Requirement, Training, Exemptions, and Registration
Training Program
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
During the early 1980's the Canadian Fire Alarm Association established the Fire Alarm Technology Program, leading to personal registration as a fire alarm technician. It was created to provide training in the specialized area of fire alarm systems, thereby increasing the knowledge level of persons directly or indirectly involved in the fire alarm industry.
This educational program has been approved by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction nationwide and is now widely recognized within the industry.
This describes; the program intent, program structure, individual course content, qualifications for exemptions and CFAA Technician registration information.
PROGRAM INTENT
Although the Fire Code sets specific requirements for testing of fire alarm systems, we find there is still a problem of fire alarm systems not being tested properly. The individuals performing the testing, inspection or maintenance must be accountable for the quality of their work. It follows that there is a need for all persons, who test fire alarm systems, have a minimum level of training in this specific area. The CFAA created a theory-based, five course program covering the required components. Necessary skills and hands-on training must be obtained in the workplace through daily on-the-job training. Completion of the five courses only, will not make the individual student a competent fire alarm technician without at least one or two years of working experience with another experienced technician.
The combination of theory-based knowledge and workplace experience will together serve to increase the level of competence within the industry.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Fire Alarm Technology Program is comprised of five courses:
Course 1 - An Introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry
Course 2 - Business & Technical Report Writing
Course 3 - Basic Electricity
Course 4 - Basic Electronics
Course 5 - Fire Alarm Systems
The program is available in whole or part at many community colleges across Canada.
Course 1, Course 3 and Course 5 are available via correspondence course from the CFAA.
The Association recommends that the courses be completed in the order shown. The first four courses are pre-requisite subjects to Course 5 and therefore a student may not enroll into Course 5 without having completed the first four courses.
COURSE EXEMPTIONS
Courses 1 and 5 are mandatory courses for everyone. A student may be granted an exemption by the CFAA in one or more of courses 2, 3 and 4. Exemptions are based on courses previously completed at a college or university level only. The student must have earned a minimum grade of 60% at the college level to be eligible for the exemption. Any grade below 60% will not be accepted for an exemption. Work experience and high-school level courses are NOT grounds for exemptions. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Each student must send in a photocopy of his/her college transcripts, diploma and course outlines. The documentation will be reviewed and written notification of exemptions granted will be mailed back to the applicant. If the student is a licensed electrician he/she must submit a photocopy of the wallet portion of their license along with any/all supporting documentation. As electrician licenses vary, each student will be assessed on an individual basis.