Office of the Fire Marshal
Ontario Certification Programs
February 2007
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
Programs. It is impossible to recognize everyone who has helped in making
these programs 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 programs.
Certification Council
At the time of printing this edition of the Certification
Guide,
the Certification Council members were:
Doug Goodings, Chairperson, Office of the Fire Marshal
Lorne Bradt, Firefighter, Leamington
Craig Cunningham, (A) District Chief of Fire Prevention, Toronto
Kevin Foster, Fire Chief, Midland and OAFC representative
Rocco Volpe, Training Officer, Richmond Hill
Robert Simmons, City of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Services
Stephane Malo, Training Officer, Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
Carol-Lynn Chambers, Operations Manager & A/Chief, Fire Protection Services,
Office of the Fire Marshal
Jim Sawkins, Fire Chief, Township of Muskoka Lakes
Michael Seth, Fire Chief, Six Nations Fire Department
Jeff Weber, Training Officer, Kitchener
Ex-officio
Ed Godden, Academic Manager, Ontario Fire College
Lynne Lofquist, Section Manager, Academic Standards and Evaluation, OFM
Secretary
Uyen Ha, Program Coordinator, Office of the Fire Marshal
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Contents
Introduction
Notice
Definitions
History
Standards Process Model
Design
Open System
Professional Standards Setting
Body
Mandate
Body of Knowledge
Job Performance Standards
Curriculum Development
Pre-Service
Firefighter Education and Training Program
Ontario Firefighter Curriculum
Fire Prevention Officer
Diploma Program
Company Officer Diploma Program
Delivery and Support Systems
Endorsement Review Board
Benefits of the Endorsement
Process
Categories for Endorsement
Confirmation of Endorsed Offering
List of Endorsed Programs
Education Plan and Career Path
Validation
Certification
Authority
Certification Council
Composition
Criteria for Council Membership
Mandate
Role
Purpose of Certification
Benefits to Certification
Certification Criteria
Certification Requirements
Candidate Eligibility
Performance Criteria
Access to Certification
Accreditation
Definition
Benefits
Requirements
Accreditation
Administration
Record Keeping
Process and Notification
Term
Renewal
Lapsed Certification
Suspension, Revocation and Denial
Equivalency
Evaluation of the Process
Review of Procedures
For Further Information
Firefighter
Certification Program
Date of Implementation
Route to Certification
Volunteer Firefighters
Specialty
Modules for Certification
Firefighter
Certification Program
Requirements for Certification
Job Experience
Requirement Performance Checklist
Overview
Purpose
Supporting Document
Content
Revised Firefighter Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist and the
Addendum
Use of the Addendum
Performance Criteria
Availability
Firefighter Responsibility
Completion of Document
Accountability
Submission for Certification
Awarding Certification
Firefighter
Certification Renewal
Executive Summary
General Information
Purpose of Certification Renewal
Certification Renewal Principles
Certification Renewal Requirements
Training Provided by the
Fire Department
Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
Date of Implementation
Critical Elements
Certification Requirements
'Window of Opportunity'
Academic Requirement
Job Experience Requirement
Application for Certification
Awarding Certification
Company Officer
Certification Program
Requirements for Certification
Job Experience
Requirement Performance Checklist
Job Experience
Requirement Performance Checklist
Overview
Purpose
Supporting Document
Content
Performance Criteria
Availability
Completion of Document
Accountability
Submission for Certification
Company Officer Certification Renewal
Executive Summary
Purpose of Certification
Certification Renewal Requirements
Certification Renewal Principles
Job-related Activities and Ongoing Training and Education
Competence to the Current
Standards
Training Officer Certification Program
Date of Implementation
Registering in the Program
Certification Requirements
`Window of Opportunity'
Academic Requirement
`Window of Opportunity'
Job Experience Requirement
Application for Certification
Awarding Certification
Certification Renewal
Training Officer Certification Program
Requirements for Certification
Overview
Purpose
Supporting Documents
Content
Performance Criteria
Availability
Accountability
Submission for Certification
A Guide to the Creation of Safe, Effective Simulations for
Fire Department Training and Evaluation Exercises
Purpose
Application
Content
Downloading the Guide
Further Information
Appendices
Ontario Firefighter Certification Program
Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
Ontario Company Officer Certification Program
Ontario Training Officer Certification Program
Index
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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.
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.
Associate instructor is an individual designated by the OFC to teach OFC diploma level courses. To earn the designation, individuals must demonstrate a high level of competence in adult education principles and practices, as well as technical knowledge and competence in the subject area(s) being taught.
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.
Certification authoritatively validates the qualifying process and includes the issuance of a document that states that one has demonstrated the knowledge and skills, and job experience 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.
Endorsed, for the purpose of this document, means an educational or training offering is recognized as a quality program for the Ontario Fire Service.
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).
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 Experience Requirement Performance Checklist (JERPC), available from the OAFC, the role-specific document is used by firefighters, fire prevention officers and company officers to document their ability to perform essential competencies to standard on-the-job.
Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Competence to the Standards, available from the OAFC, this document is used by training officers to document their ability to perform essential competencies to standard on-the-job.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Training officer, for the purposes of this document, is an individual who develops and evaluates training plans and programs, which include participant evaluation; coordinates the delivery of training; delivers training; and manages the training environment.
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.
History
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.
Professional Standards
Setting Body
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
Office of the Fire Marshal
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers
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.
Body of Knowledge
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
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 (revised 2003), Training Officer (revised 2003), Mechanical Officer and Communicator (dispatcher).
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 professional 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.
Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program
The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program represents an enhancement of the previous Pre-entry Program forFirefighters, 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.
Ontario Firefighter Curriculum
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.
Fire Prevention Officer Diploma Program
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.
Company Officer Diploma Program 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. |
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Delivery and Support Systems The design of the delivery and support systems includes the following criteria: They are comprehensive educational and training systems. 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. Benefits of the Endorsement Process The endorsement process:
Provides a current listing of endorsed programs, courses and workshops
to 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. Confirmation of Endorsed Offering 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. Education Plan and Career Path 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
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  Validation 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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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.
Criteria for Council Membership
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
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 ongoing, voluntary certification programs 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
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.
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.
7. The certification program shall be managed by the Office of the Fire
Marshal.
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.
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.
