complete the critical programming for a replacement interface for FIDO. We expect to launch the replacement on Tuesday, February 20th.
The new interface will look and function differently, and most importantly should correct the problems encountered with the version introduced in January. The interface should have the basic functions and features needed for most situations, with additional refinements and functionalities being added in the weeks following launch.
Thank you again for your continued patience.
Commission seeks applicants for hazardous materials ad hoc committee
February 8, 2018 Update: Application period is now closed.
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection is seeking qualified applicants for the hazardous materials ad hoc curriculum committee to assist in updating all the hazmat certifications currently offered: Awareness, Operations, Technician, and Incident Commander. Please download and submit the application for committee membership via e-mail to Grace Wilson or via fax: (512) 936-3808. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Our apologies - and our thanks for your patience
January 23, 2017
The agency continues to encounter a number of challenges following the launch of the new FIDO system earlier this month, with most of the problems occurring in the department and training facility management modules. Our IT personnel are working tirelessly to find and fix the bugs - and they will find and fix them . . . it just takes time.
On a positive note, individuals throughout the state are applying and paying for certifications and IFSAC seals via the new online portal in their FIDO accounts. This feature drastically reduces the time between application and issuance of fire protection credentials, from weeks to a few days at most. Hundreds of credentials have already been issued, and the pace is picking up as more personnel become aware of the new feature.
We appreciate your continued patience as we work to bring the new FIDO up to full speed, and of course we will do our best to minimize disruptions to your operations during the process.
FIDO now available
December 13, 2017
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection is putting final touches on a new FIDO system, with plans to launch in early January 2018.
FIDO will have a whole new look, with greatly expanded capabilities for the user. The system will allow the individual or department administrator to manage online transactions such as:
- Applying for certifications, IFSAC seals, and exams.
- Making payments.
- Viewing and printing invoices and receipts.
- Taking an exam. Limited online testing will commence with the launch of the new system. Certain disciplines will be included initially, with others added over time. Approved testing centers will be identified from which the examinee may choose. Additional testing centers will be added as agreements with the centers are finalized.
- Submitting completed professional development courses such as A and B list courses, college courses on a transcript, or required medical training.
- Submitting other important documents such as verification of military status, IFSAC seals from other jurisdictions, or peace officer confirmation.
- Viewing individual records such as certifications and IFSAC seals held, work history and years of service, scheduled exams and exam results, and other information.
E-mail was sent to all valid FIDO users with directions on how to access it! You can request assistance through helpdesk@tcfp.texas.gov or 512-936-3838.
For previous articles please see the archived news and notes page.
Facebook
Twitter
Blogger