Incident Qualification Cards, commonly known as "Red Cards," are essential credentials for wildland firefighters. Issued in alignment with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards, Red Cards verify that a firefighter has completed the necessary training, met physical fitness requirements, and demonstrated competence for specific wildfire roles. These cards ensure that personnel are qualified and prepared to safely and effectively perform in wildfire and prescribed fire operations.

Each Red Card lists the firefighter's name, agency or organization, qualifications (e.g., Firefighter Type 2, Faller 3, Engine Boss), and the date of their last Work Capacity Test (WCT), also known as the Pack Test. To earn a Red Card, individuals must complete position-specific NWCG courses such as S-130, S-190, L-180, and I-100, followed by successful initiation and completion of a Position Task Book (PTB) for their target role. In addition to coursework and evaluations, firefighters must pass an annual WCT and maintain current CPR/EMS certifications where required.

Red Cards are valid for one year and must be renewed annually by reviewing qualifications, refreshing training if needed, and completing a new fitness test. They are a key part of the national mobilization system, allowing interagency personnel to deploy across jurisdictional lines during wildfire incidents or prescribed fire assignments.

The Healthy Forest Alliance (HFA) is an approved provider of NWCG-compliant training and incident qualifications under the NWSA-NWCG MOU. We offer Red Card issuance and task book initiation for our Paid Practitioner Members only. Associate (free) members are not eligible for Red Card services. Members can upload certificates, headshots, and EMS credentials through our Members Area to begin the Red Card process.

Upgrading to a Paid Practitioner membership unlocks access to this vital credentialing process, helping ensure that all participants on the fireline meet national standards for safety, skill, and readiness.

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA), through its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), has the authority to issue INCIDENT QUALIFICATION CARDS . These cards are essential for documenting and verifying the qualifications of wildfire responders, ensuring they meet the national standards set by the NWCG. The IQCs track an individual's training, experience, and certification levels, confirming their readiness for various roles in wildfire suppression and incident management.

Under this MOU, only NWSA Certified Instructors are authorized to issue IQCs, ensuring that individuals receive qualifications from trained professionals who adhere to NWCG standards. The NWSA is responsible for maintaining accurate records and verifying that responders meet the established criteria before issuing IQCs.

This system promotes safety and effectiveness in wildfire suppression efforts by ensuring that personnel are properly trained and certified. The collaboration between NWSA and NWCG fosters consistency across wildfire management agencies and supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of responding to complex wildfire incidents. By ensuring that only qualified responders are deployed, this partnership helps ensure that wildfire management teams are prepared to handle increasingly challenging wildfire events.

Paid Fire Practitioner Members may request an Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) through the Healthy Forest Alliance Member Portal. Members must upload required training certificates, task book documentation, and verified fire experience records. Submissions are reviewed by HFA for compliance with NWCG standards before qualification cards are issued. This process supports accurate documentation, professional accountability, and career advancement for community-based fire practitioners.

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) works closely with agencies and organizations authorized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) to deliver standardized wildland fire training. Training providers who operate under an NWCG MOU must follow strict curriculum guidelines, instructor qualifications, and course administration protocols to ensure consistency and quality. For this reason, we can only accept certificates issued by instructors or organizations with a current NWCG MOU. Instructors or organizations listed in red are not accepted for Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards), as their courses do not meet NWCG standards and cannot be verified. Accepting non-authorized training compromises firefighter safety and violates federal and state qualification requirements. To protect the integrity of our certification process and ensure all personnel meet national standards, only training from approved NWCG MOU holders will be recognized.