The Interagency Incident Qualification Card, aka the coveted 'Red Card', shows that you've completed at least the basic NWCG courses required to be on the fireline: the S-130, S-190 and the additionally required training as well as certifying that you have taken and passed the annual arduous work-capacity test. In PA, Red Cards are only issued to firefighters when they are actually deployed on fires out of state . . . so it depends on how wildland crews are managed in your state,
Ray is correct. It also depends upon which agency you work for. If you're federal you get a true red card immediately after you pass the pack test each year. States, mutual aid groups and contractors do things differently everywhere you go. As long as your boss has yours in his or her hand when you arrive at check-in you're good to go.