Firefighter Certification Program

Application Form
Commitment to Participate
 

The OFM introduced a voluntary Certification Program for firefighters employed in an Ontario municipal fire department as of May 1, 1998.
Certification formally acknowledges that a firefighter in Ontario meets the recognized job performance standards and educational/training and job experience requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
Certification is based on the candidate’s ability to:

• Meet established educational/training qualifications
• Provide proof of current employment in a fire department in Ontario
• Meet job experience requirements
• Demonstrate competencies to the standard
   

There are five critical elements to the Firefighter Certification Program.

1. Certification is a voluntary process for individuals.
2. Certification is based on the current Ontario Firefighter Standards.
3. One route was developed to meet the needs of Firefighters, employed in their role after May 1, 1998.
4. It is term specific. Firefighter certification is valid for five years.
5. There is a renewal process after initial certification.
    

Firefighter Certification Program

Career firefighters have 5 years and volunteer firefighters have 7 years If the time frame will expire before Firefighters complete the qualifying process, the Fire Chief should submit a letter to the Certification Council, requesting consideration because of extenuating circumstances. The Chief must indicate why another extension is needed, how much additional time is needed to complete the requirements for certification and the plans for meeting the requirements.