Office of the Fire Marshal
Ontario Certification Programs
January 2004
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Office of the Fire Marshal | |||||||||||
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Ontario Certification Programs | |||||||||||
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January 2004 | |||||||||||
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The Professional Standards Setting Body of the Ontario Fire Service gratefully acknowledges the contribution of many people in the development and operation of the Ontario Certification Program. It is impossible to recognize everyone who has helped in making this program a success. Ontario Firefighters, Fire Prevention Officers, Training Officers, Company Officers and Fire Chiefs throughout the province, and personnel from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) all deserve credit for the development and implementation of the certification program. Certification Council At the time of printing this edition of the
Certification Guide, Robert P. French, Chairperson, Office of the Fire Marshal Karen Booth-Moyle, Educational Consultant, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Lorne Bradt, Firefighter, Leamington Craig Cunningham, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, Toronto Ken Eden, Fire Chief, Tillsonburg Mike George, Chief of Inspection Services, Waterloo Scott Heard, Acting Captain, Vaughan Patrick Kelly, Fire Chief, LaSalle Shawn LePage, Training Officer, Mississauga Keith Lusk, Training Officer, Barrie Barry McKinnon, Chief of Emergency Management and Response, OFM Robert Myles, Fire Chief, Bradford, West Gwillimbury Ex-officio Lynne Lofquist, Section Manager, Academic Standards and Evaluation, OFM Resource to Council Leslie Kennedy, Educational Consultant, Office of the Fire Marshal Secretary Uyen Ha, Program Coordinator, Office of the Fire Marshal © Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario 1998, 2003 Direct correspondence regarding this document to: Office of the Fire Marshal Chairperson, Certification Council Place Nouveau Building 5775 Yonge Street, 7th floor North York, Ontario M2M 4J1 | |||
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Contents Introduction 7 Notice 7 Definitions 7 History 13 Standards Process Model 14 Design 14 Open System 14 Professional Standards Setting Body 14 Mandate 15 Body of Knowledge 15 Job Performance Standards 15 Curriculum Development 16 Ontario Firefighter Curriculum 16 Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program 16 Fire Prevention Officer Diploma Program 16 Company Officer Diploma Program 17 Delivery and Support Systems 17 Endorsement Review Board 18 Benefits of the Endorsement Process 18 Categories for Endorsement 18 Confirmation of Endorsed Offering 19 List of Endorsed Programs 19 Education Plan and Career Path 20 Validation 22 Certification 23 Authority 23 Certification Council 23 Composition 23 Criteria for Council Membership 23 Mandate 24 Role 24 Purpose of Certification 25 Benefits to Certification 25 Certification Criteria 26 Certification Requirements 26 Candidate Eligibility 27 Performance Criteria 27 Access to Certification 27 Accreditation 28 Definition 28 | |||
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Benefits 28 Requirements 28 Accreditation 28 Administration 29 Fee 29 Record Keeping 29 Process and Notification 30 Term 30 Renewal 30 Lapsed Certification 31 Suspension, Revocation and Denial 31 Equivalency 31 Evaluation of the Process 32 Review of Procedures 32 For Further Information 32 Firefighter Certification Program 33 Date of Implementation 33 Route to Certification 33 Volunteer Firefighters 33 Endorsed Specialty Modules for Certification (subject to change) 34 Firefighter Certification Program 35 Requirements for Certification 35 Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist 37 Overview 37 Purpose 37 Supporting Document 37 Content 37 Performance Criteria 38 Availability 38 Completion of Document 38 Accountability 39 Submission for Certification 39 Awarding Certification 41 Firefighter Certification Renewal 42 Executive Summary 42 General Information 42 Purpose of Certification Renewal 43 Certification Renewal Criteria 43 Certification Renewal Requirements 43 Training Provided by the Fire Department 44 Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program 48 Date of Implementation 48 Critical Elements 48 Certification Requirements 48 | |||
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Window of Opportunity 49 Academic Requirement 49 Job Experience Requirement 50 Application for Certification 50 Awarding Certification 50 Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program 51 Requirements for Certification 51 Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist 52 Certification Renewal 52 Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist 54 Overview 54 Purpose 54 Supporting Document 54 Content 54 Performance Criteria 55 Availability 55 Completion of Document 55 Accountability 56 Submission for Certification 56 Company Officer Certification Program 58 Critical Elements 58 Certification Requirements 58 Date of Implementation 58 Window of Opportunity 59 Academic Requirement 59 Job Experience Requirement 60 Application for Certification 60 Awarding Certification 60 Company Officer Certification Program 61 Requirements for Certification 61 Certification Renewal 62 Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist 62 Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist 64 Overview 64 Purpose 64 Supporting Document 64 Content 64 Performance Criteria 65 Availability 65 Completion of Document 65 Accountability 66 Submission for Certification 66 | |||
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A Guide to the Creation of Safe, Effective Simulations Purpose 68 Application 68 Content 68 Downloading the Guide 69 Further Information 69 Appendices 70 Ontario Firefighter Certification Program 70 Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program 70 Ontario Company Officer Certification Program 70 Index 81 | |||
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All questions or other communication relating to this document, including proposed amendments, should be sent only to the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM,) addressed to the attention of the Chairperson, Certification Council, Office of the Fire Marshal, Place Nouveau Building, 5775 Yonge Street, 7th floor, North York, Ontario M2M 4J1. Only written statements processed by the OFM Certification Office shall be considered the position of the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Certification Council. | |||||
