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Position Task Books

NWCG Position Task Books

Agency Specific PTBs

About PTBs

Classic PTB Evaluation Record

Next Generation PTB Evaluation Record

PTB Verification/ Certification

PTB History

About PTBs

NWCG currently has two formats of PTBs in use – Classic PTBs and Next Generation PTBs (Next Gen PTBs). Next Gen PTBs sprung out of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, with the goal of increasing trainee/evaluator communication, improving evaluator feedback, and enhancing speed to competency. Next Gen PTBs have publication dates of 2024 or later.

For further implementation and transition information see IPSC-2024-06.


When a new or revised PTB is published, current trainees with an initiated PTB (including those individuals re-initiating or re-certifying) and at least one documented experience should continue to use their current PTB. Individuals with no tasks completed will use the new or revised PTB. Currently qualified individuals will not be affected by the transition to new or revised PTBs. 

Some PTBs have been combined to include common tasks, with additional tasks specified by position. The positions; however, have not been combined. The common tasks only need to be completed once. When the PTB is initiated, the applicable position should be identified by crossing out the non-applicable position(s) on the front cover. For each subsequent position, a new front cover and a new Verification/Certification page must be initiated. Required experience is still effective when prerequisite positions are combined in a PTB with higher organizational positions. Specific criteria for individual positions are identified on the individual position qualification page.  

Initiation

A trainee must meet required position experience for PTB initiation. PTB can be initiated without the trainee first completing all required training. However, all required training must be successfully completed prior to position certification.

PTB initiation is the responsibility of the home unit. PTB may be initiated on an incident by an Incident Training Specialist (TNSP) with concurrence from the home unit.

Completion Timeframes

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.

The PTB will expire if is not completed in three years from the date of the PTB initiation (or date of first evaluation record). If the PTB expires, a new PTB will need to be initiated. Prior experience documented in the expired PTB may be taken into account in completion of the new PTB at the discretion of the certifying official. All current position qualification standards identified in this document must be met at the time of the new PTB initiation.

Any individual who has begun the evaluation process need not take any newly required course(s) for that position. Additionally, personnel who are qualified in a position before the implementation of this revision may retain certification at the discretion of their agency.

PTB Process

Accurate completion of PTBs is important to the position qualification process.

Front Cover

The front cover documents the trainee name, home unit/agency, and home unit phone number. It also contains the information of the individual initiating the PTB. The front cover will indicate whether a wildfire or prescribed fire assignment is required before certification.

Verification/Certification

The Verification/Certification page located on the inside front cover provides a record of the Final Evaluator’s recommendation and agency certification. The Final Evaluator will complete the Final Evaluator’s Verification section along with recommending the trainee for certification on the evaluation record. PTB Verification/Certifications may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all documentation is available to the evaluator.  The certifying official at the home agency, when appropriate, will complete the agency certification.

Qualification Record

The left column contains a list of tasks that must be performed. If a specific standard (quality or quantity) is required, it will be specified in the task. The sequential numbering does not indicate the order in which the tasks need to be performed or evaluated.

The bullets under each numbered task are examples or indicators of items or actions related to the task that assist the evaluator in evaluating the trainee. They are not all inclusive. Evaluate and initial only the tasks, not each individual bullet.

Each task has a code associated with the type of training assignment where the task may be completed. While tasks can be performed in any situation, they must be evaluated on the specific type of incident/event for which they are coded. For example, tasks coded "W" must be evaluated on a wildfire. Performance of any task other than the designated assignment is not valid for qualification. The codes are defined as:

  • O = Other: In any situation (classroom, simulation, daily job, incident, prescribed fire, etc.).
  • I = Incident: Task must be performed on an incident managed under the ICS. Examples include wildfire, structural fire, oil spill, search and rescue, hazardous material, and an emergency or non-emergency (planned or unplanned) event.
  • W = Wildfire: Task must be performed on a wildfire incident.
  • RX = Prescribed fire: Task must be performed on a prescribed fire incident.
  • W/RX = Wildfire OR prescribed fire: Task must be performed on a wildfire OR prescribed fire incident.
  • R = Rare event: Rare events (such as accidents, injuries, vehicle or aircraft crashes) occur infrequently and opportunities to evaluate performance in a real setting are limited. The evaluator should determine, through interview, if the trainee would be able to perform the task in a real situation.