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 evaluate 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
Accredited Certification Programs and Courses
Ontario Standards recognized by IFSAC:
1. Firefighter Standards
2. Company Officer Standards
3. Senior Officer Standards
4. Deputy Fire Chief Standards
5. Fire Investigator Standards
6. Fire Protection Advisers Standards
7. Training Officer Standards
8. Fire Prevention Officer Standards
IFSAC accredited programs/courses:
1. Ontario Firefighter Certification Program
2. Company Officer Certification Program
3. Advanced Fire Cause Determination and Investigations Course
4. Public Fire and Life Safety Educators Certification Program
5. OFM Fire Investigators Certification Program
6. Hazardous Materials Operations Level Course
7. Hazardous Materials Technician Level Course
8. OFM Fire Protection Advisors Program
9. Training Officer Certification Program
10. Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
Pro Board accredited OFM programs/courses:
1. Ontario Firefighter Certification Program
2. Advanced Fire Cause Determination and Investigations Course
3. Public Fire and Life Safety Educators Certification Program
4. Hazardous Materials Operations Level Course
5. Hazardous Materials Technician Level Course
6. Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program
The OFM Certification Office shall be responsible for the general management of the certification program.
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
A unique identification number
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 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.
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 granted, the candidate is awarded 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 or subsequent renewal(s).
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.
When the information is received and verified, certification renewal is
awarded and the candidate'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.
Suspension, Revocation and Denial
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.
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 programs 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 www.ofm.gov.on.ca, on the OAFC Web site at www.OAFC.on.ca, on the Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers Web site at www.firetraining.ca, on the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association Web site www.omfpoa.com, or by contacting the OFM Certification Office at 416-325-3142.
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Firefighter Certification
Program
Date of Implementation
The Firefighter Certification Program started on May 1, 1998.
The route
to certification is designed for two 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
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.
Specialty Modules for Certification (subject to change)
The specialty modules for certification are: Hazardous Materials: Operational Level
Vehicle Extrication - in specialized situations
Water/Ice Rescue - includes: land based, water entry and ice rescue
"The Fire Marshal and the president of the Ontario Association of Fire
Chiefs have decided, in consultation with the Certification Council, to
increase the number of certification specialty modules for firefighter
certification. This decision was made in order to address concerns expressed
by the fire service, in particular, concerns relating to the accessibility
and availability of the specialty modules, and also to the limited selection
and lack of specialty modules on certain types of fire department services.
"The requirements for firefighter certification through the `regular route'
and for renewal after certifying through the `Window of Opportunity' are
successful completion of the mandatory Pumper Operations course and one
other certification specialty module.
"The list of certification specialty modules also includes
Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Awareness for First
Responders in Ontario: Self-Study Course, available on the OFM Web
site at www.ofm.gov.on.ca.
"Once the Fire Marshal and OAFC president have had an opportunity to conduct
a program review, other modules will be added to the approved list of
certification specialty modules.
"The OFM and the OAFC welcome input and embrace change so that the system
may evolve to meet the progressive needs of the Ontario Fire Service."1
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.
1 Fire Marshal's Communiquι, Ontario
Firefighter Certification Program: Certification Specialty Modules,
OFM, 2005-14, June 23, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Requirement |
Career Firefighters |
Firefighters |
| Education/training | Certification of Achievement from | Certificate of Achievement from |
|
qualifications |
the OFC |
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 specialty | ||
| modules for certification could be | ||
| included in the other 50% | ||
| Current employment in a fire | Three years experience, attested | Three years experience, |
| department in Ontario | to by fire chief on the Application | attested to by the fire chief on |
| for Certification | the Application for Certification | |
| Job experience requirements | Successful completion of the | Successful completion of the |
| Job Experience Requirement | Job Experience Requirement | |
| Performance Checklist | Performance Checklist | |
| Successful completion of two | Successful completion of two | |
| specialty modules for certification- | specialty modules for certification- | |
| the mandatory module on Pumper | the mandatory module on Pumper | |
| Operations and one optional | Operations and one optional | |
| module from the approved list | module from the approved list | |
| Must have served at least 5,000 | ||
| hours on duty as an emergency | ||
| responder, excluding vacation | ||
|
and sick time |
||
Job Experience
Requirement
Performance Checklist
To meet the
requirements for firefighter certification, candidates must complete the job
experience component.
The job experience component is the final stage in the certification
process. It provides the firefighter with the opportunity, after completing
the academic requirement for certification, to demonstrate knowledge and
skills.
The
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
is used by the firefighter and his/her fire department to document, on an
ongoing basis, that the firefighter has performed required skills to standard
and according to prescribed conditions.
Successful completion of the checklist represents the validation of the
firefighter's knowledge, education and skills training.
Firefighters can also use their copy of the Job
Experience Requirement Performance Checklist as a portfolio to document
and track their continuing education/training, fire calls and other duties.
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.
Revised
Firefighter Job
Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist and
the Addendum
History
In November 1991, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs issued the
first Ontario Fire Services Firefighter Standards.
In 1998, the Office of the Fire Marshal launched the
Ontario Firefighter Certification Program. One of the components of
the certification program is on-the-job performance of
essential competencies from the firefighter
standards. Therefore, the Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist was developed by the OFM Certification Council
and issued by the OAFC for use by fire service certification candidates.
In March 2000, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs issued a revised
edition of the Ontario Fire Services Firefighter
Standards, with minor changes. Not only did some skills-specific
performance objectives change but section numbers changed, for example, 05
Apply First Aid became 04 Perform Emergency Patient Care. 05 Perform
Firefighter Safety Practices was added. Therefore, the OFM Certification
Council developed a revised Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist - again listing
essential competencies.
The Needs of the Fire
Service and Candidates Partway
through the Process
To assist candidates who were part way through the certification process
and their Job Experience Requirement Performance
Checklist, and to minimize costs for candidates and fire departments,
an addendum to the Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist was created.
Many essential skills identified in the revised standards were the same or
similar to those in the original standards. The addendum reflects only those
skills from the revised standards that were not in the original
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
or those whose classification (actual performance or simulated) changed.
The addendum is intended for use only by those firefighters who were
part way through the process when the revised standards and new
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
were issued, and who are submitting for certification after December 31,
2005.
Candidates who are entering the certification process and/or who have not
started or gotten very far through their Job Experience
Requirement Performance Checklist should be issued the full revised
edition of the checklist, which is available from the OAFC.
Before a company officer attests to a skill being performed,
documented training for the competency being signed off must be completed.
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, a company officer will observe the firefighter performing the
skill.
The Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist and the Ontario Firefighter Standards are available through the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. The addendum is available on the OFM Web site.
It is the firefighter's responsibility to maintain a log of fire calls responded to and related duties performed. The firefighter must seek out the company officer to sign off the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist.It is also the firefighter's responsibility, while working within the policies and procedures of his/her department, to seek out the opportunities needed to complete the job experience component.
