Officer Development Program Leadership Development Certification Series
Fire-Rescue International participants have the unique opportunity to attend in-person classes and learn from our expert instructors face-to-face.
Columbia Southern University is a proud partner of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, serving as its official Officer Development Program (ODP) educational partner. International Association of Fire Chief members who register for this series may save $100 in tuition by using code “IAFC” during registration.
Overview
Columbia Southern University has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to offer the Leadership Development Certification Series (LDCS). The LDCS is designed to provide leading fire professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to adeptly navigate the challenges of modern fire service. Embracing a multidimensional approach, the series combines academia and real-world experience through the expertise of International Association of Fire Chief members and CSU’s renowned educational background.
Courses are delivered online and onsite at IAFC's Fire-Rescue International (FRI) and through IAFC division and state regional delivery programs. Each program can be completed 100% online or through a combination of online and onsite course completion after the successful completion of an online examination. Students can continue to build their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise while also receiving continuing education units to validate their professional development efforts.
Each Leadership Development Certification Series consists of three courses. These courses can be taken separately from earning the LDCS certification for CEU credit. Completion of an entire series is equivalent to three academic credit hours.
***Take advantage of the IAFC Member discount. If you are not an IAFC member, join today to take advantage of the discounted price per course.
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***Launching in 2026 at two major IAFC conferences, these new tracks will provide practical, forward-focused leadership education for current and emerging officers.
Wildfire Leadership I at the 2026 Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Conference
The Wildfire Leadership I track is designed to equip officers with the leadership principles, operational capabilities, and strategic thinking needed to effectively lead resources in today’s complex and dynamic wildland-urban interface (WUI) environment.
The initial series of workshops will introduce:
- Foundations of WUI Leadership, emphasizing decision-making and risk management during complex wildfire incidents
- WUI Operations, Training, and Qualifications, focusing on readiness, credentialing pathways, and the operational expectations of modern wildfire leaders
- Communication and collaboration across agencies, the evolving role of Incident Management Teams, firefighter health and safety, and the national direction under the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy
- Strategies for building fire-adapted communities, along with the legal and legislative factors shaping WUI operations
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EMS Officer I at Fire-Rescue Med (FRM)
EMS Officer I is the foundational course of the EMS Officer Development Program track. This structured, eight-unit workshop series prepares EMS leaders to navigate today’s rapidly evolving challenges.
Participants will explore:
- Core leadership principles
- Team and personnel management
- Operational readiness and response
- Quality improvement and performance outcomes
Designed to keep EMS professionals current, adaptable, and prepared, EMS Officer I focuses on real-world leadership skills that translate directly to the field.
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Together, the Wildfire Leadership I and EMS Officer I tracks reflect the shared commitment of IAFC and CSU to developing officers who are evidence-based, responsive to national trends, and prepared for the increasing demands placed on the modern fire service.
LDCS - Company Officer
Participants not only enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, but also earn continuing education units (CEUs) to validate their commitment to professional development. Upon completion of LDCS-Company Officer III with a passing grade of 70% or higher on the certification exam, students receive a certification through the IAFC. Students who complete this course will be eligible to receive 1.2 continuing education units or one undergraduate college credit hour that can be applied to any degree program at CSU.
The ODP Leadership Development Certification Series (LDCS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of fire service education. This program sets a new standard with competency-based minimum requirements, showcasing the IAFC's and CSU’s unwavering commitment to elevating training and education in the profession.
LDCS –Chief Officer
Participants not only enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, but also earn continuing education units (CEUs) to validate their commitment to professional development. Upon completion of LDCS-Chief Officer III with a passing grade of 70% or higher on the certification exam, students receive a certification through the IAFC. Students who complete this course will be eligible to receive 1.3 continuing education units or one undergraduate college credit hour that can be applied to any degree program at CSU.
The ODP Leadership Development Certification Series (LDCS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of fire service education. This program sets a new standard with competency-based minimum requirements, showcasing the IAFC's and CSU’s unwavering commitment to elevating training and education in the profession.
LDCS – Executive Chief Officer
Participants not only enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, but also earn continuing education units (CEUs) to validate their commitment to professional development. Upon completion of LDCS-Executive Chief Officer III with a passing grade of 70% or higher on the certification exam, students receive a certification through the IAFC. Students who complete this course will be eligible to receive 1.3 continuing education units or one undergraduate college credit hour that can be applied to any degree program at CSU. This course does not lead to International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or Pro Board Certification.
The ODP Leadership Development Certification Series (LDCS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of fire service education. This program sets a new standard with competency-based minimum requirements, showcasing the IAFC's and CSU’s unwavering commitment to elevating training and education in the profession.
Accessible: National, Regional and State onsite options make learning more convenient.
Qualifiable: Curated content, learning competency requirements, validated completion, and CEU credential.
Credible: Minimum curriculum standards delivered by vetted and approved instructors.