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The following words and terms, when used in this document, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Accreditation is a voluntarily sought status that is given to an educational institution or program that has been found to meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality; the accrediting body establishes the minimum criteria for the assessment and validation of the process used to certify fire service personnel to professional qualifications' standards. Act refers to The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA). Approved means acceptable to and approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Assessment/testing refers to the way(s) in which a candidate's theoretical knowledge of a subject and/or ability to perform a skill to an accepted standard are validated. Career Firefighter, for the purposes of certification, means a professional Firefighter regularly employed on a full-time, salaried basis in a municipal fire department and assigned to fire protection services with a primary role of fire suppression. | |||||
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Certification authoritatively validates the qualifying process and includes the issuance of a document that states that one has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to meet a particular provincial standard of professional competency for Ontario Fire Service personnel. In Ontario, it is a voluntary program by which Ontario Fire Service personnel become individually certified. It may not be used to imply that a fire department is certified. Certification Council is a committee comprised of OFM personnel, stakeholders and independent persons appointed by the Fire Marshal. Certified copy refers to a copy of an original document to which the Fire Chief affixes his/her signature attesting to having viewed the original, and that the copy is unaltered. Certifying body is the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM.) Company Officer, for the purposes of certification, is defined as an individual who organizes, coordinates and controls an emergency response team. Company Officer Diploma Program refers to the curriculum that was developed and is delivered by the OFM; curriculum development is based on the current Ontario Company Officer Standards. Date of implementation, for the purposes of this document, is the date that the different role-specific certification programs commenced in Ontario. Endorsement Review Board was established under the auspices of the Professional Standards Setting Body (PSSB;) it is administered by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) but functions within the parameters of the OAFC/OFM partnership. Fire Chief means a Fire Chief appointed under subsection 6 (1), (2), (3) and (4) of The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA.) | |||
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Fire department as defined in Part I of The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) means a group of Firefighters authorized to provide fire protection services by a municipality, group of municipalities or by an agreement in a territory without municipal organization. Firefighter, for the purposes of certification, means a Firefighter who provides fire protection services on a part-time basis or voluntarily for a nominal consideration, honorarium, training or activity allowance. Fire Prevention Officer, for the purposes of certification, is a member of a municipal fire department in Ontario whose primary responsibilities include duties such as, conducting regular and specialized fire inspections, evaluating and monitoring fire safety plans, developing, implementing and evaluating public education programs, performing public relations, communicating with the public, prosecuting offenders of fire safety legislation and performing administrative duties. Fire Prevention Officer Diploma Program refers to the curriculum that was developed and is delivered by the OFM; curriculum development is based on the current Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Standards. International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is a peer driven, self-governing system that accredits both fire service certification programs and higher education fire-related degree programs; IFSAC is a nonprofit project authorized by the Board of Regents of Oklahoma State University. Job performance standard is a statement that describes a specific job competency and lists the items necessary to complete the competency. Learner Guides are Ontario Firefighter Curriculum documents for students that include performance objectives and enablers, key elements and terms, learning materials and equipment required, special precautions and considerations, work behaviours, and quizzes. | |||
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Master Trainer/Facilitator is an OFM qualified individual who may under the direction of the OFM, conduct workshops to qualify Trainer/Facilitators; has received authorization from the OFM to supervise the Trainer/Facilitator; qualified Master Trainer/Facilitators may also sign off Firefighters who satisfactorily demonstrate that they meet the criteria of the performance tests. National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) accredits fire service training agencies that use the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) professional qualification standards. Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is a branch of the Public Safety Division of the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services; the mission of the OFM is to contribute to an environment for the residents of Ontario that is safe from fire and other public safety hazards by providing leadership and expertise in the reduction and elimination of these hazards. Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is a professional association comprised of chief officers who are committed to the promotion of efficient and effective management and professionalism in the fire service, as well as excellence in the areas of education and standards setting. Ontario Fire College (OFC) is a recognized post- secondary educational institution; in operation since 1949, it is the academic arm of the Office of the Fire Marshal, whose primary responsibility is to develop and deliver academically sound educational/training programs to meet the needs of both today's and tomorrow's fire service. Ontario Firefighter Curriculum refers to the curriculum (formerly known as Firefighter General Level Curriculum) that was developed and is delivered by the OFM; curriculum development is based on the current Ontario Firefighter Standards; upon successful completion, the candidate receives a Certificate of Achievement from the Ontario Fire College (OFC.) | |||
