South Carolina Fire Academy

Protect. Prevent. Train. Respond.

Retesting or Challenging an Exam

Individuals failing to obtain the required minimum score will be allowed two retest opportunities for each type of cognitive exam. For cognitive exams an immediate retest opportunity will be given, no sooner than one day after the original test failure, at the next available testing date, and no later than 120 days after the original test failure. Students failing to obtain the required minimum score on the immediate retest opportunity shall be allowed a second retest opportunity a minimum of 30 days after the immediate retest opportunity. This will allow remediation and additional study. The first retest must be at least one day from the original test failure but no more than 120 days after the original test failure and the second retest, if needed, must be given 30 days from the immediate retest, but no later than 120 days after the original test failure.

Entire Retesting Policy, Levels of Certification, and Prerequisites needed to Challenge an Accredited test are found at: https://statefire.llr.sc.gov/scfa/accreditationoverview.aspx

How to Find Retesting/Challenge Exam Information

If challenging HMA or EVDT, an additional skill must be completed and accompany the registration form.

General Retesting/Challenge Exam Instructions

Click here to access the Retest/Challenge Exam Registration form
  • Select a testing session from the list below.
  • Complete the Retest/Challenge Exam Registration form. It must be signed by the student and respective Fire Chief (or designee). Students Challenging an accredited test must use the Challenge Exam Course Codes.
  • Retest/Challenge Exam Registration forms must be emailed to the SCFA Regional email at least one week prior to the testing date.
  • Once students are scheduled, a confirmation email is emailed from the SCFA Region Office.
    • Students who attend testing sessions without receiving a confirmation email will not be tested.
  • Student minimums and maximums are determined individually and dependent on testing location.
  • Special accommodations, such as an oral test, must be communicated at the time of the request.
    • The registration form must be accompanied by a letter from a medical doctor (on physician's letterhead) outlining the accommodation or an IEP outlining the accommodation.
  • Retest or Challenge exams for junior firefighters are coordinated through the Regional Office before attempting to register.

Virtual Challenge Exams

The SCFA now offers select accredited challenge exams online. Click here for directions.

Retest Sessions

Regional Map

Retest Dates and Locations
Date Time Location Address Region Contact
1/13 6:30pm ADPS 834 Beaufort St NE, Aiken 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
1/20 6:30pm Orangeburg 165 Firefighter Lane, Orangeburg 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
2/10 6:30pm Lexington FTC 436 Ball Park Rd, Lexington County 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
2/24 6:30pm Orangeburg 165 Firefighter Lane, Orangeburg 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
3/10 6:30pm Orangeburg 165 Firefighter Lane, Orangeburg 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
3/17 6:30pm Ridge Spring FD 201 Green Street, Ridge Spring 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
4/7 6:30pm Orangeburg 165 Firefighter Lan, Orangeburg 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
4/14 6:30pm City of Barnwell FD 100 Burr St, Barnwell 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
5/5 6:30pm Orangeburg 165 Firefighter Lane, Orangeburg 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
5/12 6:30pm ADPS 834 Beaufort St NE, Aiken 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
6/9 6:30pm Orangeburg 165 Firefighter Lane, Orangeburg 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov
6/24 6:30pm Allendale FD 911 Main St N, Allendale County 6 FARegion6@llr.sc.gov