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), through its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), has the authority to issue Task Books. 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.

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.