Revised to 2007-2012
April 14, 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFICATION
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
Purpose of Certification Renewal
Certification Renewal Criteria
Certification Renewal Requirements
Application for Firefighter Certification Renewal
Application for Career Firefighter Certification Renewal
In developing the next phase in the renewal process, 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 (2007-2012). 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.
This process has been developed for those firefighters that have already completed their first renewal and for those currently working on their renewal, as required, is designed for application to other roles within the fire service for whom certification may be developed.
The process for finalization of the certification renewal model includes consultation with selected departments/practitioners within the Ontario Fire Service and approval from the:
The Office of the Fire Marshal certifies firefighters to the Ontario Fire Service Firefighter Standards based on criteria developed by the Certification Council, and approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), in Part III, clause 9 (2) (d) provides authority to the Fire Marshal for the training and evaluation of firefighters.
Certification formally acknowledges that a firefighter in Ontario meets the recognized job performance standards and educational/training requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
Certification is not a means of determining who shall participate in the practice or profession of firefighting and its related activities. A lack of certification is only an indication that the individual has not applied for or fulfilled the requirements of certification.
Certification is based on the candidate's ability to:
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.
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 Ontario Fire Service practitioner demonstrates on-going maintenance and enhancements of competency.
Renewal is required every five years. Firefighter renewal takes effect upon successful completing the initial firefighter certification.
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 is based on a candidate's ability to:
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 13 weeks.
The fire chief (or designate) signs the application for renewal (see Appendices A and B) to provide proof of continuous employment.
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.
On-Going Training and Education
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.
It the responsibility of the Fire Chief or designee to approve training and ensure that it is:
For firefighters, a minimum of 265 hours of training is required within the five years from certification to renewal (53 hours per year.)
To maintain consistency with the certification process, career firefighters are required to demonstrate a minimum of 650 hours of training within the five years from certification to renewal (130 hours per year.)
The breakdown is as follows:
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Revised Ontario Fire Services Firefighter Standards Reference |
Firefighter Minimum Training Requirement |
Career Firefighter Minimum Training Requirement |
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Training on: |
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01. |
Performs Fire Ground
Operations |
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02. |
Performs Rescue
Operations |
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03. |
Performs Hazardous
Materials and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Operations
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04. |
Provides Emergency
Patient Care |
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05. |
Performs Firefighter
Safety Practices |
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06. |
Operation and
Maintains Apparatus |
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07. |
Maintains Fire
Equipment |
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08. |
Participates in Fire
Safety Inspections |
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09. |
Performs Public
Education and Public Relations Activities |
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10. |
Performs
Communication Duties |
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11. |
Develops
Pre-Incident Plans |
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12. |
Performs Administrative Duties |
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13. |
Demonstrates a Commitment to Personal and
Professional Development |
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Total hours of training |
265 hours |
650 hours |
Comprehensive documentation of
this training must be maintained by the fire department. The candidate should
also track ongoing training and education (see Appendix D.)
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.
The renewal process is based on
a 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.
Training programs should be
instructed by in-house qualified trainers or by bona fide outside training
providers.
Comprehensive documentation of
training/continuing education must be maintained by the candidate during the
five-year renewal period and by the fire department at the time of application
for certification renewal. (See the log that is provided.) The fire chief or
his/her designate must review this documentation and attest to its accuracy by
signing the application for renewal.
A representative of the OFM
Certification Office may audit the fire department records.
For certification renewal
competence to the current standard shall be based on the general performance
objectives outlined in the Ontario Firefighter Standards (2007-2012). 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 (see Appendix C.) 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.
1 Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario, Firefighter Certification Program, May 1998, page 6
Firefighter Certification Renewal Program (pdf 126kb)
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