Doug Mastriano, a Pennsylvania State Senator, announced that a new law aims to make firefighter certification more flexible and supportive by replacing the cumulative exam with modular testing. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“It’s Official – SB 90 Is Now Law,” said Douglas Vincent Mastriano, Pennsylvania State Senator from 33rd District (R). “This new law makes it easier for firefighters-in-training to succeed by allowing them to take tests after each training module—rather than one big cumulative exam—for their Firefighter I certification. More flexibility. Less stress.”
According to PennLive, Pennsylvania revised its firefighter training requirements in 2023 with Senate Bill 90 (Act 33). This change allows for modular testing for Firefighter I certification, addressing concerns over volunteer shortages and the challenges posed by cumulative exams. The decision followed extensive consultation with training leaders and fire service organizations.
The Pennsylvania State Fire Academy states that more than 1,200 Firefighter I trainees per year are expected to benefit from Act 33’s modular testing policy. This initiative is designed to lower barriers and increase volunteer certification rates across the state.
Firehouse Magazine reports that states like Pennsylvania, which have adopted modular testing for firefighter certification, have experienced higher pass rates and more accessible training compared to those using only cumulative exams. This has resulted in improved recruitment and retention of volunteers.
According to the Pennsylvania State Senate, Doug Mastriano is a Republican State Senator for the 33rd District. He is a retired Army colonel recognized for his focus on public safety and veterans’ issues. Mastriano is also noted as the primary sponsor of SB 90, which aims to reform firefighter certification requirements.
