This PPE class takes the attendee from the need for new or updated firefighting PPE, through the entire evaluation process, including the selection of the items. Needs assessment, risk assessment, committee formation, pilot programs, product solicitation, language suggestions for requirements, evaluator selection, evaluation design, static evaluations, selection process, and contract/bid insight, will be presented based on actual experience in PPE evaluation and selection. All five elements of the firefighter ensemble—helmet, hood, gloves, coat/pant and boots—will be discussed. The certification testing methods, including emerging issues (PFAS-PTFE) and testing needs will be presented to give the attendee a working knowledge of their value as it relates to the item. Actual items will be presented in an already dissected format in order to explain the need of the individual layers as they relate to the finished item.