Fire Captain Exam Study Guide
Welcome
This website was developed to provide you with a user-friendly means of accessing all of the study materials for the upcoming exam.
Fire Captain Candidates are responsible for all information contained on the website.
Important Dates
These dates are tentative and subject to change.
| Application Open: | April 10, 2026 |
| Application Close: | May 1, 2026 |
| IOS Exam Orientation: | July 2026 |
| Written Test: | August 18, 2026 |
| Written Test Item Review: | August 19-21, 2026 |
| Mock Assessment Center Prep Class: | September 2026 |
| Assessment Center: | Week of October 19, 2026 |
Documents
These documents may be found in other locations, however they may be updated or outdated. It is the candidate's responsibility to know the version found on this exam study guide.
Administrative Regulations
- AR 45.50 - Private Use of City Labor, Equipment, Materials and Supplies Prohibited
- AR 45.80 - Management of Loss to City Property Due to Crimes or Negligence
- AR 75.05 - Vehicle & Equipment Backing Procedures
- AR 75.12 - Vehicle and Industrial Accident Review
- Revised AR 75.12 L145
- AR 90.62 - Information & Communications Technology Acceptable Use
- AR 95.55 - Procurement Card Procedures
- AR 95.60 - Conflict of Interest & Employee Conduct
- AR 95.94 - Tobacco and Smoke-Free Workplace Policy
- AR 96.50 - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Complaint Resolution Procedures
- AR 97.10 - Threat Management Policy
Bulletins
2022
- 22-014 (02-22) Transportation of Patients on Fire Apparatus
- 22-015 (02-22) Implementation of Knox FDC Locking Caps
- 22-072 (05-22) Implementation of 7J-7K
- 22-108 (07-22) Company Officers Adding Themselves to Incidents
- 22-110 (07-22) PPE Cleaning Program Update
- 22-160 (09-22) PPE Modifications
- 22-168 (10-22) Implementation of Address Points in CAD
- 22-195 (11-22) Charging Personal Electric Vehicles at City Facilities
2023
- 23-001 (01-23) Approved Off-Road Driver Training Locations
- 23-010 (01-23) ICS 213 Form General Message
- 23-013 (01-23) Wildland Line EMS Bag and Equipment
- 23-019 (02-23) New Probationary Firefighter Report Platform
- 23-044 (03-23) Installation of Waxie Green Cleaning - Easy Dilution Control Stations
- 23-121 10-Minute Timer Additional Incidents
- 23-133 Fire Captain Procurement Cards Permanent Activation
2024
- 24-022 OOTC Letter to the Workforce
- 24-036 Red-Tag Unsafe Structure Reporting System
- 24-042 Admin Manual Parental Leave
- 24-057 Municipal Airport Communications
- 24-067 Digitizing The Incident Rehab
- 24-096 FY2025 Station Captains
- 24-097 Fire Season Updates 2024
- 24-102 Use of 700 800 MHZ on Veg Fires
- 24-111-Tailboard Safety CNG LPG
- 24-112 Non-Essential Use of Personal Protective Equipment - PFAS
- 24-125 Fire Apparatus Engine Fluids
- 24-149 OneSD Time Entry Expectations and Procedures
2025
- 25-005 (01-25) Master Operational Dashboard and New Strike Team Roster Procedure
- 25-031 (02-25) NFPA-Expired & Damaged Turnouts
- 25-043 (03-25) Updated Workflow for Driver's License Renewals
- 25-052 (03-25) Discipline Document Workflow Process
- 25-063 (04-25) Training Props at FS10 and FS38
- 25-064 (04-25) Community Risk Reduction Referral System - Operations
- 25-081 (05-25) Encryption-Based Changes to 700 MHZ Radio System
- 25-086 (05-25) Unscheduled Leave, Blocked Days & Progressive Discipline (REVISED)
- 25-103 (06-25) Green Sheet – Sacramento FD - Electric Vehicle Fire
- 25-115 (06-25) Safety Message - Lyfe Pulley Bridle
- 25-126 (07-25) 2025 Captains Exam AAR
- 25-127 (07-25) Equipment Center Operating Hours
- 25-135 (08-25) Wildfire Preparedness Information Cards
- 25-161 (09-25) Planned Need Strike Team Deployments-Best Practices