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Ontario Fire Services Standards are developed by the Professional Standards Setting Body for the Ontario Fire Service; they describe the roles of the fire service practitioners in Ontario in terms of general areas of competencies that were developed by selected practitioners. Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program refers to the endorsed program offered by community colleges in Ontario; upon successful completion of all training and testing components, and securing employment with a municipal fire department in Ontario, the candidate receives a Certificate of Achievement from the Ontario Fire College (OFC.) Portfolio, for the purposes of this document, is an individual's record of career development and collection of documents that confirm the candidate meets the requirements of certification. Post-secondary institution, for the purposes of this document, means any school located in Ontario, whether privately or publicly owned, that has been approved by the OFM to offer a course in fire protection training or related subjects. Prerequisite knowledge is the fundamental knowledge one must have in order to perform a specific task. Prerequisite skills are the essential skills one must have in order to perform a specific task. Professional Standards Setting Body (PSSB) is a standards setting body that represents the fire service and is empowered to set voluntary performance standards for all levels within the Ontario Fire Service, and is supported through a partnership between the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Office of the Fire Marshal. Shall indicates a mandatory requirement. Should indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required. Task is a specific job behaviour or activity. | |||
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Trainer/Facilitator is an individual who, having achieved a certain level of training facilitates the delivery of the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum; the Trainer/Facilitator is qualified by and functions under the auspices of the Office of the Fire Marshal and may sign off Firefighters who satisfactorily demonstrate that they meet the criteria of the performance tests. Trainer/Facilitator Guides are Ontario Firefighter Curriculum documents for Trainer/Facilitators that list performance tasks, objectives and enablers, key elements and terms, special precautions and considerations, work behaviours, learning materials, equipment and resources required, and learning steps; the guides detail training strategies and provide information for testing and evaluation. Window of opportunity, for the purposes of this document, is a three-year time frame starting on the date of implementation, during which all fire service personnel within the defined role who are members of an Ontario municipal fire department when the certification program is launched, can apply for certification based on specified criteria. Window of opportunity extension may be approved by the Certification Council upon written request from the Fire Chief; a request shall include the rationale for requesting an extension to the `window of opportunity;' approval is contingent upon regularly submitted status reports that track the progress of the fire department personnel in their quest for certification. | |||
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In 1988, Paradigm for
Progress, a Task Force Report to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
set out a long-term vision and strategy for the
development of fire service standards, curricula and
certification. The essence of the report was the
standards process model.
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The design of the Standards Process Model recognizes that standards' setting is a dynamic, constantly evolving and continuous process. The model consists of a number of dependent and interrelated parts that allow for monitoring, evaluation and necessary change.
An open system model allows for opportunity to interpret what is happening in the world around us, predict the impact of these changes and act proactively.
The report recommended the establishment of a Professional Standards Setting Body (PSSB) that consists of members from various groups in the fire service. There are representatives from the: · Fire Fighters Association of Ontario · Municipal Fire Service Instructors Association · Office of the Fire Marshal · Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs · Ontario Municipal Fire Departments Mechanical Officers' Association · Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association · Ontario Native Firefighters Society · Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association · The Institution of Fire Engineers, Ontario Branch, Canada The PSSB was established in early 1989 with an objective of implementing the task force report. Open System Professional Standards | ||||
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Mandate | ||||
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The mandate of the Professional Standards Setting Body is to: · Set performance standards for all levels within the Ontario Fire Service · Meet on a regular basis to deliberate issues and take appropriate actions to develop, maintain, implement and promote fire service performance standards · Operationalize the Standards Process Model contained in the OAFC Task Force Report, Paradigm for Progress · Support the professionalization process for the Ontario Fire Service
For the purposes of the Standards Process Model, the body of knowledge is defined as all of the knowledge and skills that is required to meet the competency expressed in the current performance standards. This unique body of knowledge is subject to change.
Job performance standards are the essence of the Standards Process Model. These standards give guidance to future fire service employees, persons currently employed within the fire service, trainers and educators, as well as the general public. The PSSB was unanimous in its support for the development of the Ontario competency-based standards. Job performance standards developed and validated are Fire Chief and Deputy Chief companion standards, Senior Officer, Company Officer, Firefighter (revised June 2000,) Fire Prevention Officer, Training Officer, Mechanical Officer and Communicator (dispatcher.)
Body of Knowledge Job Performance Standards
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Curriculum Development | ||||
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The OFM/OAFC partnership is responsible for curricula, delivery standards and delivery networks. Curricula are based on the philosophy that learning is a life-long undertaking. It is a process whereby individuals acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values through experience, reflection, study or instruction. It is expected that fire service personnel, both full-time and volunteer, will accept responsibility for continuing education and development. An obligation rests upon the learner to seek out every opportunity to enhance the knowledge, skill and attitude base that leads to effective fire protection.
The Ontario Firefighter Curriculum, based on the needs of the adult learner, the professional and society was introduced in 1993. Continuing training and education are provided to help Firefighters work more safely and proficiently, and to ensure that the highest level of service is afforded the public.
