NWCG position task books (PTBs) are a key component of the qualification process for specific NWCG positions. The PTB provides an observable, measurable, and standardized means to evaluate and document trainee proficiency. Successful completion of all tasks required of the position, as determined by an evaluator, shall be the basis for recommending certification. Evaluators are encouraged to look at the individual in terms of the competencies and behaviors and not focus solely on weather the trainee can perform each task. Accurate completion of PTBs is important to the position qualification process

• The Healthy Forest Alliance will be responsible for Initiating and Certification of our Employees & Volunteer Members.

• Agency employees can complete the Task Blocks, Evaluation Record and Verification/Certifications sections of a contractor’s employee PTB.

• Agency employees will not initiate or complete the certification section of the PTB for non-agency employees.

A PTB is valid for three years from the date of initiation. Upon documentation of the first evaluation record, the three-year time limit is reset from that new date.

If the PTB expired, a new PTB will need to be initiated.

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) plays a critical role in supporting nationally consistent wildland fire qualification standards through its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). Under this MOU, NWSA is authorized to support the administration, initiation, and oversight of NWCG Position Task Books, which are the primary mechanism used to evaluate and document an individual’s ability to perform in specific wildland fire and prescribed fire positions.

NWCG Position Task Books provide a standardized, nationally recognized framework for evaluating on-the-job performance. Task Books document required training, supervised experience, and demonstrated proficiency for specific positions identified in NWCG qualification standards. Completion of a Task Book confirms that an individual has met the minimum requirements to perform safely and effectively in an operational role and ensures consistency across agencies, contractors, and nonprofit organizations engaged in wildland fire operations.

Under the terms of the MOU, only NWSA-Certified Instructors and Evaluators are authorized to initiate, oversee, and validate NWCG Position Task Books within the NWSA system. This ensures that task books are administered by qualified professionals who are trained to apply NWCG standards consistently and in accordance with national policy. NWSA is responsible for maintaining accurate records, verifying prerequisite training and experience, and ensuring that task book evaluations are conducted under appropriate supervision and operational conditions.

The Healthy Forest Alliance maintains active membership with both NWSA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). IAFC is an NWCG member organization, further reinforcing Healthy Forest Alliance’s alignment with nationally recognized wildland fire training, qualification, and evaluation standards. Through these affiliations, Healthy Forest Alliance supports compliant task book pathways for non-agency firefighters, prescribed fire practitioners, and community-based fire programs.

NWCG Policy on Task Books and Non-NWCG Training (PMS 901)

The PMS 901 provides clear policy guidance regarding the validity of training and credentials used for NWCG qualification. PMS 901 states that training courses, certificates, or credentials that are not NWCG-approved and not issued under an active NWCG Memorandum of Understanding are not valid for NWCG certification or qualification purposes. As a result, non-NWCG and non-MOU training cannot be used to initiate, complete, or validate NWCG Position Task Books.

While non-NWCG training may support general professional development, it does not meet the requirements for NWCG position qualification. Task Books must be tied to NWCG-recognized coursework, evaluated by authorized personnel, and completed within an approved qualification system to be considered valid. This policy protects the integrity of the task book process and ensures that all qualified personnel meet consistent national standards for training quality, evaluation, and operational performance.

By adhering to PMS 901 and NWCG policy, Healthy Forest Alliance ensures that Position Task Books administered through its programs are nationally defensible, auditable, and aligned with established wildland fire qualification standards. This approach strengthens workforce readiness, supports career mobility, and promotes safe, effective wildfire and prescribed fire operations as incident complexity and risk continue to increase.

Recommended Verification of Training Providers

Individuals and partner organizations are strongly encouraged to verify that required coursework is delivered by an approved provider by consulting the National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) Accepted Training Providers list prior to enrolling in any training intended to support NWCG Position Task Book initiation or completion.

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.