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. Please refer to the document entitled
A Guide to the Creation of Safe, Effective Simulations
for Fire Department Training and Evaluation Exercises.
S means that the skill may be demonstrated to a
company officer in a simulated situation.
On the fire log pages, firefighters record the major calls responded to, and
the individual and team actions that were taken. This information is used
when firefighters and their company officers complete the
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist.
Pages are also provided for firefighters to maintain their
educational/training records. This should become part of their professional
development portfolio.
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.
OFM certificates are
awarded by the Ontario Fire Marshal to successful candidates.
Firefighter
Certification
Renewal
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
There are many different factors that contribute to a firefighter's
development, and each adds a different, but equally important element to the
developmental process.
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."2
A candidate's practical experience was also a key component of the
certification process and it
2 www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk,
About Learning
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.
Purpose of Certification Renewal
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.
Certification Renewal Principles
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 Requirements
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
Continuous Employment
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 designate3) signs the application for renewal to provide
proof of continuous employment.
Career Firefighters
To maintain consistency with the certification process, which requires 5,000 hours on duty in three years, career firefighters are required to provide proof of 8,300 hours on duty as an emergency responder within the five years from certification to renewal.
Training Provided by the Fire Department
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.
The stated hours of training represent the minimum required for
certification renewal. In addition, fire chiefs are required to meet their
responsibility under the Occupational Health and
Safety Act to provide training.
Firefighters
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 specialty modules for certification.
3 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.
Career Firefighters
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 specialty modules for certification.
Specialty Modules for
Certification
(subject to change)
Fire departments
engaged in activities addressed by the specialty modules for certification
should include this training. The certification specialty modules are:
Mandatory
Pumper Operations
Optional
Confined Space Entry and Rescue: Operations Level
Firefighter Emergency Patient Care II
Hazmat: Operations Level
Vehicle Extrication - in specialized situations
Water/Ice Rescue - includes: land based, water entry and ice rescue
Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Awareness for First Responders in Ontario:
Self-Study Course
| The
breakdown is as follows:
|
||
| Revised Ontario Fire Services | Firefighter Minimum | Career Firefighter |
| Firefighter Standards | Training | Minimum Training |
| Reference | Requirement | Requirement |
|
(over 5 years) |
(over 5 years) |
|
|
Training on: |
||
| 01. Fire
ground operations |
40 hours |
120 hours |
| 02. Rescue
operations |
25 hours |
75 hours |
| 03.
Hazardous materials operations (to the awareness level) |
5 hours |
15 hours |
| 04.
Emergency patient care |
10 hours |
30 hours |
| 05.
Firefighter safety practices 4 |
30 hours |
45 hours |
| 06.
Operation and maintenance of fire apparatus |
10 hours
|
30 hours
|
| 07.
Maintenance of fire equipment |
10 hours |
30 hours |
| 08. Fire
safety inspections |
10 hours |
30 hours |
| 09. Public
education and public relations activities |
10 hours
|
30 hours
|
| 10.
Communication duties |
5 hours |
15 hours |
| 11.
Pre-incident plans |
5 hours |
15 hours |
| 12.
Administrative duties |
5 hours |
15 hours |
|
Total hours of training |
165 |
450 hours |
Comprehensive documentation of this training must be maintained by the fire
department. Candidates should also track their ongoing training and
education.
The fire chief (or designate) and training officer sign the application for
renewal attesting that the fire department training program meets the needs
of the department and municipality.
A representative of the OFM Certification Office may audit the fire
department records.
4 Training hours include those that are specifically based on the skills specific performance objectives in the firefighter standards and those that are included as a component of most firefighter training.
Competence to the Current Standard
For
certification renewal, competence to the current standard shall be based on
the general performance objectives outlined in the
Ontario Firefighter Standards. Candidates shall demonstrate their
ability to perform the requirements of the skills performance objectives for
each general performance objective, preferably on-the-job but in a simulated
situation, if necessary. The fire department shall determine how the
competencies are documented.
To ensure continued credibility of the certification process and program,
the application for renewal requires the signatures of the candidate, fire
chief (or designate) and training officer.
Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
The Certification Program for Existing Fire Prevention Officers was launched on April 1, 2001. The Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program, which included certification through the regular route, was launched on April 1, 2003.
There are six critical
elements to the Fire Prevention Officer Certification
Program.
Certification is a voluntary process for individuals.
Certification is based on the current Ontario Fire
Prevention Officer Standards.
There was a `Window of Opportunity' for existing fire prevention officers.
One route has been developed to meet the needs of future fire prevention
officers.
Certification is term specific.
There is a renewal process.
Certification is based
on a candidate's ability to:
Meet established educational/training qualifications
Provide proof of current employment as a fire prevention officer in a
municipal fire department in Ontario
Meet job experience requirements
Demonstrate competency to the current Standards
Candidates have three to five years to complete the certification process.
Academic Requirement
Through the Regular Route
Through the regular
route, fire prevention officers meet the academic requirement when they have
successfully completed the Fire Prevention Officer
Diploma Program at the Ontario Fire College.
The Fire Prevention Officer Diploma Program is a
comprehensive educational/training program that supports the
Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Standards. The
modules and courses provide a strong academic base from which fire
prevention officers can deliver effective and efficient fire prevention and
public education services.
To meet the job
experience requirement, a candidate must have a minimum of three years
experience in the fire prevention officer role before being eligible for
certification.
After completing the Fire Prevention Officer Diploma
Program or receiving academic equivalency, the
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist is completed and
signed off by the fire chief, supervisor and candidate.
Upon successful completion of the qualifying process, candidates apply for certification by submitting their educational/training and job experience portfolios to the OFM Certification Office.
The application and accompanying documentation are reviewed by the OFM Certification Office and a recommendation is made to the Fire Marshal. If certification is awarded, the applicant receives an OFM certificate.
|
Requirement |
Regular
Route |
|
Educational/training qualifications |
Successful
completion of the Fire Prevention Officer Diploma
Program at the Ontario Fire College |
|
Current employment in a municipal fire department in Ontario |
Attested to
by fire chief on the Application for Certification |
|
Job experience requirements |
Three years
in the fire prevention officer role |
|
Successful
completion of the Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist
|
|
Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist
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 (not part of the fire department's fire prevention officers' duties, for example) and describing the simulations that will be used.
Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist
The checklist entitled
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
is used by the fire prevention officer and fire department to document, on
an ongoing basis, that a fire prevention officer has performed required
skills to standard and according to prescribed conditions.
Successful completion of the checklist represents the validation of a fire
prevention officer's knowledge, education and skills training.
The Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
can also be used as a portfolio to document and track continuing
education/training, prevention activities and other duties.