The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program represents an enhancement of the previous Pre-entry Program for Firefighters, with inclusion of a significant practical skills component. Because of the linkage to workplace skills used by Firefighters, and skills practice and testing in simulated and controlled live-fire training scenarios, graduates of this program will be well prepared to perform as beginning Firefighters. The key to the successful delivery of this program is the strong partnership required between a College of Applied Arts and Technology and fire department(s) in concert with the OAFC/OFM partners.
The Fire Prevention Officer Diploma Program began in 2000. Participants study legislation, leadership and communication, introductory and advanced fire prevention, fire safety plans, adult and public education, and fire cause determination. Ontario Firefighter Curriculum Pre-Service Firefighter Fire Prevention Officer | ||||
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Company Officer Diploma Program | ||||
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The Company Officer Diploma Program was launched in 1999. Participants study legislation, leadership and communication, fire prevention, pre-incident planning, incident management, specialized operations, training and development, public education and applied administration.
The design of the delivery and support systems includes the following criteria: · They are comprehensive educational and training systems. · Qualified teachers/facilitators are used. · Adult education principles are utilized. · There is diversity to meet the needs across the province. · Programs and courses are accessible. · Programs and courses are cost effective. · There is continuity and high quality. · Alternative modes of delivery are used, with effective use of technology. · They are motivational and provide recognition for participants. · There is ongoing evaluation and review. · There is theoretically and experientially based education/training. Delivery and Support Systems | ||||
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The Endorsement Review Board was established under the auspices of the Professional Standards Setting Body. It is administered by the OAFC but functions within the parameters of the OAFC/OFM partnership. The purpose of the Board is to provide a structure, process and the criteria for the endorsement of educational and training programs offered by providers to the Ontario Fire Service. The mandate of the endorsement process is to recognize quality education and training programs offered to the Ontario Fire Service.
The endorsement process: • Provides a current listing of endorsed programs, courses and workshops to the fire service • Provides a resource for fire departments and individuals to select offerings specific to their needs • Promotes recognition for providers who meet endorsement criteria • Provides profiles/templates for each specialty module for Firefighter certification for use by providers • Provides benchmarks for current and future programs for the fire service
A. Fire Service Specific: Required for Occupation or Role/Standard/Certification This category has very strict criteria and guidelines. It includes programs, courses and workshops that relate to the fire service occupations and reflect the fire service standards, roles and/or certification. Examples are the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program, Ontario Firefighter Curriculum and specialty modules for Firefighter certification. Advanced level courses and workshops that relate to the specialty modules for Firefighter certification are included in this category and require the purchase of the certification specialty module profile/template. Benefits of the Endorsement Process Categories for Endorsement | ||||
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B. Fire Service Related These are programs, courses and workshops that
are of interest to fire service personnel for training
and professional development purposes. Examples would include specialty courses, such as
aircraft rescue, trench rescue, highrise or propane
handling and exclude specialty modules for Firefighter
certification. Prerequisite level workshops and courses
that relate to the specialty modules for Firefighter
certification are included in this category and do not require
the purchase of the certification specialty module C. General These are offerings provided by academic institutions, companies, associations and organizations that are of general interest to a number of different individuals and may include Firefighters. Examples would be stress management courses, computer workshops and time management.
Look in the provider's advertising/information under the specific title of the offering that has been endorsed for a statement that reads: 'The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Office of the Fire Marshal through the Endorsement Review Board endorse the content of the program. The Board expressly does not endorse the delivery of the program, tools and/or equipment used in the delivery of the program.'
A list of currently endorsed programs is available on the OFM and OAFC Web sites, and in selected fire service publications. Confirmation of Endorsed Offering List of Endorsed Programs | |||
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Education Plan and Career Path | ||||
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For several years, the Professional Standards Setting Body (PSSB,) under the direction of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM,) has been developing an education plan and career path for the fire service. The purpose of the plan is to provide the fire service and specifically, the learner, guidance on achieving personal and professional goals. Each role in the fire service has a competency-based job standard. The majority of the roles have standardized education and training programs that yield academic certificates and/or diplomas. The entry path to the fire service begins with an endorsed Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program for potential Firefighters that is offered at several community colleges throughout the province. These colleges have partnered with the OFM, OAFC and fire departments. Woven through the education plan are generic community college and university credit courses leading to diplomas and degrees. The OAFC/OFM partnership with Ryerson University involves the Public Administration certificate and degree program offered at Ryerson and the Ontario Fire College through alternative modes of learning. Ongoing educational partnerships and new educational partnerships will continue to support education and training programs and courses, and provide accessible, cost effective, high quality learning opportunities. This facilitates the Ontario Fire Service Education Plan and Career Path academic preparation of roles specific to augment job experience in support of the individual's Ontario Fire Service Education Plan and Career Path. | ||||
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Validation | ||||
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Validation is a quality assurance measure used to ensure that a consistently high level of teaching, learning and evaluation is occurring uniformly in the field. The true test of the validity of the performance standards that are implemented is in the quality and consistency of on-the-job performance. In Ontario, the certification programs provide the necessary validation. | ||||
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Certification | |||
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The Office of the Fire Marshal certifies Ontario Fire Service personnel to the respective Ontario Fire Services Standards, based on the criteria developed by the Certification Council, approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
(FPPA), in Part III, clause 9 (2) (d) provides authority to
the Fire Marshal for the training and evaluation of
Firefighters.
