Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.)
The purpose of the A.M.F., the first level of the ARFF Professional Designation Program, is to document that the Master candidate understands, to an acceptable degree, the ARFF Body of Knowledge essential to carry out the responsibilities to manage an airport fire department and also has a basic understanding of airport administration and management.
Benefits
- Obtain thorough knowledge of ARFF and Airport Management/Administration
- Increase your promotional and career opportunities in the field of ARFF
- Earn the prestigious A.M.F. designation after your name and become a part of an elite group of ARFF professionals
- Be recognized through AAAE and ARFFWG media-related announcements and releases
Questions? Contact the Training Department
Attend a Course
Attend the next AMF Virtual Review Course to engage with our instructor, Jim Nilo and other ARFF professionals. By attending a course, you will be immersed in the content, which will help you learn and retain the information you need to pass the exam and earn your AMF certification.
UPCOMING COURSE
Inquire here or visit Events Calendar for more information about upcoming courses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Possess 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 completion of a Basic ARFF Training Program*
- Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100/200.c/700.B**
How to Register for the A.M.F. Program
Prior to officially enrolling into the A.M.F. program, candidates are to submit a registration package containing the following documents:
- Resume verifying at least 3 years documented experience as an airport firefighter
- Certificate of completion of a Basic ARFF Training Program*
- Certificates of completion of NIMS 100/200.c/700.B**
* 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.
**Older versions of ICS 200 and 700 will continue to be accepted.
The required information is to be accompanied by a signed cover letter (on an official letterhead) by the Airport Fire Chief or lead ARFF official verifying the information submitted was correct and showing support from the department.
The Airport Fire Chief or lead ARFF official is to include in the cover letter an overview of the documents submitted as well as support of the candidate to be enrolled into the program(s). In addition, the supporter signing the letter must include his or her rank at the firehouse and contact information (phone number and email).
Registration packages and questions may be submitted electronically to training@aaae.org
You may also fax to 703.820.1395, or mail to:
Attn: Training Department
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
The Barclay Building
601 Madison St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Upon successful verification from the AAAE/ARFFWG Joint Training Program Committee, the candidate will receive correspondence from the committee by email, for the candidate to officially register for the program.
Once payment has been reflected to the individuals account, a formal Letter of Acceptance (LOA) will be emailed to the candidate. The LOA will consist of welcoming remarks into the program as well information about the program and materials. The letter will also have a website link to access some of the required materials online.- Candidates must independently register for both the AMF and AFO programs
Grandfather Clause
Participants who completed the predecessor ARFF programs (Certified Firefighter C.F. and/or Certified Master Firefighter C.M.F.) will be recognized for the participation.
C.F. to A.M.F. will require a copy of the original certification. A new certificate will be issued via email at no cost to the applicant.
C.M.F. to A.F.O. will require a copy of the original (graded) research paper. A new certificate, patch, and pin will be issued. There will be a $25 cost for the managerial expenses. The research will also be added to the ARFF Training Alliance library.
If you have received either of these predecessor designations and would like to be recognized for participation under the new programs, please fill out the Grandfather Clause Registration form and submit copies of the required documentation and certificates previously mentioned to the Training Department or fax at 703.820.1395. Scanned and emailed copies of the documents and form are acceptable as well.
Contact Us
Email - training@aaae.org
Phone - 703-824-0500 ext. 115
Grandfather Clause Application
(Adobe PDF File)
Process
The Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.) program is the first level in the ARFF Professional Designation Program. Candidates who register in this program must meet certain Program Pre-Requisites to be registered into and earn the A.F.O. designation.
ARFF personnel who are interested in enrolling into this program do not have to be a member of either AAAE or the ARFFWG but must work with the individuals Airport Fire Chief or lead ARFF Official to provide certifying documentation proving the candidate fulfills the Program Pre-Requisites. Upon successful verification by AAAE and/or the ARFFWG, candidates will be prompted to register for the A.M.F. Program through A.M.F. Program Application page.
Upon successful enrollment into the program, candidates may upload and/or purchase the required Study Materials and begin preparing for the A.M.F. 150 question multiple-choice examination. Candidates who earn a 70% or better on the examination will earn the A.M.F. designation after their name. Candidates will have 26 months, from the date of enrollment, to complete the certification.
