A study evaluated preparatory methods of developing competence to become certified as an Iowa Fire Fighter I. Hypotheses were that no significant differences in written examination scores would be found when comparing structured learning with self-study preparation or when comparing candidate gender; a significant difference would be found in scores compared with years of experience as a fire fighter; and scores of full-time and volunteer fire fighters would differ significantly. A literature review of current adult education concepts indicated that program planning and educational delivery should recognize and incorporate an individual's prior experience and current needs into the learning environment. The study population consisted of 519 fire fighter candidates from 1989-1991. A dependent variable of their written examination score was compared to various independent variables. These data were collected by a survey administered after the written examination. Research methodology included a t-test to compare self-study and structured learning, gender, and fire department affiliation and analysis of variance to analyze specific methods of preparation and years of experience. Candidates who developed competence through self-study scored significantly higher; years of experience and type of experience also indicated significant differences; and gender resulted in no significant difference in test scores. (The survey and 30 references are appended.) (YLB)