The Council is comprised of representative stakeholders from small, medium and large fire departments that are volunteer, full-time and composite; an OAFC representative; OFM personnel and educational consultants.
Members shall: • Be committed to the goal of achieving individual certification in various fire service roles in a manner that is consistent with fair, ethical and equitable practices • Have knowledge of the Standards Process Model and Ontario Fire Services Standards, and have experience in the Ontario Fire Service • Have excellent communication skills, including effective listening, negotiating and clarifying • Be willing to be open and receptive to new ideas and concepts, and be willing to share expertise and knowledge with others • Have the ability to problem solve and apply analytical skills in a team environment • Be able to set priorities and further the goals of Council • Be able to function effectively as a team member to achieve the goals and promote the activities of Council Authority Certification Council
Composition Criteria for Council Membership | |||
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• Declare any conflict of interest issues • Keep all Council business confidential
The mandate of the Certification Council is to develop and recommend to the PSSB within the framework and infrastructure of the Standards Process Model, the policies and procedures required for an ongoing, voluntary certification program to acknowledge the skills, knowledge and related experience of the fire service roles according to the validated job performance standards.
The Certification Council advises and supports the OFM on the: 1. Establishment of procedures by which Ontario Fire Service personnel can demonstrate skills and knowledge for certification 2. Maintenance of a database that stores information on each candidate 3. Use of appropriate job performance standards in the certification program 4. Establishment of the prerequisites for assessment/testing 5. Establishment and publishing for the evaluators of minimum criteria used in the certification program 6. Establishment of policies and procedures to ensure that certification is in compliance with applicable statutes and is nondiscriminatory 7. Establishment of policies and procedures to be used to evaluate certification or training received in another jurisdiction 8. Establishment of a currency and certification renewal policy 9. Establishment of policies and procedures for the suspension, revocation and denial of certification Mandate Role | |||
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Purpose of Certification | ||||
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Certification formally acknowledges that Ontario fire service personnel meet the recognized job performance standards and educational/training requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. Certification is not a means of determining who shall participate in the practice or profession of firefighting and its related activities. A lack of certification is only an indication that the individual has not applied for or fulfilled the requirements of certification.
There are a number of benefits to certification. • Certification recognizes fire service personnel as professionals with specialized skills and an ability to provide quality, competent service. • Certification provides fire service personnel with opportunities to evaluate and document their performance, and compare their skills to each competency and the overall standard. • Certification acknowledges fire service personnel's commitment to ongoing training and life-long learning. • Certification provides a concrete training path to follow. • Certification will support the credibility of fire service personnel in the completion of their regular and special activities, such as dealing with litigation. • Highly motivated people will continue to be attracted to the fire service because of the certification program. Benefits to Certification | ||||
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Certification Criteria | ||||
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1. Certification assessment/testing shall be based on performance standards. 2. Certification shall be based on approved Ontario job performance standards. 3. Certification shall be developed for a number of fire service roles. 4. Certification shall consist of standardized tests and be the same for all candidates. 5. Certification availability shall be sequenced with curriculum development. 6. Certification shall be available on a departmental, group or individual basis. 8. Equivalencies shall be determined.
Certification shall be based on the candidate's ability to: a) Meet established educational/training qualifications b) Provide proof of current employment in a municipal fire department in Ontario c) Meet job experience requirements d) Demonstrate competencies to the current standards Candidates are required to submit their educational/training and job experience portfolios to the OFM Certification Office at the time of application. Certification Requirements | ||||
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Candidate Eligibility | ||||
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To be eligible to apply for certification, candidates shall meet the qualifications for the specified Ontario job performance standard. Candidates must demonstrate continuous employment in a municipal fire department in Ontario. Continuous is defined by government Human Resources, as having a break in employment of not greater than thirteen (13) weeks. The Certification Council shall consider extenuating circumstances on an individual basis.
Candidates must complete the qualifying processes. It shall be the policy and practice of the Office of the Fire Marshal to certify fire department personnel to the current Ontario Fire Services Standards as developed and/or amended by the Professional Standards Setting Body for the Ontario Fire Service. Certification, which is based on performance standards, assesses/tests performance standards in required roles. Certification processes shall be updated within one year of the official release date of new standards or amendment of existing standards for the Ontario Fire Service.
Access to the Ontario Certification Programs is assured for individual fire service personnel whose departments are not participating in the system and will be determined on an individual basis. Fire service personnel in this circumstance are encouraged to write to the Certification Council. Performance Criteria Access to Certification | ||||
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Accreditation
Definition | ||||
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Accreditation is a voluntarily sought status that is given to an educational institution or program that has been found to meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality.
Accredited entities are recognized as having met the criteria of an independent organization. Candidates who have been awarded certification by an accredited agency know that they have been measured against valid criteria that meet international standards. Certification with accreditation affords fire service personnel portability of qualifications.
