Certification Length Update
Effective January 1, 2022, LWM has changed the length of its Wilderness First Responder certification to allow the option for a three year certification period. For all WFR courses in January 2022 and beyond, WFR certification cards will be issued with a two year certification period. The certification will fully expire on the date listed; there will be no grace period.
One year post certification date, students will receive notification for a continuing education options that, once completed, will activate a third certification year. The certification card issued post successful completion of the continuing education will note both the student’s initial date of certification and an expiration date three years from the last in-person contact. Students who decide to maintain their WFR, but prefer an in-person course are able to take a standard LWM WFR Recert class provided that the class begins prior to the expiration date listed on their certification card
WFR certification cards issued on or before December 2021 are not affected by the change.
One year post certification date, students will receive notification for a continuing education options that, once completed, will activate a third certification year. The certification card issued post successful completion of the continuing education will note both the student’s initial date of certification and an expiration date three years from the last in-person contact. Students who decide to maintain their WFR, but prefer an in-person course are able to take a standard LWM WFR Recert class provided that the class begins prior to the expiration date listed on their certification card
WFR certification cards issued on or before December 2021 are not affected by the change.
Why have we made this change?
Acknowledging that a three-year certification may be preferred by many students for both financial and scheduling reasons, LWM has previously explored the option of moving from the two-year plus grace period model to a flat three-year certification. However, the evidence related to the decrease of information and skill retention in the third year did not support this change.
The impact of COVID-19 on the ability to offer in-person courses provided an unintended opportunity to study a continuing education model with LWM’s WFR Remote Extension Course. The WFR Remote Extension became continuing education for students who held current WFR certificates and were unable to access an in-person course. Although we strongly believe that in-person training is required to maintain WFR skills, we are confident that, after the extension, we are able to provide an online continuing education option that will allow participants to increase their confidence and competence in their use of WFR-level skills.
The impact of COVID-19 on the ability to offer in-person courses provided an unintended opportunity to study a continuing education model with LWM’s WFR Remote Extension Course. The WFR Remote Extension became continuing education for students who held current WFR certificates and were unable to access an in-person course. Although we strongly believe that in-person training is required to maintain WFR skills, we are confident that, after the extension, we are able to provide an online continuing education option that will allow participants to increase their confidence and competence in their use of WFR-level skills.
Continuing Education Module
The continuing education module is 100% online and self-paced. Expected completion time is approximately 6 hours. The module focuses on scenarios that require participants to practice assessment and field-based judgment. Lecture content addresses updated standards of practice and materials designed to increase the WFR scope of knowledge.
Example Timeline for WFR Certification
Value |
With Continuing Education |
Without Continuing Education |
May 1, 2022 |
Student earns WFR certification with LWM in an initial certification course. |
Student earns WFR certification with LWM in an initial certification course. |
May 1, 2023 |
Student holds current WFR and is offered to enter the WFR ConEd program |
Student holds current WFR and is offered to enter the WFR ConEd program |
May 1, 2024 |
Student completes continuing education prior to May 1, 2024 to receive a WFR card with a May 2025 expiration date. |
WFR certification expires if not re-certified through an in-person WFR Recert or full WFR course. |
May 1, 2025 |
WFR certification expires if not re-certified through an in-person WFR Recert or full WFR course. |
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Contact LWM if you have questions about the WFR Continuing Education Module.