The use of the OAFC Professional Development Profile
Record for Fire Service Personnel is recommended for documenting not
only education/training activities but also a number of other career related
issues. It is available for download from the OAFC Web site at
www.OAFC.on.ca or you may purchase a copy
from them.
It is essential that
fire prevention officers and supervisors doing the assessment have available
and refer to the document entitled Ontario Fire
Prevention Officer Standards.
Because this document contains competencies that cover the entire spectrum
of the fire prevention officer 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.
Revised Fire Prevention Officer Job
Experience Requirement Performance Checklist and Addendum
History
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs completed a revision of the 1991 Fire Prevention Officer Standards in 2003. Because the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist for certification is based on the Standards, it was necessary to amend it. This was done by the Certification Council and approved by the OFM/OAFC partners.
The Needs of the Fire Service and Candidates Partway through the Process
Fire prevention officers seeking certification must continue to demonstrate performance to the current Standards. In an effort to provide a time- and cost-efficient method for fire prevention officers mid-way through the certification process, an addendum to the current Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist was created. It is expected that in addition to the existing Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist, fire prevention officers seeking certification after September 1, 2005 will be signed off on these added job competencies. To ensure that this has taken place, the revised sign-off form at the back of the addendum must be submitted with the other documentation for certification.
Availability
To facilitate this transition, electronic or hard copies of the addendum and revised sign-off form are available on the OFM Web site at www.OFM.gov.on.ca or from the Certification Office.
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, a supervisor will observe the fire prevention officer performing
the skill.
The document entitled Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist is available from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Standards are available from the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association.
Fire Prevention Officer Responsibility
It is the fire
prevention officer's responsibility to maintain a log of prevention
activities and related duties performed. The fire prevention officer must
seek out his/her supervisor to sign off the Job
Experience Requirement Performance Checklist.
It is also the candidate's responsibility, while working within the policies
and procedures of his/her department, to seek out the opportunities needed to
complete the job experience component.
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 (not part of the fire department's fire prevention officers' duties, for example) and describing the simulations that will be used.
By initialing/signing the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist, the supervisor, fire chief and fire prevention officer verify that the fire prevention officer 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 fire
prevention officer has successfully completed all of the skills in the
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist,
the form toward the back of the booklet that verifies completion is filled
in and signed off. The names of all supervisors who have initialed the
document are printed on the form; supervisors initial next to their names.
The fire chief and fire prevention officer 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 fire prevention officers maintain their own duplicate
records.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has the right to request and/or review the
documentation.
Fire
Prevention Officer
Certification Renewal
In developing the renewal model, the members of the Certification
Council concentrated on how fire prevention officers seeking certification
renewal could document ongoing professional development and demonstrate
competence to the 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. They also considered the diversity within the
fire prevention officer role and the need to address emerging issues of
importance to the role.
The process for finalization of this 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/OAFC/OMFPOA partnership
5 www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk , About Learning
A candidate's
practical experience was also a key component of the certification process
and it continues to be an important factor throughout the individual's
professional career.
Renewal, therefore, is a process whereby the fire prevention officer
demonstrates on-going maintenance and enhancements of competency.
Renewal is required every five years.
Purpose of Certification Renewal
The purpose of certification renewal is to confirm that the candidate continues to demonstrate competence to the current standards and has pursued ongoing professional development as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
Certification Renewal Principles
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, fire chief and candidate.
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 Requirements
Certification renewal
is based on a candidate's ability to:
Demonstrate continuous employment as a fire prevention officer in a
municipal fire department in Ontario
Provide documentation of ongoing training and continuing education
Provide documentation of job-related activities
Provide proof of demonstrated competence to the current standards
A candidate must
provide proof of continuous employment as a fire prevention officer in a
municipal fire department in Ontario. Continuous is defined by government
human resources, as having a break in employment of not greater than 13
weeks.
The fire chief (or designate6) signs the application for renewal to provide
proof of continuous employment.
Job-related Activities and Ongoing Training and Education
The renewal process is based on a points system that recognizes and gives credit for the varied training, continuing education and job-related activities of fire prevention officers across the province, making certification renewal accessible and achievable. A minimum of 100 points is required in the five-year renewal period. Fifty points shall be related to ongoing training and education. Fifty points shall be related to job-related activities. For the details of the points system, please see the chart entitled Fire Prevention Officer Certification Renewal Requirements that follows.6 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, an understanding of the Ontario Certification Programs.
Competence to the Current Standard
For certification
renewal, competence to the current standards shall be based on the general
performance objectives outlined in the Ontario Fire
Prevention Officer Standards. Candidates shall demonstrate their
ability to perform the requirements of the skills performance objectives for
each general performance objective, preferably on-the-job but in a simulated
situation, if necessary. The fire department shall determine how the
competencies are documented. It is strongly recommended that the
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
be used for comprehensive documentation.
To ensure continued credibility of the certification process and program,
the application for renewal requires the signatures of the candidate and
fire chief (or designate).
Company Officer Certification
Program
The Company Officer Certification Program was launched on May 1, 2003.
There are
six critical elements to the Company Officer Certification Program.
Certification is a voluntary process for
individuals.
Certification is based on the current Ontario Company Officer Standards.
There is a `Window of Opportunity' for existing company officers.
Another route meets the needs of future company officers.
Certification is term specific.
There is a renewal process.
Certification is based on a candidate's ability to:
Meet established educational/training qualifications
Provide proof of current employment as a company officer in a municipal
fire department in Ontario
Meet job experience requirements
Demonstrate competency to the current Standards
Candidates have three to five years to complete the certification process.
A
three-year `Window' exists from May 1, 2003 to May 1, 2006 for company
officers employed with municipal fire departments in Ontario when
certification was introduced.
Extensions of up to one year may be granted upon request by the fire chief
to the OFM Certification Office.
Academic Requirement
Through the Regular Route
Company
officers employed after May 1, 2003 when the Company
Officer Certification Program was introduced are eligible to certify
through the regular route.
To meet the academic requirement, a candidate is required to successfully
complete the Company Officer Diploma Program at
the Ontario Fire College. Company officers may be eligible for advanced
standing towards the academic requirement for certification, based on
courses or programs they may have completed in the past. On-the-job
experience may also qualify toward advanced standing. Determinations of how
much, if any, advanced standing to grant will be made by the Ontario Fire
College. The OFC will compare the learning outcomes and content of related
courses to the learning outcomes and content of the
Company Officer Diploma Program courses to determine an individual's
standing.
To meet the job experience requirement, a candidate must be a member of a
municipal fire department in Ontario and have a minimum of three years in
the company officer role.
