Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP)

The mission of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection is to aid in the protection of lives and property of Texas citizens through the development and enforcement of recognized professional standards for individuals and the fire service. The commission's authority is defined by TX Gov't Code Chapter 419. The commission's strategic plan includes two major goals:

  • The agency fulfills its first goal by providing education and assistance to the fire service: Fire Protection Resource Library and Injury Report.
  • The agency fulfills its second goal through three program areas by enforcing statewide fire service standards: Certification, Training and Testing, and Compliance.

Please visit the TCFP website for information regarding preparation, requirements, and approvals that you must have before you take an exam.

Texas State University has two locations that provide the TCFP computer-based testing. You may test at our main campus in San Marcos or at our campus in Round Rock. Please review this website and choose the location that is most convenient for your needs. If you have any questions, please contact the location where you wish to test. For testing at San Marcos, please call TEMC at 512.245.2276. For testing at Round Rock, please call 512.716.4020.

Expand FAQ List

  • Step 1. Register for your TCFP exam. Visit the TCFP website to register or call 512-936-3838 for assistance.

    Step 2. To request your appointment, select your site.

    We'll reply with an email either confirming your choice, or offering some alternatives. When an appointment has been set, we'll send you a link to pay our test administration fee.

    Step 3. Pay your Texas State administration fee. Texas State University requires an administration fee based on the time limit of the exam.   
    See "Available Exams and Time Limits" below.

    Up to 2 hours= $40
    Up to 5 hours= $70

    Bring the printed receipt as proof you paid.

    Step 4. On the test day please bring your printed approval form from TCFP, your administration fee receipt, and government-issued identification. You will not be allowed to test unless you have all the required documentation and identification with you.

    Note: TEMC cannot provide refunds for any fees or payments beyond five business days from the date of payment. Your payment receipt is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase. It is essential to submit an appointment request within this timeframe to be eligible for testing.

  • TCFP exams may be retaken on the same day if time and space permits. If retesting is available, you will be allowed a short break to contact TCFP for a new exam code and time to make the additional fee payment before the retest begins.

    TCFP recommends waiting at least one day before retesting to review the master report from the testing attempt.

  • Valid government-issued identification with photo (driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport)

  • Prohibited Items

    • Hats or jackets, if needed for the weather, these items must be placed with the proctor;
    • sunglasses;
    • electronic equipment including cell phones, smart watches, pagers, two-way radios, all devices with a camera;
    • food or drinks;
    • study guides or notes

    Breaks

    • There are NO lunch or restroom breaks allowed.

    Allowed Items

    • government-issued photo and signature ID;
    • confirmation of exam registration

  • The only accommodations we are able to offer at our facility are enlarged font sizes and use of a single room.

    If you have a disability and need other accommodations when you take your exam, visit the TCFP website or call 512-936-3838 for assistance.

  • CodeExaminationTime Allowed
    SFFStructural Fire Suppression: Combined (FFI & II, Aw & Ops)4 ½ hours
    FF1Fire Fighter I2 hours
    FF2Fire Fighter II1 ½ hours
    AWHazMat Awareness1 hour
    OPSHazMat Operations1 hour
    HZMTHazardous Materials Technician1 hour
    HZICHazardous Materials Incident Commander½ hour
    INSPFire Inspector (Insp I & II)2 hours
    INSP1Inspector I1 hour
    INSP2Inspector II1 hour
    PE1Plans Examiner I1 hour
    ARFFAircraft Rescue Fire Fighting1 ½ hours
    INVArson/Fire Investigator1 ½ hours
    MARMarine Fire Fighter1 hour
    DOPDriver/Operator – Pumper1 hour
    DOADriver/Operator – Aerial1 hour
    OFF1Fire Officer I1 hour
    OFF2Fire Officer II1 hour
    OFF3Fire Officer III1 hour
    OFF4Fire Officer IV1 hour
    INST1Instructor I1 hour
    INST2Instructor II1 hour
    INST3Instructor III1 hour
    ISOIncident Safety Officer1 hour
    BWFFBasic Wildland Fire Fighter1 hour
    FLSE1Fire and Life Safety Educator I1 hour
    FLSE2Fire and Life Safety Educator II1 hour
    ICIncident Commander1 hour
    FMFire Marshall1 ½ hours
    IWFFIntermediate Wildland Fire Fighter½ hour
    HMICHazardous Materials Incident Commander½ hour
    RRRope Rescue (Combined Awareness, Operations, Technician)2 hours
    RRAORope Rescue Awareness/Operations1 hour
    RRTRope Rescue Technician1 hour

    * These exams will be available within the next few months 
    ** This exam will be available within the next year

  • To Test at Texas State University, San Marcos Campus

    The nearest visitor parking is in the Edward Gary Street Garage. Click here for more details.

    To Test at Texas State University, Round Rock Campus

    Please visit the Testing Center, Round Rock location page for parking directions.