Each evaluator will complete an evaluation record sheet and enter the corresponding number to reference completed tasks in the Evaluator Record # column.

The final column is for the evaluator to initial and date when the task is completed. All tasks must be completed, initialed, and dated before the trainee can be recommended for certification in the position.

Evaluation Record

An evaluation record is required for each trainee evaluation. The evaluation record documents specific trainee performance for those specific tasks being evaluated and provides a recommendation for further trainee assignments or for certification. Additional copies of the Evaluation Record can be downloaded, and the documentation may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all necessary documentation is available to the evaluator.

PTB Responsibilities

Home Unit/Agency

The home unit/agency is the designated agency that employs the individual. This could be at the local, state, regional, or national level. Documentation of training, experience, and the qualification process is the responsibility of the home unit/agency. Documentation of training, experience, and the qualification process for contractors is the responsibility of the contractor, except where formal agreements are in place.

Trainee

The trainee is the individual seeking qualification for a position. A trainee cannot be assigned to an incident unless they are designated as a trainee on their Incident Qualification Card or other agency proof of certification.

The trainee will:

  • Ensure readiness to perform the tasks of the position before undertaking a trainee assignment.
  • Meet with the evaluator and discuss past experience and training, current qualifications, goals, and objectives of the assignment.
  • Ensure evaluators complete the evaluation record, initial completed tasks, and enter a number in the Evaluation Record # column.
  • Provide a copy of the completed PTB to the home agency and retain the original. A lost or destroyed PTB may require additional position performance assignments.

Evaluator

The evaluator is the person who observes the trainee and associated the task(s) being performed and documents successful performance in the PTB. The evaluator must either be qualified in the position being evaluated or supervise the trainee. If not qualified in the position, the evaluator can sign off tasks but cannot serve as the Final Evaluator.

The evaluator will:

  • Meet with the trainee and discuss past experience and training, current qualifications, goals, and objectives of the assignment.
  • Ensure the trainee has an initiated PTB from their home agency.
  • Review the tasks in the PTB with the trainee and explain the procedures that will be used in the evaluation and the objectives that should be met during the assignment.
  • Discuss with the trainee on the specific tasks that can be performed and evaluated during the assignment.
  • Accurately evaluate and record the completion of performed tasks.
  • Complete the appropriate Evaluation Record in the back of the PTB for each trainee evaluation.

Final Evaluator

A Final Evaluator must be qualified in the position they are evaluating. The Final Evaluator will complete the Final Evaluator’s Verification/Certification section inside the front cover of the PTB to recommend certification once all tasks have been evaluated.

Certifying Official

The certifying official from the home unit/agency has administrative authorization to manage the qualification system for that home unit/agency. The certifying official must review and confirm the completion of the PTB and make a determination of agency certification. This determination should be based on the trainee’s demonstration of position competencies and behaviors, as well as the completed PTB—which includes a Final Evaluator’s Verification. Only the certifying official from the home unit/agency has the authority to certify any qualifications.

Documentation for completed PTBs, including the Verification/Certification page, may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all documentation is complete and verifiable.

Next Gen PTBs will be made available for a position when the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) process and corresponding position package has been completed for the position. If a position has not gone through IPTM, the Classic PTB will continue to be utilized for that position. Beginning in 2024, new PTBs, including those for new positions or positions which have previously not required a PTB, will be in the Next Gen PTB format, even if the position has not yet gone through the IPTM process. 

When a Next Gen PTB is published, current trainees with an initiated Classic PTB for that position (including those individuals re-initiating or re-certifying) and at least one documented experience should continue to use their current PTB. Once a Next Gen PTB is published for a position, the current “Classic” PTB will no longer be available from NWCG. Individuals with no tasks completed will use the new Next Gen PTB. Currently qualified individuals will not be affected by the transition to the Next Gen PTBs.  

