FAQ – A.M.F. Designation Program

  • What are the requirements and procedures for joining the Airport Master Firefighter Program?
  • Is AAAE and/or AAAE Membership required to be in the Airport Master Firefighter Program?
  • When will I be notified about the results of my application?
  • Do I have to be working for an Airport Fire Department at the time of application?
  • How much does the program cost?
  • I earned the predecessor Certified Firefighter (C.F.) or the Certified Master Firefighter (C.M.F.) certifications years ago.  Can these designations be transferred to the A.M.F. or A.F.O. programs?
  • Will I be able to use the A.M.F designation after my name after I successfully complete the exam?
  • Are there any limits to complete the exam after I register for the program?
  • What benefits will I receive as an AAAE/ARFFWG Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.)?

FAQ – A.M.F. Examination Process

  • How many questions are on the A.M.F. multiple-choice exam?
  • How can I study for the multiple-choice exam?
  • When and how can I take the multiple-choice exam?
  • How long will it take to receive the exam results?
  • If I don’t pass, how many times can I re-take the exam?

What are the requirements and procedures for joining the Airport Master Firefighter Program?

Prospective A.M.F. program candidates must meet the following requirements to be accepted into the program:

  • Posses three years documented experience as an Airport Firefighter
    (Candidates can substitute ARFF experience with four years of documented structural firefighting experience for every one year of ARFF experience sought, regardless of rank. All other prerequisites must be met in order to qualify)
  • Completion of a Basic ARFF Training Program*
  • Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100/200/700

* The Basic ARFF Training Program must include training to meet or exceed the requirements of NFPA 1003: Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, or, at a minimum include the training topics required by Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139.319, or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) equivalent. In lieu of a certificate, a transcript that includes the ARFF training topics and date(s) of training may be submitted as proof of training and is subject to review and approval by the ARFFWG Educational Affairs Committee.


Candidates meeting these requirements must following the Registration Process procedures by submitting a registration packet documenting proof of the requirements and also submit a Program Application.


Is AAAE and/or AAAE Membership required to be in the Airport Master Firefighter Program?
While AAAE and the ARFFWG encourage membership into either organization to keep up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry as well as professionally network with your fellow peers, membership into either organization is not required.  Creating a profile on the organization websites may be required to successfully enroll into the programs.  To become a member of either AAAE and/or the ARFFWG, please visit the appropriate websites.

When will I be notified about the results of my application?
Once the AAAE/ARFFWG Joint Training Program Committee reviews the Registration Package and processes the Program Application and payment, a formal Letter of Acceptance (LOA) will be emailed to the candidate.  The LOA will consist of welcoming remarks into the program as well as information about the program and materials.  

Do I have to be working for an Airport Fire Department at the time of application?
No.  However, candidates must possess three years documented experience as an Airport Firefighter and must submit a resume along with the other required documents for the Registration Package verifying at least 3 years documented experience as an Airport Firefighter.

How much does the program cost?
The cost to be enrolled into the A.M.F. program is $310.  This is a one-time fee that includes access to some of the required Study Materials needed study for the A.M.F. exam, including one exam attempt.

I earned the predecessor Certified Firefighter (C.F.) or the Certified Master Firefighter (C.M.F.) certifications years ago. Can these designations be transferred to the A.M.F. or A.F.O. programs?
AAAE and the ARFFWG have implemented a Grandfather Clause which stipulates those who have successfully completed either the predecessor Certified Firefighter (C.F.) or the Certified Master Firefighter (C.M.F.) programs and can provide solid proof of completing the programs, they may transfer their designations into the new A.M.F. or A.F.O programs.  Fees do apply with this transfer.

Will I be able to use the A.M.F designation after my name after I successfully complete the exam?
Upon successful completion of the A.M.F. program, candidates may officially use the A.M.F. designation after their name.  An Award of Certification will be distributed to candidates who successfully complete the program that indicates their name and use of the designation.

Are there any limits to complete the exam after I register for the program?
Candidates have 1 year from the time of enrollment to complete the A.M.F. program.  Extensions may be made on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to an additional fee of $100.00.

What benefits will I receive as an AAAE/ARFFWG Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.)?
Upon successful completion of the A.M.F. program, candidates will have the privilege of using the prestigious A.M.F. designation after their name and become part of an elite group of professional Airport Firefighters.  Furthermore, candidates will be presented with an Award of Certification with their name and use of the designation.  Candidates who complete the A.M.F. program may move on to the next ARFF Professional Designation Program; the Airport Fire Officer (A.F.O.) Program (separate program fees apply).

How many questions are on the A.M.F. multiple-choice exam?
There are 150 multiple-choice questions on the exam based on the required Study Materials. Candidates have up to 3 hours to complete the exam. The A.M.F. exam is to be taken over the internet. 

How can I study for the multiple-choice exam?
Candidates will need to obtain the required Study Materials to prepare for the multiple-choice examination.  Separate fees apply and must be ordered outside AAAE and ARFFWG on some of the required study materials.

When and how can I take the multiple-choice exam?
All exams are now administered through a secure online platform, and a live proctor is no longer needed. A minimum of two weeks' notice is required for all exams. Candidates can schedule their exams here. A computer with a webcam, internal microphone and internet connection is required for all exams. You must review the exam instructions and guidelines prior to scheduling an exam. All sessions will be recorded. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in AAAE invalidating your exam.

How long will it take to receive the exam results?
Under usual circumstances, candidates will receive an email with their initial Pass/Fail results once they complete the exam. After exam sessions have been reviewed and validated, official exam transcripts will be emailed within one week, and certificates will be mailed within two weeks from the exam date.

If I don’t pass, how many times can I re-take the exam?
All candidates can take the online examination as many times as it is necessary to successfully complete it. Those who attend review courses and Self-study candidates who fail the exam the first time must pay a $75 fee each time they retake the exam.