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) plays a key 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 issue and administer Incident Qualification Cards (IQCs), which serve as the official, nationally recognized credential used to document and verify an individual’s qualifications for wildland fire and prescribed fire positions.

Incident Qualification Cards provide a standardized record of an individual’s completed training, position task book status, field experience, and qualification currency. IQCs are used by incident management organizations to confirm that personnel meet NWCG qualification requirements and are eligible for assignment to specific operational roles. This system promotes interoperability, accountability, and safe deployment across federal, state, local, tribal, nonprofit, and contractor fire organizations.

Under the terms of the MOU, only NWSA-Certified Instructors and Authorized Issuers may issue or reissue Incident Qualification Cards within the NWSA system. This ensures that IQCs are issued by trained professionals who are qualified to evaluate training records, task book completion, and experience in accordance with NWCG standards. NWSA is responsible for maintaining qualification records, verifying compliance with NWCG policy, and ensuring that IQCs accurately reflect an individual’s current qualification status prior to issuance.

Individuals and partner organizations are strongly encouraged to verify that required coursework used to support Incident Qualification Card issuance 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 for NWCG qualification purposes.

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 qualification, credentialing, and safety standards. Through these affiliations, Healthy Forest Alliance supports compliant IQC pathways for non-agency firefighters, prescribed fire practitioners, and community-based fire programs.

NWCG Policy on Incident Qualification Cards and Non-NWCG Training (PMS 901)

The PMS 901 provides clear policy guidance regarding the acceptance of training and credentials used for NWCG qualification and credentialing. 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. Accordingly, non-NWCG and non-MOU training may not be used to support Incident Qualification Card issuance or reissuance.

While non-NWCG training may have value for general education or professional development, it does not meet the requirements for NWCG qualification. Only training delivered through NWCG-approved curricula or through organizations operating under formal NWCG MOUs—such as NWSA—may be applied toward qualification records reflected on an Incident Qualification Card. This policy protects the integrity of the IQC system and ensures consistent national standards for training quality, instructor oversight, and evaluation.

By adhering to PMS 901 and NWCG policy, Healthy Forest Alliance ensures that Incident Qualification Cards issued through its programs are nationally defensible, auditable, and operationally valid. This approach strengthens workforce readiness, supports professional mobility, and promotes safe, effective wildfire and prescribed fire operations as incident complexity and risk continue to increase.

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.