| Accrediting a Class |
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Many agencies and organizations have requested OFST recognition for training that is provided to their personnel through non-OFST classes. In an effort to meet this request, OFST has provided a process similar to other Oklahoma State agencies. An overview of this process and the required forms for submitting a class for OFST accreditation can be found in this section. NOTICE It is important that you read and understand the conditions under which OFST accredits non-OFST course materials and/or provides material to assist in emergency responder training efforts.
Accreditation means that OFST has accepted a training program as meeting local or national standards of emergency responder training. There is no intent, expressed or implied, that "accreditation" indicates or in any way conveys "OFST" approval of concepts, practices, methods, techniques, products, or devices, presented in accredited courses unless such approval is explicitly stated by OFST. Accreditation also means the course will be taught by qualified instructors and that lesson plans, Pre-tests/Post-tests and training materials will be submitted to OFST for accreditation prior to the course date. All requests for training accreditation must be submitted in writing. Course accreditation requests should be received by OFST one (1) month prior to the course presentation date. Course accreditation requests shall contain the following information:
After reviewing the above documentation, OFST shall notify the requesting agency head of OFST course accreditation and assign an accreditation number to the lesson plan, or, if the documentation is incomplete and/or insufficient, OFST will advise as to changes and/or additional information which is needed in order to receive OFST accreditation. Lesson plans will be accredited for the remainder of the calendar year in which it was originally submitted. Accreditation may be renewed each year upon written request of the course instructor/curriculum writer and his/her agency head, at the beginning of the next calendar year. This must be done to continue to use the course as mandated training. Such a request should clearly state that no changes have been made to the accredited lesson plan. Lesson plans which have been modified must be resubmitted, in total, and will be assigned a new number. The sponsoring agencies/institutions shall provide certificates or awards if these are desired. The certificate should show the accreditation number and the number of hours the class includes. For accredited training entry on OFST's training records system, the course instructor must provide OFST with a roster which reflects participants names, their Social Security numbers, and the agencies which attending students represented. (See course roster) Course rosters submitted to OFST for accredited training entries must reflect the course number assigned by OFST in the letter granting accreditation. OFST maintains training records for fire service personnel. Upon written request, non-accredited, or in-service, training entries may also be entered into individual training files, however, such training entries will be recorded as basic continuing education and will not be accepted for purposes of meeting the training requirements established by the “Volunteer Firefighter Incentive Act”.
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