- 25-213 (12-25) Tailboard Safety-Hazards of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Fire Ground
- IAFF Fire Ground Survival
- Training Drills
- Fire Dynamics
- MAYDAY Incident Worksheet and MAYDAY Checklist
Manuals & Guidebooks
Drill Manual
- Chapter 1 History of the San Diego Fire Department
- Chapter 2 Fire Service Organization and the San Diego Fire Rescue Department
- Chapter 3 Firefighter Safety
- Chapter 9 Fire Communications
- Chapter 13 Wildland Firefighting
- Chapter 25 Vehicle Rescue
- Chapter 29 Rapid Intervention and Accountability (RIC)
- Chapter 30 Fireground Survival
- Chapter 31 High Rise Firefighting
- Chapter 33 Fire Investigation and Explosives
- Chapter 35 Marine Firefighting
- Chapter 37 River and Flood Rescue
- Chapter 38 Hazmat First Responder Operational
Operations Manual
SI 01 Fire Suppression
- SI 01 Section 01 Command Procedures
- SI 01 Section 02 Wide-Rise Response
- SI 01 Section 03 Standard Company Operations
- SI 01 Section 04 Emergency Operations
- SI 01 Section 05 Staging
- SI 01 Section 06 Mid-Rise Response
- SI 01 Section 07 High Rise Multistory Emergency Response Procedures
- SI 01 Section 08 Vegetation Fires
- SI 01 Section 09 Response Guidelines
- SI 01 Section 10 Ringing Alarms
- SI 01 Section 11 Fire Arson Bomb Investigation
- SI 01 Section 12 Youth Firesetter Program
- SI 01 Section 13 Safeguarding Property
- SI 01 Section 14 Incident Reporting Procedures
- SI 01 Section 15 Incident Critique Policy
- SI 01 Section 16 Extended Incident Staffing Plan
- SI 01 Section 18 Rapid Intervention Crew
- SI 01 Section 19 Personnel Accountability
- SI 01 Section 20 Strip Mall Response
SI 02 Special Response Guidelines
- SI 02 Section 01 Active Shooter Hostile Event Response (ASHER)
- SI 02 Section 02 Stand Back
- SI 02 Section 04 Recall Procedure
- SI 02 Section 05 Mutual Auto Aid
- SI 02 Section 06 Logistics
- SI 02 Section 07 Special Emergency Procedures
- SI 02 Section 08 Special Equipment Resources
- SI 02 Section 09 Medical Emergencies
- SI 02 Section 10 Rescue Air Cushion
- SI 02 Section 11 Law Enforcement Coordination
- SI 02 Section 12 Incidents with Lifeguards
- SI 02 Section 13 Freeway Emergencies
- SI 02 Section 14 (EV) Extrication
- SI 02 Section 16 Terrorism Response
- SI 02 Section 17 Helicopter Operations Policy
- SI 02 Section 18 Coastal Cliff Rescue Procedures
- SI 02 Section 19 USAR Search Canine Program
- SI 02 Section 20 (Large Vehicle Tire Fires)
- SI 02 Section 21 Tsunami Response
- SI 02 Section 22 Vehicle Incident Procedures
- SI 02 Section 23 Aircraft and Airport Emergencies
- SI 02 Section 24 Department Operations Center (DOC) Procedures
- SI 02 Section 25 Hazardous Materials Response Guidelines
- SI 02 Section 26 Fumigated (Poison A) Structure Incidents
- SI 02 Section 27 Explosive Device Incidents
- SI 02 Section 28 Earthquake Procedures
- SI 02 Section 29 Radiation Emergencies
- SI 02 Section 30 Underground (Vault) Electrical Fires
- SI 02 Section 31 Vehicle Accidents Involving Electrical Live Front Terminators
- SI 02 Section 32 Shipboard Firefighting
- SI 02 Section 33 Marina and Boat Fires
- SI 02 Section 34 Natural Gas Leaks
- SI 02 Section 35 Carbon Monoxide Detection
- SI 02 Section 36 Staff Call Back
- SI 02 Section 37 Lock Out Tag Out
- SI 02 Section 38 Elevator Emergencies
- SI 02 Section 39 Firestorm Augmentation Support Team
- SI 02 Section 41 Fast Response Squad
- SI 02 Section 42 Mobile Operations Detail
- SI 02 Section 44 Palm Tree Rescues
- SI 02 Section 45 Tolls Roads Expressways
- SI 02 Sec 46 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- SI 02 Section 46.1 Unmanned Aircraft System Administration
- SI 02 Section 46.2 Unmanned Aircraft System Training
- SI 02 Section 46.3 Unmanned Aircraft System Data Collection
