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FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Qs and AsCertified Career Firefighter logoCertified Firefighter logo

July 2004
Introduction

  1. Who will be the certifying body and what gives it the authority to certify firefighters?

    2. The Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario certifies firefighters on a voluntary basis to the Ontario Fire Services Firefighter Standards based on the criteria developed by the Certification Council and approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) provides authority in Part III, clause 9 (2) (d) to the Fire Marshal for training and evaluation of firefighters.

    Part III, clause 9(2)(d) states that it is the duty of the Fire Marshal to develop training programs and evaluation systems for persons involved in the provision of fire protection services and to provide programs to improve practices relating to fire protection services.

     

  2. What is the purpose of certification?

    3. Certification formally acknowledges that a firefighter in Ontario meets the recognized job performance standards and educational/training and job experience requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
     

  3. What is the term of firefighter certification?

    4. A firefighter certificate is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.

  4. Is there a fee for certification?

    5. There is no fee for certification and certification renewal, at this time.

  5. Where can I get copies of the material?

    6. Information about the Firefighter Certification Program is available through locally conducted information sessions, a brochure, articles in the Messenger, and a video. Information is also available on the OFM Web site at http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca, on the OAFC Web site at http://www.OAFC.on.ca, on the Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers Web site at www.firetraining.ca, or by contacting the OFM Certification Office at 416-325-3142.
     

  6. Who is on the Certification Council?

    7. The Council is comprised of stakeholders including representatives of the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and representatives from the Ontario Fire Service who meet established criteria. See: Certification Council Members

  7. What is the mandate of the Certification Council?

    8. The mandate of the Council is to develop and recommend to the Professional Standards Setting Body, within the framework of the Professional Standards Process Model, the policies and procedures required for an ongoing, voluntary provincial certification program.

Voluntary Process

  1. Is certification voluntary?
    Yes.
     

  2. What incentives are there for firefighters to pursue certification?

    3. There are a number of benefits to firefighter certification.
    CHECK Certification recognizes firefighters as professionals with
         specialized skills and an ability to provide quality, competent
         service.

    CHECKCertification provides firefighters with opportunities to evaluate
        and document their performance, and compare their skills to each
        competency and the overall standard.

    CHECKCertification acknowledges a firefighter's commitment to ongoing
        training and life-long learning.

    CHECKCertification provides a concrete training path to follow.

    CHECKCertification will support the credibility of firefighters in the
        completion of their regular and special activities such as, dealing
        with litigation.

    CHECKHighly motivated people will continue to be attracted to the fire
        service because of the certification program.

  3. If I choose not to become certified, will I still be considered a qualified firefighter?

    4. Yes. A lack of certification is only an indication that the individual has not applied for or completed the requirements of certification.
     

  4. If I choose not to become certified, even though my fire department commits to the certification program, can I continue to be a firefighter?
    Yes. Certification is not a means of determining who shall participate in the practice or profession of firefighting and its related activities.
     

  5. If a fire department commits to the training and certification process, must every new firefighter, hired after April 30, 1998 apply for certification?
    No. However, the documentation of training and ability to perform to the standards is a legitimate, valuable process for fire departments to follow. Because certification is a voluntary process, firefighters may or may not choose to apply for certification, even though they meet the criteria.
     

  6. Can a fire department make certification mandatory?

    7. Certification is a voluntary process. Any move toward mandatory certification would be a local matter.

Eligibility

  1. Who is eligible for firefighter certification?

    2. The route to certification is designed for three categories of Ontario firefighters:

    1. Career firefighters* -- employed after certification was implemented on May 1, 1998 who wish to pursue and qualify for a career firefighter certificate

    2. Firefighters ** - employed after certification was implemented on May 1, 1998

    3. All firefighters -- employed as of April 30, 1998 when certification was implemented.

    * 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.

    ** 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.
     

  2. What do I have to do to be certified?

    3. Certification is based on the candidate's ability to:
    1. Meet established educational/training qualifications
    2. Provide proof of current employment in a municipal fire department in Ontario
    3. Meet job experience requirements
    4. Demonstrate competence to the current standards
       

  3. What do career firefighters have to do to be certified?

    4. In addition to meeting the above criteria, the firefighter must have served at least 5,000 hours on duty as an emergency responder. This excludes vacation and sick time.

