Frequently Asked Questions
S-130/S-190/L-180: Basic Wildland Firefighter
Questions prior to course registration:
When are you offering the next fire course?
If you do not see an upcoming course published on our website, it most likely means that we do not have another offering planned yet. We announce all of our upcoming courses on our listserv, so make sure you join that to be automatically notified!
Can I enroll in only the in-person or online portion of S-130/S-190/L-180?
No. To earn a fire certification from NATA, you must complete both the in-person field day and online coursework in their entirety. We do not offer the online or in-person sections separately. There are no exceptions.
How do I obtain a red card?
To obtain an Incident Qualification Card (Red Card), a new wildland fire crew member must complete a specific process mandated by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The process requires a combination of basic classroom training, online coursework, physical fitness testing, and an official sponsor or hiring agency. Since the Red Card is an agency-issued certification, you cannot officially earn it without being hired by, or sponsored by, a recognized wildland firefighting agency (such as the US Forest Service, state forestry divisions, a local volunteer fire department, or a non-profit that abides by NWCG protocol, such as The Nature Conservancy). The S130/S190/L180 suite of classes are just one step towards the Red Card process.
Do you offer the pack test?
The Work Capacity Test (WCT), commonly known as the Pack Test, is not actually required for many resource management organizations or for private landowners. If you are working for an agency that does indeed follow NWCG Red Card qualification guidelines (USFS, FWS, TNC, etc.), then they will host a mandatory Pack Test day. Because it requires strict official proctoring to count toward your Red Card, you cannot simply take the test on your own.
If you are an independent contractor, an "Organized Crew" (OC) civilian applicant, or a volunteer trying to get certified before applying, you should contact the FMO or Training Specialist at the nearest federal ranger station or state forestry office. They will often allow outside personnel or cooperators to join their scheduled agency pack tests if space permits. This is a good question to ask if you attend annual Fire Council meetings.
What kinds of jobs does this certificate help me to get?
Basic wildland fire training (S130/S190/L180) is now a prerequisite for most fire management agencies. Whether you work in firefighting or "fire lighting," this qualification is vital for a wide variety of roles like entry-level fire crews, drone operations, fire effects monitoring, policy, and public relations. In short, this certificate is essential for you to have on your resume if you are pursuing any fire-related job.