Qualified Firefighter (QF) programme

The QF programme is seen under TAPS as the completion of a firefighter’s core skills. Accordingly, the QF programme is compulsory for new firefighters.

New firefighters will be put onto the programme within a few months of being assigned to their first station.

The programme has two distance learning stages, two practical courses and an exam. Following training and assessment, firefighters on the QF programme will undertake a period of consolidation of their new skills and knowledge before they are signed off as having completed the programme.

The programme is designed to be completed over 15 – 18 months, but completion times will vary between individuals.

What’s in the programme?

The QF programme adds to the core skills taught in recruit training. Programme participants will be assessed on the theory and practical elements of community education, building construction, lift rescue and hazardous substances to name but a few of the topics.

The consolidation stage which follows the final practical course is not a formal assessment. It is an opportunity to put new skills and knowledge into practice.

Some of the skills learnt may not occur very often in your district (eg a ship fire), so drills and training evolutions will be used to gain experience in these skills after the course.