Standalone PTBs 

Next Gen PTBs will be published by position, they will not be combined with other positions (for example, the way Single Resource Boss PTBs were previously combined). In instances of Classic combined PTBs where one position has gone through IPTM, that position will be removed from the Classic PTB. The Classic PTB will continue to be available for all other positions included in the combined PTB. If a Next Gen PTB is certified for a position from a Classic common PTB, common tasks will be granted to other positions in the Classic combined PTB until the Next Gen PTB is created for that position. 

Initiation 

A trainee must meet required position experience for PTB initiation. A PTB can be initiated without the trainee first completing all required training, unless otherwise specifically identified in the position qualification requirements. However, all required training must be successfully completed prior to position certification.  

PTB initiation is the responsibility of the home unit. PTB may be initiated on an incident by an Incident Training Specialist (TNSP) with concurrence from the home unit. 

Completion Timeframes 

A Next Gen 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. 

The Next Gen PTB will expire if is not completed in three years from the date of the PTB initiation (or date of first evaluation record). If the PTB expires, a new PTB will need to be initiated. Prior experience documented in the expired PTB may be taken into account in completion of the new PTB at the discretion of the certifying official. All current position qualification standards identified in this document must be met at the time of the new PTB initiation. 

Any individual who has begun the evaluation process need not take any newly required course(s) for that position. Additionally, personnel who are qualified in a position before the implementation of this revision may retain certification at the discretion of their agency. 

PTB Process 

Accurate completion of PTBs is important to the position qualification process. 

The Next Gen PTB has three components: The SIGNATURE PAGE, POSITION EVALUATION TABLE, and POSITION EVALUATION RECORDS. 

Signature Page: 

The signature page documents three phases of the Next Gen PTB: initiation, verification, and agency certification. 

The initiation block is filled out by the home unit/agency when the Next Gen PTB is issued. It indicates that the designated individual is recognized by the home unit/agency as a trainee in the position.  

The verification block is completed by the final evaluator once the trainee has successfully met or exceeded satisfactory performance of all tasks in the Next Gen PTB and is recommended for certification by the final evaluator. 

The agency certification block is completed by the certifying official of the home unit/agency. It provides a record that the trainee has been certified and is qualified in the position. 

Position Evaluation Table: 

The position evaluation table is used to record the evaluations that a trainee receives for each training assignment. A rating must be provided for each task in the position evaluation table on every training assignment. 

The position evaluation table lists the tasks required to be evaluated for successful performance in the position. See the NWCG Incident Position Standards specific to the position, PMS 350, for explanations of each task. Additional tasks that are not required to be evaluated are covered in the Incident Position Standards. These tasks still represent standards for successful performance in the position and should be included in a comprehensive training assignment. 

The Next Gen PTB includes four columns to record ratings for each task. If the training assignment is not the first assignment for a trainee, the evaluator should review the position evaluation table and position evaluation records of the previous training assignments. A trainee does not have to complete four training assignments to be recommended for certification. The home unit will determine the appropriate number of assignments. If additional training assignments are needed, a second position evaluation table should be utilized and attached to the PTB. 

Each task must be rated during each training assignment. The evaluator will rate the performance of the tasks as follows: 

N/O = No opportunity to perform the task. 

D = Does not meet the standard for the task as described in the Incident Position Standards. 

M = Meets the standard for the task as described in the Incident Position Standards. 

E = Exceeds the standard for the task as described in the Incident Position Standards. 

The evaluator will indicate their rating of the trainee’s performance by marking their rating (N/O, D, M or E) in the column for each task in the position evaluation table. If the trainee does not meet the standard (i.e., is rated D for a task), the evaluator must provide written explanation with suggestions for improvement in the position evaluation record. This may include redirecting the trainee to the Incident Position Standards for review. Written feedback is encouraged for all other ratings. Prior to certification, the trainee must attain a rating of M or E for each of the identified tasks.  