To demonstrate competencies to standards, a candidate must complete the
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist.
`Window of Opportunity'
In the
`Window of Opportunity,' company officers employed with municipal fire
departments in Ontario when certification was introduced have options for
achieving academic equivalency.
In the `Window of Opportunity,' company officers who have completed the
former OFC Fire Protection Technology program
can achieve an Ontario Fire
College Certificate of Equivalency by completing the OFC
Company Officer Update Course.
To meet the
job experience requirement, a candidate must have a minimum of three years
experience in the company officer role before being eligible for
certification.
After meeting the academic requirement, the Job
Experience Requirement Performance Checklist is completed and signed
off by the fire chief and candidate.
Upon successful completion of the qualifying process, the candidate applies for certification by submitting his/her educational/training and job experience portfolio to the OFM Certification Office.
The application and accompanying documentation are reviewed by the OFM Certification Office and a recommendation is made to the Fire Marshal. If certification is awarded, the applicant receives an OFM certificate.
|
Company Officer Certification Program
|
||||
|
Requirements for Certification |
||||
|
Requirement |
Regular Route |
`Window of Opportunity' | ||
|
Educational/training qualifications |
Successful completion of the Company
Officer Diploma Program at the Ontario Fire College |
Successful completion of the Company
Officer Diploma Program at the Ontario Fire College |
||
|
or |
||||
|
Successful completion of the Update
Course at the Ontario Fire College and/or awarding of equivalency
from the OFC. |
||||
|
Current employment in a municipal fire
department in Ontario |
Attested to by fire chief on the
Application for Certification |
Attested to by fire chief on the he
Application for Certification |
||
|
Job experience requirements |
Three years in the company officer role.
|
Three years in the company officer role.
|
||
| Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist | Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist | |||
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
The Certification
Council has determined that up to 5% (five 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.
Job Experience
Requirement
Performance Checklist
To meet the
requirements of certification, company officers must complete the job
experience component.
Company officer, for the purposes of certification, is defined as an
individual who organizes, coordinates and controls an emergency response
team.
The job experience component is the final stage in the certification
process. It provides company officers with the opportunity to demonstrate
knowledge and skills after completing the academic requirement for
certification.
The
checklist entitled Job Experience Requirement
Performance Checklist is used by the company officer and fire
department to document, on an ongoing basis, that a company officer has
performed required skills to standard and according to prescribed
conditions.
Successful completion of the checklist represents the validation of a
company officer's knowledge, education and skills training.
It is
essential that company officers and supervisors doing the assessment have
available and refer to the document entitled Ontario Company Officer
Standards.
Because this document contains competencies that cover the entire spectrum
of the company officer 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.
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, a supervisor will observe the company officer performing the skill.
For sign-off purposes, a supervisor is the company officer's direct
supervisor, fire chief or the chief's designate.
The document entitled Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist and the Ontario Company Officer Standards are available through the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
To complete the document, the company officer's supervisor initials the skills that have been performed to standard on-the-job and notes the date on which the skill was demonstrated.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 supervisor verify that the company officer 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
company officer 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 supervisors, fire chief or chief's
designates who have initialed the document are printed on the form;
supervisors initial next to their names. The fire chief and company officer
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 with the
Application for Certification
and other documentation to the Office of the Fire Marshal, Certification
Office 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 company officers maintain their own duplicate
records.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has the right to request and/or review the
documentation.
01. ORGANIZES INITIAL RESPONSE TO
EMERGENCY SITUATION ON
GENERAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
Organizes initial response to emergency situation by gathering pertinent information, determining types of apparatus and equipment to respond, notifying external agencies of emergency and confirming arrival and details of situation with dispatch or communication centers so that delays in response to emergency are minimized, the manpower, apparatus and equipment meet the requirements of the situation and communication with fire department is maintained.
* A means 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 company officer has not had an opportunity to demonstrate the skill
on-the-job, the company officer may demonstrate the skill to a supervisor, the
fire chief or the chief's designate in a simulated situation.
S means that the skill may be demonstrated to a
supervisor, the fire chief or the chief's designate in a simulated situation.
| Skills Specific Performance Objective | Classification * | Supervisor's Initials | Date |
| 01.02 Determines emergency route using
running cards, computer printouts and detailed maps so that the route
selected is the most direct and quickest to the emergency and delay
situations such as road construction and excessive traffic are avoided. |
A |
||
| 01.04 Notifies dispatch of inability to
respond such as accidents or mechanical breakdowns using radio
communications equipment so that additional equipment can be dispatched to
scenes, alternate transportation for responding crew can be provided, and the mechanical division is aware of disabled apparatus. |
|
Company
Officer
Certification Renewal
In developing the renewal model, the members of the Certification
Council concentrated on how company officers seeking certification renewal
could document ongoing professional development and demonstrate competence
to the 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. They also considered the diversity within the company officer role
and the need to address emerging issues of importance to the role.
The process for finalization of this 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/OAFC partnership
There are many different factors that contribute to a company officer's
development, and each adds a different, but equally important element to the
developmental process. s.
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."10 www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk ,
About Learning
The purpose of certification renewal is to confirm that the candidate continues to demonstrate competence to the current standards and has pursued ongoing professional development as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
Certification Renewal Principles
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, fire chief and candidate.
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 Requirements
Certification renewal is
based on a candidate's ability to:
Demonstrate continuous employment as a company officer in a municipal fire
department in Ontario
Provide documentation of ongoing training and continuing education
Provide documentation of job-related activities
Provide proof of demonstrated competence to the current standards
A candidate must
provide proof of continuous employment as a company officer in a municipal
fire department in Ontario. Continuous is defined by government human
resources, as having a break in employment of not greater than 13 weeks.
The fire chief (or designate11) signs the application for renewal to provide
proof of continuous employment.
Job-related Activities and Ongoing Training and Education
The renewal process is based on a points system that recognizes and gives credit for the varied training, continuing education and job-related activities of company officers across the province, making certification renewal accessible and achievable. A minimum of 100 points is required in the five-year renewal period. Fifty points shall be related to ongoing training and education. Fifty points shall be related to job-related activities. For the details of the points system, please see the chart entitled ed Company Officer Certification Renewal Requirements that follows.11 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, an understanding of the Ontario Certification Programs.
Competence to the Current Standards
For certification
renewal, competence to the current standards shall be based on the general
performance objectives outlined in the Ontario Company
Officer Standards. Candidates shall demonstrate their ability to
perform the requirements of the skills performance objectives for each
general performance objective, preferably on-the-job but in a simulated
situation, if necessary. The fire department shall determine how the
competencies are documented. It is strongly recommended that the
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
be used for comprehensive documentation.
