Alternative Pathways NWCG Qualification

Group of wildland firefighters walking through low hanging smoke. The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, establishes minimum NWCG position qualification standards for training, experience, physical fitness, and currency for national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Position qualification requirements are located on the individual position pages of the NWCG Position Catalog.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL), NWCG position endorsements, and the National Fire Academy (NFA) Structural Fire Skills Crosswalk are methods for attaining NWCG PMS 310-1 positions outside of the qualifications pathway through formal processes and recognized programs. Use of these processes and programs are determined by each agency independently and only apply to positions identified in the NWCG PMS 310-1. The use of these alternate pathways ensures the critical knowledge and skills needed to perform on wildland fire incidents is attained while increasing response capacity through a shortened path to qualification.

The NWCG Standards for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), PMS 309, establishes the use of a formal competency-based qualification process that allows any credentialing authority to recognize and account for competence acquired through life-long learning and experience. RPL is a process that evaluates an individual’s formal and non-formal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required competencies to perform effectively in a specific emergency management or responder position. It is widely recognized that a standardized NWCG RPL process will reduce redundant training, support efforts to increase speed and time to competency, and support efforts to boost national resource surge capacity.

The NWCG Executive Board has developed NWCG position endorsements for the 45 common positions shared with National Incident Management System (NIMS) National Qualification System (NQS). A position endorsement is defined as “Documentation validating specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that an [Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)] establishes beyond the minimum qualifications for a given position.” Endorsements allow utilizing NQS all-hazards qualified resources on wildland fire incidents. This process is not designed to review specific NWCG positions for use in all-hazards incidents.

Position analysis is underway. See analysis process for additional information regarding the process used during the analysis.

