Fire Inspector and Investigator

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• Per the American Library Association, ~20.7% of Fire Inspectors and Investigators hold only a HS diploma, 30.1% have some college (but no degree), 16.7% have an associate’s, 22.2% a bachelor’s, and 5% a master’s. 1.3% have a PhD
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators frequently start out as firefighters. If starting as a firefighter: 
  • Firefighters don’t need a college degree but must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, plus some training in emergency medical services
  • Per the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Project, students may get a head start by taking relevant community college or vocational training courses in “building construction for fire protection, fire behavior and combustion, fire prevention, fire protection systems, principles of emergency services, principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival”
  • Many students earn a 60-credit associate’s in fire science to boost their credentials
  • Candidates must pass tests prior to acceptance into a fire academy program. Training takes 12-14 weeks and covers topics such as “firefighting, fire-prevention techniques, local building codes, emergency medical procedures”
  • Pre-acceptance testing includes a background check and interview plus:
    • A general exam
    • Physical fitness test (the Candidate Physical Ability Test or BIDDLE test)
    • 의료 및 심리 검사 
  • Some departments require candidates to have EMT or paramedic certification
  • Applicants must usually hold a valid driver’s license. Fire truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license or endorsement on their license
  • Once hired, firefighters may attend ongoing training at state and local agencies plus federal training sessions at the National Fire Academy
  • Wildland firefighters complete the Forest Service’s apprenticeship 
• Relevant work experience plus a background in inspections or investigations is also necessary
• Employers may require applicants to hold U.S. citizenship
• On-the-Job training may include in-class courses at a fire academy, covering topics related to inspection and investigations
• Other agency-sponsored training is offered by:
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • International Association of Arson Investigators
  • 국립 소방 아카데미
• Certain states require National Fire Protection Association certification. Additional certification options include:
  • Electronic Security Association - Certified Residential Fire Alarm Inspector
  • Fire Department Safety Officers Association - Incident Safety Officer Certification
  • International Association of Arson Investigators - Certified Fire Investigator
  • International Certification Board - 
    • Fire and Smoke Damper Technician
    • Smoke Control Systems Technician
  • International Code Council - 
    • Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspector
    • Commercial Fire Alarm Inspector
    • Fire Plans Examiner
    • Fire Inspector I
    • Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician
  • National Association of Fire Investigators - 
    • Certified Fire Investigation Instructor
    • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
  • 전국 소방 협회 - 
    • Certified Fire Plan Examiner I
    • Certified Fire Inspector I
    • Certified Fire Protection Specialist

               ○ National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies - Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems

• Fire Inspectors and Investigators don’t necessarily need a full degree from a university to get started. Many begin as firefighters and take courses at a local community college or vocational training program
• If you decide to pursue a fire protection degree at a university, general considerations include tuition costs (in-state/out-of-state rates), discounts, scholarships, and delivery options (on-campus, online, or hybrid program)

• Try to decide what type of agency you want to work for (local fire department, federal agencies, insurance companies, law offices, etc.)
• High school students can prepare by taking classes in health and medicine, first aid, safety, physical education, driver’s education, math, chemistry, building construction, architecture, and communications. Future inspectors/investigators may also want to study English composition, computer science, and public speaking
• If possible, sign up to take community college courses like “building construction for fire protection, and fire behavior and combustion” 
• Consider doing an associate’s degree in fire science, with courses in hazardous materials handling, fire alarms installation and maintenance, and other relevant classes, Decide if in-person, online, or hybrid learning is best for your learning needs
• Knock out your emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic certification
• Volunteer as a junior firefighter to “learn about local fire, rescue, and emergency medical services response organizations” 
• Ask a school counselor about opportunities where you can pick up real-world skills. Community involvement looks great on an application
• Commit to an exercise schedule to prep for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or BIDDLE physical ability test
• Stay out of trouble, maintain a good credit score, and keep your social media accounts professional 
• Study for your state’s firefighter exam. Check with local firefighter departments to know which test they use
• Do an informational interview with a working Fire Inspector or Investigator to ask about their career path
• Keep track of contacts who might serve as future job references 
• Study books, articles, and video tutorials related to Fire Inspections and Investigations
• Participate in online forums to ask questions and learn from seasoned pros 
• Engage with professional organizations to learn, share, make friends, and grow your network (see our list of Resources > Websites)
• Start crafting a resume early. Keep adding to it as you go, so you don’t lose track of anything