To ensure continued credibility of the certification process and program,
the application for renewal requires the signatures of the candidate and
fire chief (or designate).
Training Officer Certification
Program
The Training Officer Certification Program was launched on May 3, 2005.
To participate in the certification program, the fire chief or designate must complete the Commitment to Participate form as a first step. He or she must provide the names of training officers and their dates of employment, and indicate which route each will be following _ the regular or `Window of Opportunity' route. The completed form and accompanying information should be sent to the OFM Certification Office by April 30, 2006.
Certification is based
on a candidate's ability to:
Meet established educational/training qualifications
Provide proof of current employment as a training officer in a municipal
fire department in Ontario
Meet job experience requirements
Demonstrate competency to the current Standards
Candidates have three to five years to complete the certification process.
A three-year `Window' exists from June 1, 2005 to June 1, 2008 for training officers employed with municipal fire departments in Ontario on May 31, 2005.
Academic Requirement Through the Regular Route
Training officers
employed after May 31, 2005 when the Training Officer
Certification Program was introduced are eligible to certify through
the regular route.
To meet the academic requirement, training officers following the regular
route must attain the Ontario Fire College Training Officer Diploma by
satisfying the following requirements:
Successful completion of an Adult Education certificate program from a
College of Applied Arts and Technology; this will ensure the training
officers have the necessary knowledge in adult education theory
Successful completion of two courses offered by the Ontario Fire College
entitled Applied Program Development and Applied
Program Delivery; these courses ensure the training officers have an
opportunity to put into practice the theory they have learned regarding
classroom and hands-on training delivery
Office
of the Fire Marshal (OFM) Trainer/Facilitator Course
CO 101
Legislation/Standards or equivalent
CO 201
Leadership and Communication Theory or
equivalent
CO 202
Practical Communications and Supervision or
equivalent,
TO 401
Planning, Designing and Developing Fire Service
Education/Training Programs offered by the Ontario Fire College or
equivalent
TO 402
Delivery and Administration of Education/Training
Programs offered by the Ontario Fire College or equivalent
To meet the job
experience requirement, a candidate must have a minimum of two years
experience in the training officer role before being eligible for
certification.
After meeting the academic requirement, the Job
Experience Requirement Demonstration of
Competence to the Standards document is completed and signed off by
the fire chief and candidate. Some competencies require sign-off by a
supervisor. Others require supporting documentation, such as a sample needs
assessment, lesson plan or evaluation form.
It is the responsibility of the candidate and his/her supervisor to ensure
that documentation and records are gathered and filed appropriately. The OFM
recommends using the document Professional Development
Profile Record for Fire Service Personnel as a guide for this
purpose. This document is available on the OAFC Web site at
www.oafc.on.ca.
Upon successful completion of the qualifying process, the candidate applies for certification by submitting his/her educational/training and job experience portfolio to the OFM Certification Office.
The application and accompanying documentation are reviewed by the OFM Certification Office and a recommendation is made to the Fire Marshal. If certification is awarded, the applicant receives an OFM certificate.
A certification renewal
process shall be developed using the following guiding principles.
1. Certification renewal shall be 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.
| Requirement | Regular Route |
|
|
Educational/training qualifications
|
Successful completion of an Adult Education certificate program from a College of Applied Arts and Technology |
Meet the educational/training requirements of the regular
route |
|
or |
||
|
+ |
Successful completion of: | |
| Successful completion of two | Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) | |
|
courses offered by the Ontario Fire College entitled Applied |
Trainer/Facilitator Course |
|
|
Program Development and Applied Program Delivery |
CO 101 Legislation/Standards or equivalent |
|
|
CO 201 Leadership and Communication Theory or equivalent
|
||
|
CO 202 Practical Communications and Supervision or equivalent,
|
||
|
Applied Program Development offered by the Ontario Fire College or
equivalent |
||
| Applied Program Delivery offered by the Ontario Fire College or equivalent | ||
|
|
|
|
| Current employment as a | Attested to by fire chief on the | Attested to by fire chief on the |
| training officer in a municipal | Application for Certification | Application for Certification |
| fire department in Ontario | ||
| Job experience requirements | Two years in the training officer role | Two years in the training officer role |
|
Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Competence to the Standards document
|
Successful completion of the Job Experience Requirement
Demonstration of Competence to the Standards document
|
|
To meet the requirements of certification, a training officer must complete the job experience component. The job experience component is the final stage in the certification process. It provides the candidate with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills after completing the academic requirement for certification.
The document entitled
Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Competence
to the Standards is used by the training officer and the fire department
to document, on an ongoing basis, that the candidate has performed required
skills to standard and according to prescribed conditions.
Successful completion of the document represents the validation of the
candidate's experience, knowledge, education and skills training.
It is essential that
the candidate and his/her supervisors doing the assessment have available
and refer to the document entitled Ontario Fire
Services Training Officer Standards - revised 2003 edition.
Because this document contains competencies that cover the entire spectrum
of the training officer role, it provides the context for the competencies
and skills required for certification.
We also recommend having a copy of the OAFC
Professional Development Profile Record for Fire Service Personnel
that, ideally, would be maintained throughout the training officer's career.
It would be particularly useful for documenting past and ongoing education
and training.
The Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Competence to the Standards document lists the essential job competencies and skills that are required for certification.
It is necessary that
skills listed in this document 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, a supervisor will observe the candidate performing the skill. When
this is not possible or practical, an evaluation may be made:
Based on outcome with supporting documentation
By peer evaluation
Based on the results of student evaluations
A/S means that it is definitely preferable to demonstrate the skill on-the-job. However, in exceptional circumstances where the candidate has not had an opportunity to demonstrate the skill on-the-job, s/he may demonstrate the skill to a supervisor in a simulated situation. Indicate by circling A or S whether the skill was demonstrated on-the-job or in a simulated situation.
By initialing/signing this document, the candidate's supervisor, the fire chief and the candidate verify that the skills have been performed to standard and according to prescribed conditions, which may include provision of supporting documentation, on-the-job (where applicable), while performing training-related duties or in a simulated situation, as specified.
When all of the skills
in this document have been successfully completed, the form towards the back
of the document, which verifies completion, is filled in and signed off. The
names of all supervisors who have initialed the document are printed on the
form; supervisors initial next to their names. The fire chief and the
candidate sign and date the form verifying that the skills were performed to
standard, on-the-job (or in a simulated situation, as specified) and that
supporting documentation exists where required. This one page is submitted
to the Office of the Fire Marshal, Certification Office to verify completion
of the job experience component.