Course Content
The A.M.F. exam consists of 150 Multiple Choice questions that the candidate must pass with a 70% or better to successfully earn the A.M.F. designation and proceed to the next level of the ARFF Professional Designation Program; the Airport Fire Officer (A.F.O.) Program. The exam will cover the following areas of ARFF Operations and Airport Administration/Management (see also A.M.F. Study Materials):
- American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Accreditation Body of Knowledge Modules (extracted sections)**
- Federal Aviation Regulations**:
- Part 139.315 - .319: ARFF
- Part 139.321: Handling and Storage of Hazardous Substances and Materials
- Part 139.325: Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)
- Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circulars (AC)
- AC 150/5200-12C: First Responders’ Responsibility for Protecting Evidence at the Scene of an Aircraft Accident/Incident
- AC 150/5210-17B: Programs for Training of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Personnel
- AC 150-5210-23: ARFF Vehicle and High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) Operation, Training and Qualifications
(A.M.F. Supplement consists of excerpts from the Certified Member (C.M.) modules to include: Airport Operations/Security/Maintenance, Airport Finance/Administration, Legislative Affairs/Marketing/Communications/Air Service Development. The supplement also includes the above listed FAA Advisory Circulars and Part 139.315-.321 and 139.325)
- IFSTA 6th Edition*
AAAE and the ARFFWG does not provide candidates access to the NFPA or IFSTA 6th Edition materials. Most airport firehouses have access to this information. - IFSTA 6th Edition
*Candidates to obtain this resource on-own
**Document included in A.M.F. Supplement
***A.M.F. Supplement provided to all enrolled candidates electronically at no extra charge
All candidates, upon enrollment, will be given electronic access to the following materials:
- AAAE/ARFFWG ARFF Designation Learning Guide
- A.M.F. Supplement
These materials may also be purchased in hard copy format and mailed to the candidate at an additional cost of $20.00 each. See Program Application for more information.
How to Schedule the AMF Online Exam
The comprehensive final examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and is designed to professionally assess the candidates’ knowledge of ARFF Operations and Airport Administration/Management.
All exams are now administered through a secure online platform, and a live proctor is not 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.
Resources
Study Materials - 2017 Revision
- American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) C.M. Body of Knowledge Modules (extracted sections)
- Federal Aviation Regulations:
- Part 139.315 - .319: ARFF
- Part 139.321: Handling and Storage of Hazardous Substances and Materials o Part 139.325: Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)
- Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circulars (AC)
- AC 150/5210-17B: Programs for Training of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Personnel
- AC 150-5210-23: ARFF Vehicle and High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) Operation, Training and Qualifications
- AC 150/5200-12C: First Responders’ Responsibility for Protecting Evidence at the Scene of an Aircraft Accident/Incident
- IFSTA 6th Edition
* AAAE and the ARFFWG does not provide candidates access to the NFPA or IFSTA 6th Edition materials. Most airport firehouses have access to this information.
FAQ
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.c/700.B**
* 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.
**Older versions of ICS 200 and 700 will continue to be accepted.
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 2 years 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.
Study Materials
If you have been accepted to the AMF Program, you will receive an email with a link to the online study materials. If you have not received the email, please contact the Training Department.
You can also purchase hard copies of the materials here.
AMF Study Materials - 2017 Revision
- American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) C.M. Body of Knowledge Modules (extracted sections)
- Federal Aviation Regulations:
- Part 139.315 - .319: ARFF
- Part 139.321: Handling and Storage of Hazardous Substances and Materials o Part 139.325: Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)
- Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circulars (AC)
- AC 150/5210-17B: Programs for Training of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Personnel
- AC 150-5210-23: ARFF Vehicle and High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) Operation, Training and Qualifications
- AC 150/5200-12C: First Responders’ Responsibility for Protecting Evidence at the Scene of an Aircraft Accident/Incident
- IFSTA 6th Edition
*AAAE and the ARFFWG does not provide candidates access to the NFPA or IFSTA 6th Edition materials. Most airport firehouses have access to this information.