    The firefighter must also complete a minimum of 400 hours of on-the-job training. Approximately 50% of this training must be in addition to the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum. Some or all of the endorsed specialty modules for firefighter certification could be included in the other 50%.
     

  4. If a fire chief applies for certification, who signs the Application for Certification?

    5. The municipal CAO would sign the Application for Certification.
     

  5. Why is there a requirement for three years of experience?
    This is the minimum amount of time a firefighter would need to complete the academic and job experience requirements.
     

  6. What happens if there is a gap in service?

    7. To qualify for certification and certification renewal, a firefighter must demonstrate continuous job experience 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. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis, by the Certification Council.
     

  7. If I become certified while employed in one department and with no break in employment, move to another department do I lose my certification?
    No. Individuals are certified. You take your certification with you. That is why it is important to keep your own records of your educational/training and job experience achievements.
     

  8. What if I want to be certified but my department has not committed to the training and certification process?

    9. To ensure access to certification for all Ontario firefighters, accessibility for individuals (firefighters whose department is not participating in the certification program) has been determined. Firefighters in this circumstance are encouraged to write to the Certification Council. Access to the system will be determined on an individual basis.
     

  9. Can firefighters hired from other provinces or countries use their years of experience toward certification?
    10. Possibly. However, they would still be required to complete the process for certification and demonstrate their ability to:

    1. Meet established educational/training qualifications

    2. Provide proof of current employment in a municipal fire department in Ontario

    3. Meet job experience requirements

    4. Demonstrate competencies to the standard

    Candidates submit their educational/training and job experience portfolios to the OFM Certification Office for review and assessment.

Educational Component

  1. To apply for and receive the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum, does a fire department need to commit to both the training and certification process?
    No. In order to receive the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum, the fire department must have a Trainer/Facilitator on staff or have access to one through a formalized agreement with another fire department.
     

  2. Who is eligible to sign off firefighters who successfully complete the final performance tests (Enablers #3) of the curriculum?

    3. A Master Trainer/Facilitator is an individual qualified by the OFM who may, under the direction of the OFM, conduct Trainer/Facilitator workshops to qualify Trainer/Facilitators. S/he is authorized to supervise Trainer/Facilitators and may also sign off firefighters who successfully meet the criteria of the final performance tests.

    A Trainer/Facilitator is an individual who, having achieved a certain level of training, facilitates the delivery of the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum; s/he is qualified by and functions under the auspices of the OFM and may sign off firefighters who successfully meet the criteria of the final performance tests.

     

  3. What is a Certificate of Equivalency?

    4. For certification purposes, in the 'Window of Opportunity,' a Certificate of Equivalency is recognized as meeting the academic requirement. A Certificate of Equivalency may not be used for certification outside the 'Window of Opportunity.'

Job Experience Component

  1. At what point in the certification process is the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist completed?

    2. It is expected that skills listed in the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist will be performed within the job experience component. Performance of skills may predate the date of implementation of the Firefighter Certification Program--May 1, 1998 provided that documented training for the competency being signed off is available. The fire chief, company officer and firefighter sign off the checklist provided that:

    CHECK Documented training for the competency being signed off has
         been completed

    CHECK The completion of the Job Experience Requirement
         Performance Checklist     reflects performance of skills and not
         training

    CHECK The sign off is by an immediate supervisor and not the Training
         Officer in his/her training role

  2. Who verifies that I have performed a competency to standard?

    3. If your company officers have not witnessed you performing a competency, a decision may be based on peer evaluation and outcome. Your company officers, the fire chief and you must sign the form and be accountable.
     

  3. If company officers wish to seek firefighter certification can they be signed off on a skill in the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist if they have delegated a task (that they would not normally do) to a team of firefighters.

    4. No. All candidates applying for certification must meet all the criteria for certification. To facilitate certification of company officers at the firefighter level, it is suggested that they perform a skill (hitting a hydrant, for example) by relinquishing their command position to an acting captain at a fire that is not too involved (for example, a dumpster fire.) The acting captain in his/her supervisory role would then have the authority to sign off the company officer in that particular skill(s.) If no acting captain is at the fire scene, the company officer would perform the skill and have the fire chief or deputy fire chief sign the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist after receiving confirmation from firefighters at the scene that the skill was performed.
     