Maintenance and filing of the completed document is the responsibility of
the fire department.
The OFM has the right to request/review the documentation.
It is recommended that the candidate also maintain a copy of the
Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Competence
to the Standards document for his/her own records. The candidate
should also keep and regularly update his/her copy of the OAFC
Professional Development Profile Record for Fire
Service Personnel.
01. DEVELOPS TRAINING PLANS, PROGRAMS AND
LEARNING MATERIALS
GENERAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
Develops training plans, programs and learning materials
using community and department needs analyses so
that fire department personnel are able to meet and maintain the performance
levels established by the department.
| Skills Specific Performance Objective | Classification * | Recommended Supporting Documentation | Date |
| 01.02 Reviews existing training programs
including a gap analysis so that strengths and weaknesses of programs can be
identified and required modifications to program objectives, teaching
strategies or evaluation techniques can be made. |
A |
Summary of a report on a training program | |
| 01.03 Prepares/modifies training objectives so that the objectives reflect the goals, procedures and training needs of the fire department, they are clear, concise, measurable and describe the activities and level of competence expected from the learners/participants. |
A |
Sample document of course training/learning objectives |
* A means the skill must be demonstrated on the job.
On-the-job is defined as `while working in the training officer role developing
training plans and learning materials, coordinating and delivering training
programs, managing the training environment, assessing student performance, and
evaluating ongoing programs.'
A/S means that it is definitely preferable to demonstrate the skill on-the-job.
However, in exceptional circumstances where the training officer has not had an
opportunity to demonstrate the skill on-the-job, the training officer may
demonstrate the skill to a supervisor in a simulated situation.
P (for portfolio) means that sample documentation must be included to support
demonstration of competence. It is the responsibility of the candidate and fire
department to maintain this detailed documentation.
The purpose of this document is to provide Ontario Fire Service personnel who are responsible for the training and/or evaluation of fire service personnel, with guidelines for the creation of safe, effective, standardized, simulated exercises. In recognition of financial constraints and the diversity of training resources across the province, practical suggestions are included for the creation of cost-effective, acceptable simulations.
This
document complements and relates specifically to:
Enablers #3 of the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum
The Ontario Firefighter and Fire Prevention Officer
Certification Programs Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklists
Office of the Fire Marshal/Ontario Fire College courses with a practical
component, for example, Fire Cause Determination,
Company Officer Diploma Program, OFC Volunteer Fire Fighting Modules
A and B, and Pumper Operations
The Guide
includes:
The definition of a simulation
The goals and purposes of simulated exercises
References to relevant legislation and resources, such as the
Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS
Regulation, the Ontario Fire Services Standards, NFPA 1403 and 1521,
the OFC Occupational Health & Safety Policy, and fire department operational
guidelines
Safety considerations
General criteria for acceptable simulations
A list of required and desired trainer skills, when simulations are used
A group-work exercise that is appropriate for fire department
trainer/facilitators
Helpful hints to create effective simulations
A comprehensive bibliography
Suggestions for completion of the Job Experience
Requirement Performance Checklists
Guidelines for creating a funding proposal
In recognition of financial constraints and the diversity of training
resources across the province, practical suggestions are included for the
creation of cost-effective, acceptable simulations, particularly in the
areas of hoses and appliances, fire suppression, forcible entry, search and
rescue, ventilation, overhaul and size-up.
The Guide is posted on and available for downloading from the OFM Web site www.ofm.gov.on.ca.
For further
information or to request a hard copy of the Guide, contact the
Certification Office at
416-325-3142.
Ontario Firefighter Certification Program
Fire Department Commitment to Participate (in the) Firefighter Certification ProgramOntario Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
Fire Department Commitment to Participate (in the) Fire Prevention Officer Certification ProgramOntario Company Officer Certification Program
Fire Department Commitment to Participate (in the) Company Officer Certification ProgramOntario Training Officer Certification Program
Fire Department Commitment to
Participate (in the) Training Officer Certification Program
Application for Training Officer Certification
Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Competence: Submission for
Certification
A
academic requirement (company officer) 81,102
academic requirement (fire prevention officer) 59
academic requirement (training officer) 102
acceptable 111
acceptable simulations 111
access to certification 33
accountability 48,53,67,88,104
accountability (job experience requirement - TO 109
accreditation 9,34
act 9
addendum (FPO) 65
administration 36
adult education 21
advanced standing 81
Aerial Operations 41,55
appendices 113
application (Simulations Guide) 111
application for career firefighter cert renewal 113
application for certification 37
application for certification (company officer) 82,103,113
application for certification (FPO) 59,113
application for certification (training officer) 113
application for renewal (company officer) 113
applied administration 22
approved 9
assessment/testing 9,30,32
associate instructor 9
authority 29
availability (CO JERPC) 87
availability (FF JERPC) 46
availability (FPO addendum) 65
availability (FPO JERPC) 66
availability (TO job experience requirement) 108
awarding certification 51,59,82,103
B
benefits (accreditation) 34
benefits (certification) 31
benefits (endorsement process) 24
bibliography 112
body of knowledge 18
C
career firefighter(s) 10,42,54
categories for endorsement 24
certificate of achievement 13,42
certification 10,29,31
Certification Council 10,29,30,37,39,52,62,84
certification criteria 32
certification office 32,36,37,39,56,59,62,82,103,112
certification program 30,36
Certification Program for Existing Fire Prevention 58
certification renewal 30
certification renewal (FF), purpose 53
certification renewal (FPO) 69,90
certification renewal (training officer) 104
certification renewal principles (company officer) 91
certification renewal principles (firefighter) 53
certification renewal principles (FPO) 70,91
certification renewal requirements (CO) 91
certification renewal requirements (FF) 53
certification renewal requirements (FPO) 70,91
certification requirements 32
certification requirements (CO) 80
certification requirements (FPO) 58
certification requirements (TO) 101
certified copy 10
certifying body 10
cheating 38
chief's designate 87
College of Applied Arts and Technology 19
commitment to participate (company officer) 113
commitment to participate (firefighter) 113
commitment to participate (FPO) 113
commitment to participate (training officer) 113
communications 9
company officer 10,81
Company Officer Certification Program 80,101