- SI 02 Section 46.4 Unmanned Aircraft System Safety
- SI 02 Section 46.5 Unmanned Aircraft System General Operations
- SI 02 Section 46.6 Unmanned Aircraft System Addendum Go No Go Checklist
- SI 02 Section 47 Operations Support Program
- SI 02 Section 50 Animal Rescue
- SI 02 Section 51 Capsized Vessel
- SI 02 Section 52 International Border Policy
SI 03 Communications
- SI 03 Section 01 Dispatch Response and Availability
- SI 03 Section 03 Telephones
- SI 03 Section 04 Radio Usage
- SI 03 Section 05 Move Up Procedures
- SI 03 Section 07 Communications Maintenance
- SI 03 Section 08 Chief Officer Notifications
- SI 03 Section 09 Community Service Alerts
- SI 03 Section 10 Rostering and Alias Radio Assignments
- SI 03 Section 11 ECDC Notifications
- SI 03 Section 12 Radio System Failure Protocols
SI 05 Training
- Operations Manual Index 11.21.23
- SI 05 Section 01 Training Programs
- SI 05 Section 02 Daily Requirements
- SI 05 Section 03 Recruit Firefighter Examination Procedures
- SI 05 Section 04 Firefighter II Examination Process
- SI 05 Section 05 Certification Procedures
- SI 05 Section 06 Engineer Examination Eligibililty
- SI 05 Section 07 DMV Pull Notice Program
- SI 05 Section 08 Vehicle Incident Review
- SI 05 Section 09 In Service Training
- SI 05 Section 10 Tuition Reimbursement
- SI 05 Section 11 Joint Apprentice Training Program
- SI 05 Section 13 Property Indemnification
- S1 05 Section 14 Off-Road Training
SI 06 Station Management
- SI 06 Section 01 Station Generator
- SI 06 Section 02 Station Authority and Command
- SI 06 Section 03 Shift Change Procedures
- SI 06 Section 04 Station Routine
- SI 06 Section 05 Apparatus and Equipment Procedures
- SI 06 Section 06 Station Maintenance
- SI 06 Section 07 Station Apparatus Inventory Control
- SI 06 Section 08 Station Security
- SI 06 Section 09 Bed and Bedding
- SI 06 Section 10 Parade Policy
- SI 06 Section 11 Cross Staffing Policy
- SI 06 Section 12 Ride Along Program
- SI 06 Section 13 Out of Class Assignments
- SI 06 Section 14 Bed Bug Policy
- SI 06 Section 15 Records and Reports
- SI 06 Section 16 Mileage Reimbursement
- SI 06 Section 17 Transportation Incentives
- SI 06 Section 18 Meal Reimbursement
- SI 06 Section 19 Material Survey Procedure
- SI 06 Section 20 Survey Procedure
- SI 06 Section 21 Safely Surrendered Baby Program
- SI 06 Section 22 Portable Gasoline Powered Equipment Preventative Maintenance
- SI 06 Section 23 Donations and Funding
SI 09 Emergency Medical Services
- SI 09 Section 01 Advanced Airway Management
- SI 09 Section 02 Against Medical Advice
- SI 09 Section 03 AED Use Prior to EMS Arrival
- SI 09 Section 05 BLS Downgrade
- SI 09 Section 06 CHEMPACK Procedures
- SI 09 Section 07 Contaminated Equipment and Biohazardous Waste
- SI 09 Section 08 Controlled Substances
- SI 09 Section 11 Electronic Patient Care Report
- SI 09 Section 12 Encountering Emergencies
- SI 09 Section 13 Field Training 27
- SI 09 Section 14 First Responder Invasion of Privacy Policy
- SI 09 Section 15 Mass Casualty Incident
- SI 09 Section 16 Medical Scene Authority
- SI 09 Section 17 Pharmaceutical Rotation
- SI 09 Section 18 Program Eligibility and Participation
- SI 09 Section 19 Pronouncement of Death
- SI 09 Section 20 Quality Assurance and Improvement
- SI 09 Section 22 Ride Along Policy
- SI 09 Section 23 Securing Patient Property
- SI 09 Section 24 Suspected Abuse
- SI 09 Section 25 DMS Utilization
- SI 09 Section 26 Special Transport Considerations
- SI 09 Section 27 Mexican Ambulance at US. Mexican Border Vehicle Secondary
- SI 09 Section 28 Battalion Medical Officer Program
SI 10 Injury Illness and Prevention Program
- SI 10 Section 01 Injury and Illness Prevention Program