NWCG Position Catalog

Please Provide Endorsements Feedback

Details	Title Sort descending	Position Code	Endorsed?	Endorsement Approved	Link to Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position. All-hazards Air Operations Branch Director need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements. Rationale for not endorsing is based on prerequisite experience (e.g., strategic operations, complex air space coordination, complex frequency management, planning strategy and tactics for retardant operations, managing risk).	Air Operations Branch Director	AOBD	No	2022-05-18	AOBD Recommendations
ASGS Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None Required Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of the NWCG Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) Position Task Book, PMS 311-19, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Air Support Group Supervisor	ASGS	Yes	2022-05-18	ASGS Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position. All-hazards Air Tactical Group Supervisors need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements. Rationale for not endorsing is based on prerequisite experience (e.g., complex airspace coordination with incident aircraft, DIVS prerequisite qualification).	Air Tactical Group Supervisor	ATGS	No	2022-05-18	ATGS Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position and has no endorsement. All-hazards Communication Unit Leaders will need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements.	Communications Unit Leader	COML	No	2022-04-20	COML Recommendations
COMP Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None required, but both S-260, Incident Business Management and e-ISuite training are recommended for anyone without wildland fire incident business experience. Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of position-specific tasks (#31-40) in the NWCG Compensation Unit Leader (COMP) Position Task Book, PMS 311-47, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Compensation/Claims Unit Leader	COMP	Yes	2022-07-20	COMP Recommendations
COST Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None required, but both S-260, Incident Business Management and e-ISuite training are recommended for anyone without wildland fire incident business experience. Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of position-specific tasks (#16, 22, 23, 26) in the NWCG Cost Unit Leader (COST) Position Task Book, PMS 311-48, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Cost Unit Leader	COST	Yes	2022-07-20	COST Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position and has no endorsement. Demobilization Unit Leader will need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements.	Demobilization Unit Leader	DMOB	No	2022-04-20	DMOB Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position. All-hazards Division Group Supervisors need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements. Rationale for not endorsing is based on prerequisite experience (e.g., fire behavior, strategic operations, burn planning).	Division/Group Supervisor	DIVS	No	2022-05-18	DIVS Recommendations
DOCL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training Review NWCG Standards for Electronic File Documentation, PMS 277, prior to assignment. Required Additional Experience Successful performance as a DOCL trainee on a wildland fire incident (no position task book required). Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Documentation Unit Leader	DOCL	Yes	2022-04-20	DOCL Recommendations
FACL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None Required Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of position-specific tasks (#34, 35, 36, 37, 38) in the NWCG Facilities Unit Leader (FACL) Position Task Book, PMS 311-34, on an incident or in a simulated environment. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Facilities Unit Leader	FACL	Yes	2022-04-20	FACL Recommendations
FSC3 Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None Required Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of NWCG Position Task Book for Time Unit Leader (TIME), PMS 311-126, or Cost Unit Leader (COST) Position Task Book, PMS 311-48, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Finance/Administration Section Chief Type 3	FSC3	Yes	2022-07-20	FSC3 Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position and has no endorsement. All-hazards Food Unit Leaders will need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements.	Food Unit Leader	FDUL	No	2022-04-20	FDUL Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position. All-hazards Geographic Information System Specialists need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements. Rationale for not endorsing is based on the specialized wildland fire workflow requirements.	Geographic Information System Specialist	GISS	No	2022-05-18	GISS Recommendations
GSUL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None required (NQS and NWCG are identical) Required Additional Experience None required (NQS and NWCG are identical) Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Ground Support Unit Leader	GSUL	Yes	2022-04-20	GSUL Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position. All-hazards Incident Commander Type 3s will need to meet the wildland fire endorsement for Incident Commander Type 4 before moving up to Incident Commander Type 3. Rationale for not endorsing is based on the complexity of the wildland fire ICT3 position. Wildland fire has Extended Attack incidents as well as Type 3 Incident Management Teams (IMTS); each requires variable skills from the ICT3 in command. With the implementation of Complex Incident Management, the path forward on the wildland fire side is still unclear.	Incident Commander Type 3	ICT3	No	2022-07-20	ICT3 Recommendations
ICT4 Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training S-130, Firefighter Training S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Training S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior S-200, Initial Attack Incident Commander RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of tasks (#4, 6, 15, 21, 33, 34, 38, 39, 44) in the NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) Position Task Book, PMS 311-03, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: Arduous	Incident Commander Type 4	ICT4	Yes	2022-07-20	ICT4 Recommendations
This is an inherently wildland fire position and has no endorsement. All-hazards Incident Communications Technician will need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements.	Incident Communications Technician	COMT	No	2022-04-20	COMT Recommendations
LOFR Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None Required Additional Experience Successful performance as a LOFR trainee on a wildland fire incident (no PTB required). Use NWCG Liaison Officer (LOFR) Position Task Book, PMS 311-05, as a guide for the trainee assignment. Document performance on a PTB Evaluation Record. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Liaison Officer	LOFR	Yes	2022-07-20	LOFR Recommendations
LSC3 Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training None Required Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of the NWCG Logistics Section Chief, Type 3 (LSC3) Position Task Book, PMS 311-35, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Logistics Section Chief Type 3	LSC3	Yes	2022-04-20	LSC3 Recommendations
MEDL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022 Required Additional Training S-359, Medical Unit Leader Required Additional Experience Successful completion and certification of position-specific tasks (#73 thru #86) in the NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS-311-39, on a wildland fire incident. Physical Fitness Level: None Required	Medical Unit Leader	MEDL	Yes	2022-04-20	MEDL Recommendations

Structural firefighters meeting NFPA 1001 or 1021 qualifications may utilize the Skills Crosswalk identified by the NFA to apply their existing fire suppression knowledge and skills towards qualification in three NWCG incident positions: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB), and Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN).

Refer to the NFA website for additional information, as well as the Skills Crosswalk guide.

The Gap courses have been designed to fill the knowledge gap between structural and wildand fire. The course, along with the associated position task book are required for structural firefighters prior to obtaining qualification in each of the three NWCG positions.

G-131, Wildland Training (FFT1) for Structural Firefighters (designed for those meeting NFPA 1001 for Firefighter 2, or equivalent)
G-231, Wildland Training (ENGB) for Structural Firefighters (designed for those meeting NFPA 1021 for Fire Officer 1, or equivalent)
G-330, Wildland Training (STEN) for Structural Firefighters (designed for those meeting NFPA 1021 for Fire Officer 2, or equivalent)

Positions Highlights

Last Modified / Reviewed: 2025-11-03

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
Cost Unit Leader (COST)
Crew Representative (CREP)
Deck Coordinator (DECK)
Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
Field Observer (FOBS)
Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
Ordering Manager (ORDM)
Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Alternative Pathways NWCG Qualification

Recognition of Prior Learning

NWCG Position Endorsements

ASGS Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

COMP Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

COST Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

DOCL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

FACL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

FSC3 Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

GSUL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

ICT4 Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: Arduous

LOFR Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

LSC3 Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

MEDL Position Endorsement Requirements, 2022

Required Additional Training

Required Additional Experience

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

NFA Structural Fire Skills Crosswalk and Gap Courses

NWCG Latest Announcements

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NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group