The accrediting body establishes the minimum criteria for the assessment and validation of the process used to certify fire service personnel to professional qualifications' standards. The accrediting agencies evaluated the Office of the Fire Marshal on: • Its authority to certify fire service personnel • The appropriateness of the standards to which the OFM certifies and how the standards compare to the relevant National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards • The procedures for administering secure, comprehensive, valid, standardized, written and manipulative skills examinations • The record keeping system
The Ontario Firefighter Certification Program was accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in 1999. The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program was accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) in 2002. Benefits Requirements Accreditation
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Administration | ||||
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The OFM Certification Office shall be responsible for the general management of the certification program.
There is no fee for certification and certification renewal, at this time.
The OFM Certification Office keeps records and other information communicated to them secure and confidential according to existing government policy and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The OFM Certification Office maintains records of all persons applying for and receiving certification and certification renewal that include: • The practitioner's name and identifying information • The accrediting body's seal number, if applicable • A notation of every suspension, revocation or denial of certification Upon request, the OFM Certification Office shall confirm only: • Whether or not a practitioner is currently certified • The practitioner's certificate number • The date of certification (certification renewal) This information shall be available on request, in printed or oral form, during normal working hours of operation of the Office of the Fire Marshal, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Fee Record Keeping | ||||
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Process and Notification | ||||
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1. Upon successful completion of the qualifying process, the candidate completes and submits to the OFM Certification Office, the appropriate application for certification. The form requires details concerning education, current employer and performance of fire activities and/or training. 2. The application and accompanying documentation are reviewed by the OFM Certification Office and a recommendation is forwarded to the Fire Marshal. The Certification Council may participate in the review process on an ongoing basis. 3. The candidate is notified within thirty (30) working days after the OFM Certification Office receives the application. a) If certification is awarded, the candidate receives an Office of the Fire Marshal certificate. The candidate's records are updated accordingly. b) If certification is not awarded, the candidate is notified and advised what is required for certification. c) Upon receipt of the candidate's response/reapplication to the notification regarding non-awarding of certification, the OFM Certification Office has thirty (30) working days in which to again notify the candidate.
Certification is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.
Fire service personnel are responsible to maintain their certification and initiate renewal. Details on renewal for the role specific certification programs follow. To apply for certification renewal, a candidate must complete and submit the appropriate application for certification renewal within three (3) months of date of expiry. Term Renewal | ||||
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When the information is received and verified, certification renewal is awarded and the Firefighter's file is updated.
In the event that certification has lapsed over ninety (90) days, fire service personnel need to reapply and requalify based on current competencies. The Certification Council will advise the OFM on the requirements.
The Fire Marshal may suspend, revoke or deny certification to any fire service personnel when it is found that the individual: • Knowingly made a material misrepresentation of any information required for certification • Knowingly by any means of false pretense, deception, fraud or cheating obtained documents or certification • Knowingly by any means of false pretense, deception, fraud or cheating obtained documents or certification for another individual • Failed to meet minimum requirements for any required test or examination forming part of the certification process
If fire service personnel in municipal fire departments in Ontario are from other jurisdictions and they meet the requirements established for each role specific certification program, they may be considered for certification. Fire service personnel from other jurisdictions with IFSAC and/or Pro Board accredited certification may request a review of their credentials to determine academic equivalency. Lapsed Certification Suspension, Revocation
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Evaluation of the Process | ||||
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The Certification Council is committed to evaluation of the certification programs on an ongoing basis. Every year, a formal evaluation on the success rate and certification program will take place. This may be accomplished through various activities, such as: • Surveying a statistically valid number of applicants and fire departments • Collecting statistical data through the Office of the Fire Marshal • Conducting informal evaluations • Collecting anecdotal information Results are compiled and timely reports are given to the Certification Council and the Fire Marshal for review and consideration.
Certification procedures will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Information about the Ontario Certification Programs is available from OFM Fire Protection Advisers, and through locally conducted information sessions, brochures, articles in the Messenger and a video. Information is also available on the OFM Web site at http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca, on the OAFC Web site at http://www.OAFC.on.ca, on the Municipal Fire Service Instructors Association Web site at www.mfsia.org, on the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association Web site www.omfpoa.com, or by contacting the OFM Certification Office at 416-325-3142. Review of Procedures For Further Information | ||||
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Firefighter Certification Program | ||||||
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The Firefighter Certification Program started on May 1, 1998.
The route to certification is designed for three categories of Ontario Firefighters: 1. Career Firefighters _ employed after certification was implemented on May 1, 1998 who wish to pursue and qualify for a career Firefighter certificate 2. Firefighters _ employed after certification was implemented on May 1, 1998 3. All Firefighters _ employed as of April 30, 1998 when certification was implemented and who wish to pursue certification through the `Window of Opportunity' All candidates must meet academic and job experience requirements to be awarded certification.