- SI 10 Section 02 Health and Safety Program 9.26.23
- SI 10 Section 03 Occupational Health and Safety Committee
- SI 10 Section 04 Safety Communications
- SI 10 Section 05 Respiratory Protection
- SI 10 Section 06 SCBA Air Management
- SI 10 Section 07 Personal Escape System
- SI 10 Section 08 Wildland Boots
- SI 10 Section 09 PPE Incident Wear Chart
- SI 10 Section 10 PPE Inspection Program
- SI 10 Section 11 PPE Storage and Maintenance
- SI 10 Section 12 Equipment Failure
- SI 10 Section 13 Station and Facility Inspections
- SI 10 Section 14A Heat Illness
- SI 10 Section 14B Cold Exposure
- SI 10 Section 14C Rehabilitation
- SI 10 Section 15 Facility Emergency Action Plan
- SI 10 Section 16A Post Incident Decontamination
- SI 10 Section 16B Clean Cab Program
- SI 10 Section 16C Personal Decontamination Policy
- SI 10 Section 17 Wellness Program
- SI 10 Section 18 Peer Support
- SI 10 Section 19 Chaplain Program
- SI 10 Section 20 Peer Support Response
- SI 10 Section 21 Physical Fitness Program
- SI 10 Section 22 Communicable Disease Exposure and Aerosolized Transmitted Disease
- SI 10 Section 24A Serious Injury LODD Initial Action Checklists
- SI 10 Section 24B Firefighter Funeral Memorial Guidebook
- SI 10 Section 24C L145 SDFRA Appendix A
- SI 10 Section 24D Lifeguard Funeral Memorial Guidebook
- SI 10 Section 24E L911 and SDLA Appendix A
- SI 10 Section 24 Serious Injury and LODD Policy
- SI 10 Section 25 Wildfire Smoke Protection
- SI 10 Section 26 Pandemic Response
- SI 10 Section 27 Hearing Protection
- SI 10 Section 28 Honor Guard
- SI 10 Section 29 Fall Protection Plan
- SI 10 Section 30 Pipes and Drums
SI 14 Administration
- SI 14 Section 01 Vacation Selection
- SI 14 Section 02 Procurement Card (P card) Policy
- SI 14 Section 03 Transgender and Non Binary 9.21.21
- SI 14 Section 04 Failed Trade Policy
- SI 14 Section 07 Pregnancy and Lactation
- SI 14 Section 08 Policy and Bulletin Creation and Revision
- SI 14 Section 09 Service Awards
Staffing Manual
- Staffing Manual Section 01 General Staffing 20 September 22
- Staffing Manual Section 02 Leaves 29 November 2021
- Staffing Manual Section 03 Overtime 29 November 2021
- Staffing Manual Section 04 Mandatory Callback 05.2018
- Staffing Manual Section 05 Bid System 06.2017
- Staffing Manual Section 06 Division Transfers 06.2017
- Staffing Manual Section 07 Reassign to Operations 06.2017
- Staffing Manual Section 08 Displacements 06.2017
- Staffing Manual Section 09 Staffing Desk Duties 06.2017
- Table of Contents 06.2017
San Diego County Op Area Policies
- 2A Personnel ID Methods
- 3A Communication Traffic Modes
- 4A Emergency Channel Usage
- 5A Fire Ground Accountability combo
- 6A RIC Operations
- 10A Roles and Responsibilities of Chief Officers Responding Outside Jurisdictions
- 11A Strike Team Terminology Operational Area Response
- 14A Resource Activation and Deployment Guidelines
- SD Metro Zone Policies 03.2017
Metro Zone Policies
- 01 Resource System Introduction
- 02 Strike Team Task Force Requests
- 03 Strike Team Task Force Leader and Trainee
- 04 Cal OES Strike Teams
- 06 Move Up Policies
- 07 Radios and Communications
- 08 Strike Team Rotation Schedules
- 09 Strike Team Roster
- 10 Reimbursement for Personnel Rotation
- 11 Strike Team Code of Conduct
- 12 Civil Unrest
- 13 Pandemic Strike Team Procedures
- 14 High-Rise Response
- 15 Mid-Rise Response
- 16 Wide-Rise Response
Wildland
- 2026 Air Operations - Aircraft and Capabilities
- CAL FIRE Structure Defense Guide
- Helicopter Ground Safety Operations
- ICS 256 Wildland Urban Interface Structure Triage Placard
- IRPG January 2025
- KNG-M150 VHF Mobile Manual
- Metro Zone Strike Team Code of Conduct
- Mutual Threat Zone Training
- SDFD Wildland Refresher 2023