Each task has a code associated with the type of training assignment where the task must be completed. Tasks must be evaluated on the specific types of incidents/events for which they are coded. If multiple codes are listed for a task, the task must be evaluated on one of the listed incidents/events. For example, W/S indicates the task must be performed on a wildfire or during a simulation. The codes are defined as: 

I = Incident: Task must be performed on an incident managed under the Incident Command System (ICS). Examples include wildland fire, structural fire, oil spill, search and rescue, hazardous material, and an emergency or non-emergency (planned prescribed fire or unplanned) event. 

W = Wildfire: Task must be performed on a wildfire incident. 

RX = Prescribed fire: Task must be performed on a prescribed fire incident. 

R = Rare event: Rare events such as accidents, injuries, vehicle, or aircraft crashes occur infrequently and opportunities to evaluate performance in a real setting are limited. The evaluator should determine, through interview, if the trainee would be able to perform the task in a real situation. 

S = Simulation: Task must be performed during a simulation. The simulation activity must realistically mimic the task and allow the evaluator to determine if the trainee would be able to perform the task in a real situation. 

O = Other: In any situation (classroom, simulation, daily job, incident, prescribed fire, etc.). 

Position Evaluation Record 

A new position evaluation record is required for each training assignment. The position evaluation record documents specific trainee performance for those tasks being evaluated and may provide performance recommendations for future trainee assignments. The evaluator will provide a recommendation for further trainee assignments or for certification. Additional copies of the position evaluation record can be downloaded, and the documentation may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all necessary documentation is available to the evaluator. 

PTB Responsibilities 

Home Unit/Agency 

The home unit/agency is the designated agency that employs the individual. This could be at the local, state, regional, or national level. Documentation of training, experience, and the qualification process is the responsibility of the home unit/agency. Documentation of training, experience, and the qualification process for contractors is the responsibility of the contractor, except where formal agreements are in place. 

Trainee 

The trainee is the individual seeking qualification for a position. A trainee cannot be assigned to an incident unless they are designated as a trainee on their Incident Qualification Card or other agency proof of certification. 

The trainee will: 

  • Review Incident Position Standards for the trainee position to ensure readiness to perform the tasks of the position. 

  • Meet with the evaluator and discuss past experience and training,   current qualifications, goals, objectives of the assignment including how they will be evaluated based on Incident Position Standards. 

Ensure evaluators complete the Position Evaluation Record and provide written explanation with suggestions for improvement if if the trainee receives a “D” (i.e., does not meet the standard) rating,   

  • Provide a copy of the completed PTB to the home agency and retain the original. A lost or destroyed PTB may require additional position performance assignments. 

Evaluator 

The evaluator is the person who observes the trainee and associated the task(s) being performed and documents performance in the PTB. The evaluator must either be qualified in the position being evaluated or supervise the trainee. If not qualified in the position, the evaluator can sign off tasks but cannot serve as the Final Evaluator. 

The evaluator will: 

  • Review Incident Position Standards for the position being evaluated and be ready to discuss past experience and training, current qualifications, goals, and objectives of the assignment, including how they will be evaluated based on Incident Position Standards. 

  • Ensure the trainee has an initiated PTB from their home agency. 

  • Review the tasks in the PTB with the trainee and explain the procedures that will be used in the evaluation and the objectives that should be met during the assignment. 

  • Discuss with the trainee the specific tasks that can be performed and evaluated during the assignment. 

  • Accurately evaluate and record the rating of performed tasks. 

  • Provide written explanation with suggestions for improvement on the position evaluation record if the trainee does not meet the standard (i.e., is rated D for a task). This may include redirecting the trainee to the Incident Position Standards for review. This is meant as an opportunity to provide informative and constructive feedback to the trainee and the trainee’s home unit, so they know what to focus on in the future. 

  • At the conclusion of the training assignment, discuss with the trainee the training assignment, ratings, and evaluator recommendations. 

  • Complete the appropriate Evaluation Record in the back of the PTB for each trainee evaluation. 