  4. A Captain, at a scene, does not relinquish his/her supervisory responsibilities, but does perform Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist skill(s.) Can an acting captain, at the scene, sign the Captain off even though the acting captain is not in a supervisory position, at the time?

    5. Yes, provided the fire chief, who is ultimately accountable for the program in his/her department, is willing to accept the acting captain's signature. Alternatively, the Captain could request sign off by a Captain in another responding vehicle.
     

  5. What if I do not get an 'on-the-job' opportunity to perform all the skills/performance objectives in the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist?

    6. It is your responsibility to maintain a log of fire calls you respond to and related duties you perform. You must seek out the company officer to sign off your Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist. It is also your responsibility, while working within the policies and procedures of your department, to seek out the opportunities you need 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 (low call volume in specific areas or specialized response teams, for example) and describing the simulations that will be used.

    Performance objectives summarize related skills, and state the conditions and the required performance criteria. Following are examples of how performance objectives can be demonstrated.
     

    01.23      requires the firefighter to 'locate the seat of a fire in a burning structure...' This could be accomplished at any structure fire by locating the fire area, extinguishing the fire and helping to determine where the fire started.

    02.01      requires the firefighter to 'size up the incident and overall situation...' While this is, in part, the role of the company officer, size up should be a part of every firefighter's normal preparation and scanning. Firefighters will assess their own safety, and effect the rescue using all safety precautions and tools necessary to accomplish this goal.

    03.02      requires the firefighter to 'identify hazardous products...' Firefighters can demonstrate this skill during normal size up exercises or as part of pre-fire planning exercises.

    05.16      requires the firefighter to 'treat hypothermia...' In this instance, the emphasis may be on prevention and treatment of signs and symptoms, such as shivering.
     

  6. Can full-time firefighters who volunteer in other departments use experiences from both departments to complete the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist?

    7. Yes. They can use experiences from both departments provided both chiefs agree to this process and both are willing to sign the Submission for Certification.
     

  7. What happens if a firefighter does not successfully complete the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist?

    8. This is an internal issue. It is hoped that following assessment, the firefighter and his/her supervisor would review the checklist. Together, they should develop a training plan and seek opportunities for the firefighter to perform on-the-job.
     

  8. What if the time frame for completion of the certification process is nearly over and I have not had an opportunity to perform a particular job competency?

    9. Some skills can only be signed off if you have performed them to standard 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.'

    However, for some other skills, approved simulated situations can be created for you. Your supervisor, not the Training Officer in his/her training role must sign you off

     

  9. What if the time frame expires before I complete the qualifying process?

    10. You could submit a letter, through your fire department, to the Certification Council requesting consideration because of extenuating circumstances. Identify the reasons for not completing the process and the time required to complete it.
     

  10. What are endorsed firefighter certification specialty modules and how can I get this training?

    11. There are endorsed specialty modules for firefighter certification that have been developed or are under development. Here is a link to a list of those programs

    Mandatory for Firefighter Certification


    Optional (One is Required for Firefighter Certification)

    Endorsed specialty modules for firefighter certification are available from a number of organizations, including the OFC, fire departments, community colleges and approved providers from the private sector.

    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/Office of the Fire Marshal Endorsement Review Board endorses 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.'
     

  11. What is the relationship of the Endorsement Review Board to the specialty modules for firefighter certification?

    12. 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 endorse educational and training programs, courses and workshops that meet specific criteria and are offered to the fire service.

    The mandate of the endorsement process is to recognize quality education and training programs offered to the Ontario Fire Service

    All specialty modules for firefighter certification must be endorsed by the Endorsement Review Board.

    When a provider submits an offering for endorsement, the submission will be considered for one of three categories.

    The provider will be informed of the likely category for endorsement and this will be conferred upon endorsement. Endorsement is restricted for a specific provider, a specific offering and for a specific category.
     

    Categories for Endorsement

    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.

    B. Fire Service Related
    These are programs, courses and workshops that are of interest to fire service personnel for training and professional development purposes. Examples would include specialty courses, such as aircraft rescue, trench rescue, high-rise or propane handling and exclude specialty modules for firefighter certification. Prerequisite level workshops and courses that relate to the specialty modules for firefighter certification are included in this category and do not require the purchase of the certification specialty module profile/template.