company officer certification renewal 90
Company Officer Diploma Program 10,22,61,81,83,111
competence to the current standard (CO) 93
competence to the current standard (FF) 57
competence to the current standard (FPO renewal) 72,93
competence to the current standards 93
competencies 13
composition (Certification Council) 29
Confined Space Entry and Rescue: Operations Level 40,55
confirmation of endorsed offering 25
continuing education 19
continuous employment 33,54,71,92
cost-effective 111
criteria 30
criteria (certification program) 32
criteria (council membership) 29
critical elements 58,80
curriculum 10,13
curriculum development 19
D
database 30
date of expiry 37
date of implementation 10,14
date of implementation (CO certification) 80
date of implementation (FF certification) 40
date of implementation (FPO certification) 58
date of implementation (TO certification) 101
definition (accreditation) 34
definitions 9
delivery and support systems 23
delivery networks 19
delivery standards 19
denial of certification 30
design 17
downloading (Simulations Guide) 112
E
education plan and career path 26
educational/training requirements 31,53
Electrical Hazards 40,55
eligibility for certification 33
enablers #3 111
endorsed 10
endorsement process 24
Endorsement Review Board 10,24,25
enhancements of competency 53
equivalency 32,38
essential competencies 45
evaluation (certification process) 39
evaluators 30
executive summary (CO cert renewal) 90
executive summary (FF cert renewal) 52
executive summary (FPO cert renewal) 69
F
financial constraints 111
fire cause determination 21,111
fire chief 11
fire department 11
Fire Fighters Association of Ontario 17
Fire Marshal 10,29,37,38,39,51,59,82,103
fire prevention 22
fire prevention officer 11
Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program 58
Fire Prevention Officer Diploma Program 11,21,59
fire prevention officer responsibility 66
Fire Prevention Officer Standards 11
fire protection advisers 39
Fire Protection and Prevention Act 9,11,29
fire safety plans 21
fire suppression 112
Firefighter Certification Program 40
firefighter certification renewal 52
Firefighter Emergency Patient Care II 40,55
Firefighter General Level Curriculum 13
firefighter(s) 11,29,42,54
forcible entry 112
fraud 38
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act 36
funding proposal 112
G
general information 52,69,90
Guide - Creation of Safe, Effective Simulations 87
guidelines 111
guiding principles 104
H
Hazmat: Operations Level 41,55
history 16
I
IFSAC.See International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
incident management 22
industrial age 52
information age 52
Institution of Fire Engineers, Ontario Branch, 17
International Fire Service Accreditation Congress 11
introduction 9
introductory fire prevention 21
J
JERPC 11
job experience requirement (company officer) 82,103
job experience requirement (firefighter) 44
job experience requirement (FPO) 59
job experience requirement (training officer) 103
Job Experience Requirement Demonstration of Compet 12
Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist
11,42,48,59,62,64,65,67,81,82,83,84,86,87,103,111,112
job performance standard(s) 12,30,31,32,33,53
jurisdiction 30
K
knowledge 10,30
knowledge age 52
L
lack of certification 31
lapsed certification 38
leadership and communication 21,22
learner guides 12
legislation 21,22
list (endorsed programs) 25
litigation 31
M
mandate (Certification Council) 30
mandatory requirement 14
master trainer/facilitator 12
misrepresentation 38
N
National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualif 12
National Fire Protection Association 12
new standards 33
NFPA.See National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1403 111
NFPA 1521 111
non-discriminatory 30
notice 9
notification 37
O
OAFC.See Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
OAFC Professional Development Profile Record 64
OAFC/OFM partnership 10,19,24,26,52
Occupational Health and Safety Act 54,111
OFC.See Ontario Fire College
Office of the Fire Marshal 9,10,12,14,17,25,26,29,31,33,34,36,37,39,48,53,67,111
OFM.See Office of the Fire Marshal
OFM Web site 46
on-going maintenance 53
on-the-job 28,47,48,57,62,66,67,84,87
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs 10,12,14,17,25,26,29,31,46,53,66,87
Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers 17,39
Ontario Company Officer Standards 10,80,86,87
Ontario Fire College 13,83,111
Ontario Fire Prevention Officer Standards 58,59
Ontario Fire Services Standards 13,29,33,52,53,104
Ontario Firefighter Curriculum 12,14,20,40,111
Ontario Firefighter Standards 13,46,54,55,57,64,66,86,87
Ontario Municipal Fire Departments Mechanical Offi 17
Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers' 17
Ontario Native Firefighters Society 17
Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association 17
open system 17
other jurisdictions 38
overhaul 112
overview (job experience requirement CO) 86
overview (job experience requirement FF) 44
overview (job experience requirement FPO) 64
overview (job experience requirement TO) 107
overview (job performance checklists) 107
P
Paradigm for Progress 16
performance criteria 33,46,65,87,108
performance standards 14,28
points system (company officer renewal) 92
points system (FPO renewal) 71,92
policies and procedures 30
portfolio 13,32,64,82,103
post-secondary institution 13
Pre-entry Program for Firefighters 19
pre-incident planning 22
Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Pro 13,19
prerequisite knowledge 13
prerequisite skills 14
prerequisites 30
Pro Board 12.See National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualif
process 37
Professional Standards Setting Body 10,13,17,24,26,33,52
PSSB.See Professional Standards Setting Body
public education 21,22
Pumper Operations 40,55,111
purpose (certification renewal) 53
purpose (certification) 31
purpose (job experience requirement - TO 107
purpose (job performance checklist) 44,64,86
purpose (Simulations Guide) 111
purpose of certification renewal (company officer) 91
purpose of certification renewal (FPO) 70,91
Q
qualifying process 10,37
quality assurance 28
R
recommendation 14
record keeping 36
registering in the program (training officer) 101
renewal 30,37
renewal model 52
requirements (accreditation) 34
requirements for certification 42,61,83,105
review of procedures 39
revised FF job experience requirement perfo 45
revised FPO job experience req 65
revocation 30
role (Certification Council) 30
route to firefighter certification 40
Ryerson University 26
S
search and rescue 112
shall 14
should 14
simulated exercises 111
simulations 111
size-up 112
skills 10,30
specialized operations 22
specialty modules for certification 40,55
standardized tests 32
standards 29
standards process model 16,17,29,30
submission for certification 48,67,88
supervisor 87
supporting document 64,86
supporting documents (job experience req't for FF 107
suspension, revocation and denial 30,38
T
table of contents 49
task 14
term 37
Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Awareness 41,55
testing 9
trainer skills 112
trainer/facilitator 12,14,112
trainer/facilitator guides 14
training and development 22
training officer 14
Training Officer Certification Program 101
training, purpose of 54
U
unique identification number 36
update course 83
V
valid 37
validation 28
Vehicle Extrication 41,55
ventilation 112
volunteer firefighter(s) 40
W
Water/Ice Rescue 41,55
web sites 39
window of opportunity 14
window of opportunity (company officer) 80,81,101,102
window of opportunity (FPO) 58
window of opportunity (training officer) 101,102
window of opportunity extension 15
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