Final Evaluator 

A Final Evaluator must be qualified in the position they are evaluating. The final evaluator must fill out the verification block of the Signature Page.  

Certifying Official 

The certifying official from the home unit/agency has administrative authorization to manage the qualification system for that home unit/agency. The certifying official must review and confirm the completion of the PTB and make a determination of agency certification. This determination should be based on the trainee’s successful demonstration of position tasks, as well as the completed PTB—which includes a Final Evaluator’s Verification. Only the certifying official from the home unit/agency has the authority to certify any qualifications. 

Documentation for completed PTBs, including the Signature page, may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all documentation is complete and verifiable.  

Position Task Books (PTBs)

NWCG does not have a standard. It is up to your home unit/agency to determine.

If the experience occurred three or more years ago, no; it does not meet currency requirements. Otherwise, check with your home unit/agency for direction.

These two positions perform distinctly different roles.

The employing unit/agency certifying official is the only person authorized to certify an employee’s qualification, not a final evaluator (whether the evaluator is employed by the same unit/agency or not). A Fire Management Officer who is the designated certifying official for a unit/agency may also coincidentally be the final evaluator but, in that case, would be serving a distinctly different role.

No, you must meet all position qualification requirements, and your home unit/agency certifying official must grant you qualification in the position.

The employing home unit/agency makes that determination through established agency certification procedures; simply completing the PTB may or may not meet agency requirements. Check with your agency Certifying Official for clarification.

This determination can only be made by the employing unit/agency.

You should note at the time of evaluation your disagreement on the Incident Experience Record and advise your home unit/agency. The Certifying Official cannot change the evaluation since it was based on observed performance, but you could contact the evaluator for further information and resolution.

This varies greatly depending on the extent of the experience, length of the incident, and other factors.

No. If more records/experiences are necessary, duplicate blank ones or download additional evaluations from the NWCG Position Task Book Catalog, and attach them to the relevant PTB.

Any home unit/agency has the latitude to increase minimum requirements for its own personnel. However, those agencies would still be bound to accept personnel from other agencies who meet minimum requirements.

No. Some formal training courses will remain mandatory.

No. Tasks designated as W must be performed on wildfires for that individual to meet qualification requirements of the position.

It depends. For positions designated as wildland fire (WF)—see front cover of PTB—an NWCG PTB will need to be completed. If there is no WF designation, there is no need to have a new PTB issued.

It depends. You will need to work with the Incident Training Specialist and your home unit/agency to gain approval for issuing a new PTB. The home unit/agency will need to initiate the PTB, which can be sent via email/fax.

Each incident position has a dedicated position page. The position overview, IPD, Incident Position Standards and the Next Gen PTB can be found on the corresponding position page.

If the Next Gen PTB has been published for a position, yet a trainee has at least one documented experience in a Classic PTB, they should continue to use their current Classic PTB. There will not be crosswalks between Next Gen PTBs and Classic PTBs – if a trainee starts with a Classic PTB, they should complete that PTB.  

The best way to see if your position has a Next Gen PTB published for your position is to look at the position page. If you are curious when your position may have a Next Gen PTB published, visit Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) page to view upcoming positions that will work through the IPTM process.  

Next Gen PTBs will not be “combined” with common tasks and multiple positions sharing a PTB. Each Next Gen PTB will be position specific.  

In instances of combined PTBs where one position has gone through IPTM, that position will be removed from the combined Classic PTB. The Classic PTB will continue to be available for all other positions included in the combined PTB until each of those positions go through IPTM as well.  In cases of combined Classic PTBs which include common tasks, if a trainee has completed a Next Gen PTB for one of the formerly combined positions, there is no need for the trainee to complete the common tasks section of the combined PTB for other positions.  

For example, if a trainee completes the Next Gen PTB for the Crew Boss position (PMS 311-98), and then decides to pursue another Single Resource Boss position such as Heavy Equipment Boss, they do not need to complete the “Common Tasks for All Single Resource Bosses” portion of the Classic Combined PTB (PMS 311-13).  

Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

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