L-180 may be delivered as instructor-led (classroom) or self-directed (online) training.
Course coordinators and instructors should be thoroughly familiar with the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1. The NWCG Standards for Course Delivery establishes standards for all aspects of NWCG training course management and delivery. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, and the course-specific guidance stated in the NWCG Training Catalog.
See L-180 minimum instructor qualifications.
Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.
Each student must be provided the following:
All presentations should be downloaded and tested before the start of class to ensure compatibility with software.
PowerPoint presentations are built in an older version of Microsoft Office. Some features may not work correctly with newer software or systems.
For help, visit the Microsoft Office website or contact your local IT support personnel.
Use the NWCG Course Evaluation Feedback form to collect information critical to future training improvements.
Students and cadre members are asked to contribute course evaluations. Input is welcome on all aspects of the training course, including course content, pre-course work, reference materials, quality of instruction, delivery methods, and testing procedures.
Conduct initial, pre-course, daily, and close-out instructor cadre meetings. These provide opportunities to plan, organize, preview materials, review training and exercises, and identify and address concerns and issues. Consider using an informal After Action Review process. Instructor cadre meetings are critical for instructors who do not have previous experience with the course. Additional information is located in the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1
This online course exposes students to human performance concepts as part of basic wildland firefighter training. The course is designed for entry-level operational personnel; however, this course also applies to all wildland fire service personnel, including non-operational personnel. Additional information about the course can be found on the L-180 overview page.
This is an NWCG-certified course. Click here to view the NWCG certification statement for this course.
This course is available in the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Log on as a guest to search for L-180 or self-enroll directly.
For those who do not have a WFLP account and cannot get one, the course is also available through National Fire Academy (NFA) Online. An NFA Online account is needed; follow the directions on NFA Online to obtain an account. Search for course title in the catalog and add the online course to your To-Do-List. NFA Online will track your progress. When all modules are successfully completed, you will receive a certificate. It is recommended you either print or save this certificate. online component of the course.