Following completion of the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum, volunteer Firefighters may choose to continue with the certification process or stop after meeting the academic requirement. Date of Implementation Route to Certification Volunteer Firefighters | ||||||
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Endorsed Specialty Modules for Certification (subject to change) | ||||
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The endorsed specialty modules for certification are: • Pumper Operations Optional • Confined Space Entry and Rescue: Operations Level • Electrical Hazards • Firefighter Emergency Patient Care II • Hazmat: Operations Level • Vehicle Extrication _ in specialized situations • Water/Ice Rescue _ includes: land based, water entry and ice rescue • Aerial Operations Endorsed specialty modules for Firefighter certification are available from a number of organizations, including the OFC, fire departments, community colleges and approved providers from the private sector. | ||||
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`Window of Opportunity' Certificate of Achievement or Certificate of Equivalency from the OFC
Three years experience, attested to by Fire Chief on the Application for Certification
Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist | |||||||
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Firefighter Certification Program
Requirements for Certification | |||||||
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Firefighters Certificate of Achievement from the OFC
Three years experience, attested to by Fire Chief on the Application for Certification
Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist Successful completion of two endorsed specialty modules for certification - the mandatory module on Pumper Operations and one optional module from a selection of seven | |||||||
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Certificate of Achievement from the OFC Must complete a minimum of 400 hours of on-the-job training; approximately 50% of this training must be in addition to the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum; some or all of the endorsed specialty modules for certification could be included in the other 50%
Three years experience, attested to by Fire Chief on the Application for Certification Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist Successful completion of two endorsed specialty modules for certification - the mandatory module on Pumper Operations and one optional module from a selection of seven Must have served at least 5,000 hours on duty as an emergency responder, excluding vacation and sick time | |||||||
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Requirement
Educational/training
qualifications
Current employment in a fire department in Ontario
Job experience requirements | |||||||
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Job Experience
Requirement
Performance Checklist Overview | |||
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To meet the requirements of certification, Firefighters must complete the job experience component. The job experience component is the final stage in the certification process. It provides Firefighters with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills after completing the academic requirement for certification.
It is essential that the Firefighter and the Company Officer doing the assessment have available and refer to the document entitled Ontario Firefighter Standards. Because this document contains competencies that cover the entire spectrum of the Firefighter role, it provides the context for the competencies and skills required for certification.
The Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist lists the job competencies and skills that are required for certification. Purpose Supporting Document Content | |||
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Performance Criteria | ||||
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It is necessary that skills listed in the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist be performed: • To standard, according to prescribed conditions • On-the-job (or in a simulated situation, only as specified) • Within the job experience component Ideally, the Company Officer will observe the Firefighter performing the skill.
The document entitled Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist and the Ontario Firefighter Standards are available through the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs in electronic or hard copy form.
To complete the document, the Firefighter's Company Officer initials the skills that have been performed to standard on-the-job and notes the date on which the skill was demonstrated. Each skill is classified — A, A/S or S. A means that the skill must be demonstrated on-the-job. On-the-job is defined as `while in attendance at an incident, inclusive of but not limited to response to, operations at and return to service after an emergency call; and other assigned fire duties, exclusive of training.' A/S means that it is definitely preferable to demonstrate the skill on-the-job. However, in exceptional circumstances where the Firefighter has not had an opportunity to demonstrate the skill on-the-job, the Firefighter may demonstrate the skill to a Company Officer in a simulated situation. Indicate by circling A or S whether the skill was demonstrated on-the-job or in a simulated situation. S means that the skill may be demonstrated to a Company Officer in a simulated situation. Availability Completion of Document | ||||
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The Certification Council has determined that up to 5% (three competencies maximum) that are currently designated "A" (actual) for demonstration on-the-job may be approved by the Certification Council for demonstration in simulated circumstances. The Fire Chief shall submit to the Certification Office a letter outlining the rationale for requesting this (low call volume in specific areas or specialized teams, for example) and describing the simulations that will be used.
By initialing/signing the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist, the Company Officer, Fire Chief and Firefighter verify that the Firefighter has performed the skill to standard and according to prescribed conditions, on-the-job (where applicable), while performing fire-related duties or in a simulated situation, as specified.
When the Firefighter has successfully completed all of the skills in the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist, the form at the back of the booklet that verifies completion is filled in and signed off. The names of all Company Officers who have initialed the document are printed on the form; Company Officers initial next to their names. The Fire Chief and Firefighter sign and date the form verifying that the skills were performed to standard, on-the-job (or in a simulated situation, as specified.) This document is submitted to the Certification Office with the Application for Certification to verify completion of the job experience component. Maintenance and filing of the completed Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist are the responsibility of the fire department. It is recommended that Firefighters maintain their own duplicate records. The Office of the Fire Marshal has the right to request and/or review the documentation. Accountability Submission for Certification | |||
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01. PERFORM FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS
GENERAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
Perform fire ground operations
* A means the skill must be demonstrated on-the-job `while in attendance at an incident, inclusive of but not limited to response to, operations at and return to service after an emergency call; and other assigned fire duties, exclusive of training.' A/S means that it is definitely preferable to demonstrate the skill on-the-job. However, in exceptional circumstances where the Firefighter has not had an opportunity to demonstrate the skill on-the-job, the Firefighter may demonstrate the skill to a Company Officer in a simulated situation. S means that the skill may be demonstrated to a Company Officer in a simulated situation.
