Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be certified as an Assistant Mine Foreman or a Mine Foreman
- 2
Must be able to read and write
- 3
Must be a resident of Kentucky or employed by a mine in Kentucky
- 4
Must be of good moral character and must have affidavit as to sobriety and character
- 5
Education: Degree required.
- 6
Experience: Work experience required.
- 7
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 8
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 9
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION A fire boss makes a pre-shift examination of a coal mine and leaves the time and date of the inspection to notify the miners that the mine has been examined and found to be safe.
- 10
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency for application and procedures.
- 11
For schedule of examination, contact the District Office in Martin, Pikeville, Hazard, London, Harlan or Madisonville.
- 12
Type examination: multiple choice, plus testability to use safety lamp, anemometer methane detectors and ventilation maps.
- 13
Oral examination also administered.
- 14
Examination fee, $50.00.
Exam and processing details
- multiple choice, plus testability to use safety lamp, anemometer methane detectors and ventilation maps.
- Oral examination also administered.
- Must be certified as an Assistant Mine Foreman or a Mine Foreman.
- Examination fee, $50.00.
- Allowed to retake subjects failed within one (1) year of initial examination, should you fail.
- GENERAL INFORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION Three (3) years experience after eighteenth (18) birthday, with one (1) year of the experience at the face of the coal.
- Must be able to read and write.
- An associate degree in Mine Technology from an approved school will allow one (1) year experience credit, while a four (4) year degree in Mining Engineering from a recognized school will count toward two (2) years experience credit.
- Must be a resident of Kentucky or employed by a mine in Kentucky.
- Must be of good moral character and must have affidavit as to sobriety and character.
- Kentucky has no reciprocity agreements for fire boss.
- CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (after licensure or certification) Sixteen (16) hours of retraining are required annually.
Continuing education and program notes
- certified as an Assistant Mine Foreman or a Mine Foreman
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Division of Mine Safety • Energy and Environment Cabinet
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$37,140 median (38% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be of good moral character and must have affidavit as to sobriety and character).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required multiple choice, plus testability to use safety lamp, anemometer methane detectors and ventilation maps. Oral examination also administered. Must be certified as an Assistant Mi....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Must be of good moral character and must have affidavit as to sobriety and character; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Division of Mine Safety~Energy and Environment Cabinet and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $37,140, Firefighters in Kentucky earn 38% below the national median of $59,530. Kentucky ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$37,140Hourly estimate
$17.8638% below national median
Difference: -$22,390
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $37,140 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $61,470 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $59,470 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $41,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Virginia | $58,300 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,300 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $48,470 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $79,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Division of Mine Safety • Energy and Environment Cabinet
300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5027826276
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $40,230 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $60,230 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $35,520 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Acupuncturist | $82,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Firefighter licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Kentucky is $37,140. Salaries range from $26,680 (10th percentile) to $58,860 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Kentucky earn 38% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $37,140.
How many Firefighters work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 5,320 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Division of Mine Safety / Energy and Environment Cabinet. Review agency details at https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Mining/Mine-Safety/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.