    C. General
    These are offerings provided by academic institutions, companies, associations and organizations that are of general interest to a number of different individuals and may include firefighters. Examples would be stress management courses, computer workshops and time management.

  12. Who is eligible to sign off First Responder Enablers #3 in the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum?

    13. Trainer/Facilitators who are qualified and sanctioned by the Office of the Fire Marshal may sign off firefighters in curriculum areas where they have knowledge and expertise. Trainer/Facilitators may need to rely upon other qualified individuals to assess firefighters' abilities to perform First Responder Enablers #3. In these cases, the qualified assessor should sign off the firefighters and the Trainer/Facilitator should also sign to complete the requirements for the certification process. A double signature protocol is in effect, in these cases.

Existing Firefighters

  1. What do experienced firefighters have to do to become certified?

    2. Experienced firefighters must meet the academic and job experience requirements. A three-year `Window of Opportunity' existed from May 1, 1998 to May 1, 2001 for all full-time and volunteer firefighters who are employed by a municipal fire department in Ontario as of April 30, 1998.

    Extensions to the 'Window of Opportunity' of a few months to two years, to a maximum of three years (in exceptional circumstances) were granted by the Certification Council upon receipt of a written request in which the fire chief outlined the reason for needing the extension and the department's plans to complete the certification program.

    If granted, the fire chief received a template to facilitate regularly scheduled status reports to the Certification Council.

    Successful completion of the academic requirement is followed by the completion of the Job Experience Requirement Performance Checklist and application for certification for firefighters in the department.

     

  2. What is different about the 'Window of Opportunity?'

    3. In the 'Window of Opportunity,' firefighters are being given credit for their years of experience. Alternate ways of completing the academic requirement are offered and existing firefighters are not required to complete endorsed specialty modules, at this time. Completion of endorsed specialty modules is a component of firefighter certification renewal.
     

  3. How long do I have to complete the qualification process?

    4. In the 'Window of Opportunity,' you had three years from the date of implementation (May 1, 1998.) (See also question 38 regarding extensions to the 'Window of Opportunity.')

    New full-time firefighters have three to five years to complete the process.

    New volunteer firefighters have up to five years to complete the academic requirement plus two years to complete the job experience requirement.


     

  4. Can an out-of-province firefighter hired in Ontario after April 30, 1998 access the 'Window of Opportunity'?

    5. No. The purpose of the 'Window of Opportunity' is to acknowledge the experience of Ontario firefighters. To access it, you must have been a firefighter in the province of Ontario prior to April 30, 1998.

Volunteer Firefighters

  1. Do volunteer firefighters have to be certified?

    2. No. Volunteer firefighters may choose to stop after completing the academic requirement or continue the certification process.
     

  2. A volunteer firefighter, who has been awarded certification, becomes a full-time firefighter. S/he achieves the additional requirements for career firefighters - 5,000 hours on duty as an emergency responder and 400 hours of on-the-job training. Will s/he be awarded career firefighter certification?

    3. Yes.

Renewal and Revocation

  1. What do I have to do to renew certification?
    2. Revised
    The process for certification renewal has been developed. The following guiding principles shall be applied to the renewal process:

    For certification renewal details visit the OFM web site www.ofm.gov.on.ca or all the Certification Office at 416-325-3142 for a copy of the renewal document.
     

  2. What happens if my certification lapses?

    3. In the event that certification is lapsed over ninety (90) days, the candidate will need to reapply and re-qualify based on current competencies. The Certification Council will determine the requirements.
     

  3. Can certification be suspended, revoked or denied?

    4. Yes. The Fire Marshal, on the recommendation of the Certification Council, may suspend, revoke or deny certification to any fire service personnel when it is found that the individual:

    1. Has knowingly made a material misrepresentation of any information required for certification

    2. Has knowingly by any means of false pretense, deception, fraud or cheating obtained documents or certification

    3. Has knowingly by any means of false pretense, deception, fraud or cheating obtained documents or certification for another individual

    4. Fails to meet minimum requirements for any required test or examination forming part of the certification process.