Skills Specific Performance Objective Classification * Company Date Initials 01.01 Don Firefighter protective clothing, A including such issued items as coat, helmet, bunker gear, boots and gloves so that they are correctly adjusted or fitted to provide optimal protection during fire ground operations.
officer's orders in an emergency situation a static supply so that fire ground pump operations | ||||
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Sample Page | ||||
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Awarding Certification | |||||
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OFM certificates are awarded by the Ontario Fire Marshal to successful candidates. | |||||
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Firefighter Certification Executive Summary | ||||
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In developing the renewal model, the members of the Certification Council concentrated on how Ontario Fire Service candidates for certification renewal could document ongoing training and demonstrate competence to current Ontario Fire Services Standards. In their deliberations, members tried to be sensitive to the needs of the fire service _ time and cost efficiency _ while maintaining the credibility of the certification program. The process for finalization of the certification renewal model included consultation with selected departments/practitioners within the Ontario Fire Service and approval from the: • Certification Council • Professional Standards Setting Body • OFM and OAFC partnership, through the Planning Committee • Ontario government Legal Branch
Training and education are critical to the certification process. In renewal, there is an emphasis on maintaining currency and developing new learning. "During the last century we have moved from the Industrial Age through the Information Age to the Knowledge Age. The ability to obtain, assimilate and apply the right knowledge effectively, will become the key skill in the next century. Our ability will no longer be judged solely by qualifications gained in the past, but will also be assessed by our capacity to learn and adapt in the future."1 A candidate's practical experience was also a key component of the certification process and it General Information | ||||
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1 www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk , About Learning | ||||
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continues to be an important factor throughout the individual's professional career. Renewal, therefore, is a process whereby the Ontario Fire Service practitioner demonstrates on-going maintenance and enhancements of competency. Renewal is required every five years.
The purpose of certification renewal is the same as the purpose of certification. Certification renewal formally acknowledges that a Firefighter in Ontario meets the recognized Ontario Fire Services job performance standards and educational/training requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
1. Certification renewal is based on approved, current Ontario Fire Services Standards. 2. Candidates shall assume responsibility for their certification and initiate renewal. 3. Accountability for certification renewal requirements (for example, training) shall rest with the fire department and Fire Chief. 4. The renewal process shall include appropriate considerations to accommodate the diverse needs of practitioners. 5. The renewal process shall be adaptive to the changing nature of the profession.
Certification renewal is based on a candidate's ability to: • Demonstrate continuous employment as a Firefighter in a municipal fire department in Ontario • Provide documentation of ongoing training • Provide proof of demonstrated competence to the current standard Purpose of Certification
Renewal Certification Renewal Criteria Certification Renewal
Requirements | |||
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Continuous Employment | ||||||||
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A candidate must provide proof of continuous employment as a Firefighter in a fire department in Ontario. Continuous is defined by government Human Resources, as having a break in employment of not greater than thirteen (13) weeks. The Fire Chief (or designate2) signs the application for renewal to provide proof of continuous employment.
The purpose of training provided by the fire
department is to ensure that Firefighters can safely perform to
the level of response provided in their municipality.
For Firefighters, a minimum of two hundred and sixty-five (265) hours of training is required within the five years from certification to renewal (53 hours per year.) One hundred and sixty-five (165) hours must be based on and relevant to the current Ontario Firefighter Standards. The remaining one hundred (100) hours should be dedicated to training on department-specific activities to meet local needs and circumstances, and on endorsed specialty modules for certification. Career Firefighters | ||||||||
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Training Provided by the Fire Department | ||||||||
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Firefighters | ||||||||
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2 The Fire Chief may designate signing authority for the certification program/parts of the certification process through a letter from the Chief to the Certification Office. The designate must meet established criteria, such as, having an understanding of the Ontario Certification Programs. | ||||||||
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Career Firefighters | ||||
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To maintain consistency with the certification process, career Firefighters are required to demonstrate a minimum of six hundred and fifty (650) hours of training within the five years from certification to renewal (130 hours per year.) Four hundred and fifty (450) hours must be based on and relevant to the current Ontario Firefighter Standards. The remaining two hundred (200) hours should be dedicated to training on department-specific activities to meet local needs and circumstances, and on endorsed specialty modules for certification.
Fire departments engaged in activities addressed by the endorsed specialty modules for certification should include this training. The endorsed certification specialty modules are: Mandatory • Pumper Operations Optional • Confined Space Entry and Rescue: Operations Level • Electrical Hazards • Firefighter Emergency Patient Care II • Hazmat: Operations Level • Vehicle Extrication _ in specialized situations • Water/Ice Rescue _ includes: land based, water entry and ice rescue • Aerial Operations Endorsed Specialty Modules for Certification (subject to change) | ||||
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The breakdown is as follows: Revised Ontario Fire Services
Firefighter Standards Reference
Training on: 01 | ||||||
