1.       CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee’s no longer need to prove a minimum of one (1) year of Canadian Fire Alarm Industry experience. The CFAA still recommends a minimum of 1500 hours of work experience to ensure that the CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee has acquired the knowledge and skills to successfully complete the Registration Exams. The CFAA has developed a CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee Log Book as a guide to acquire the knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the Registration Exams. The CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee Log Book is NOT mandatory unless the Trainee is unsuccessful in completing the Registration Practical Exam on their second attempt.
2.       CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee’s (those who have completed the five theory-based courses) applying to become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician will be required to:
a.       successfully complete a Registration Theory Exam, and
b.      successfully complete a Registration Practical Exam.
The Registration Theory Exam and the Registration Practical Exam replaces the need for an applicant Sponsor to verify the applicants Skills and knowledge.
3.       Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians will need to accumulate, and submit proof for approval, a minimum of eight (8) Continuing Education Credits annually.

1.       Individuals seeking or working to become Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians
2.       Current Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians wishing to renew registration in the future
3.       Expired Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians wishing to new registration

1.       Ontario:
a.       As of January 1, 2016 the new Registration Exams will replace the Sponsor requirement and the requirement of one year work experience for CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee’s wishing to become Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians.
b.      As of January 1, 2017 to renew registration the Registered CFAA Fire Alarm will be required to submit proof for approval that they have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within the past year.
2.       All Other Locations:
a.       As of January 1, 2016 the new Registration Exams will replace the Sponsor requirement and the requirement of one year work experience for CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee’s wishing to become Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians. CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee’s in locations outside of the province of Ontario may opt to take the Registration Exams if this option is obtainable.
b.      As of January 1, 2017 to renew registration the Registered CFAA Fire Alarm will be required to submit proof for approval that they have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within the past year.

Fire Alarm Technician Training Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
During the early 1980's the Canadian Fire Alarm Association established the Fire Alarm Technician Program, leading to personal registration as a Fire Alarm Technician.  It was created to provide training in the specialized area of fire alarm systems, thereby increasing the knowledge level of persons directly or indirectly involved in the fire alarm industry.
The CFAA Fire Alarm Technician program has been approved by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction nationwide and is now widely recognized within the industry.
This describes; the program intent, program structure, individual course content, qualifications for exemptions and the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician registration information.
PROGRAM INTENT
Individuals performing fire alarm system inspections, testing, verifications or maintenance must be qualified and accountable for the quality of their work. It follows that there is a need for these individuals to have a minimum level of formal training, verified skills and knowledge and continuing education in this specific area. The CFAA has created an approved Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician program that is comprised of (1.) Theory Education, (2.) Verification of Knowledge & Skills, and (3.) Continuing Education.
To maintain the Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician’s competency a Continuing Education component has been added. To renew as a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician eight (8) Continuing Education Credits must be submitted and approved prior to the renewal being approved.
Those individuals who are granted status or status is renewed as a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician are added to the CFAA Registry which can be verified by Building Owners/Managers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and Employers.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The CFAA Fire Alarm Technician Program is comprised of three (3) components:
1.      Theory Education
2.      Verification of Knowledge & Skills
3.      Continuing Education
 
1.      Theory Education
The CFAA Fire Alarm Technician Programs Theory Education is comprised of five (5) theory-based courses. These theory-based courses are available in various delivery formats and made available through many colleges, training partners as well as directly from the CFAA.
*After an individual has successfully completed all five theory-based courses they are eligible to become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee.
·           Course 1 - An Introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry
·         *Course 2 - Verbal and Written Communications
·         *Course 3 - Basic Electricity
·         *Course 4 - Life Safety Systems Electronics (LSSE) - replaces Basic Electronics
·           Course 5 - Fire Alarm Systems
*an individual may be granted an exemption by the CFAA in one or more of Courses 2, 3 and 4.
                                Exemptions:
Exemptions are based solely upon courses that have been previously completed at a College, University or Trade School level. The CFAA requires a minimum grade of 60% in order for exemptions to be considered. Individual’s who have a valid electrical license will be granted exemptions to Courses 2, 3 and 4 upon proper application. Work experience and High School courses are not grounds for an exemption. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Acceptable documentation for an exemption(s). Any one or more of the following:
·         a photocopy of the official college transcript
·         complete course outlines
·         diploma, and/or
·         electrician’s license (wallet card is acceptable)
Each exemption will be assessed on an individual basis.

The one-time fee for processing an exemption request is $50.00 (plus applicable provincial tax and non-refundable).
There is no additional charge for subsequent exemption requests by the same individual.

To apply for an exemption:  Complete and send in the Exemption Application Form or enroll as a ‘CFAA Student’ online and apply for exemption(s) online (all supporting documentation is still required to be emailed to student@cfaa.ca or faxed to 905-479-3639 or mailed to the CFAA office).
Exemption Application Form

To apply for an exemption online, you must first register online as a ‘CFAA Student’, or enrolled in a CFAA correspondence course (purchased online at www.cfaa.ca). If you are currently enrolled in a CFAA correspondence course then you are automatically a registered as a ‘CFAA Student’. Simply log in at www.cfaa.ca with your email address and password. Then in the 'My Account' menu, select 'Required Courses and Exemptions' to apply for an exemption.
 
2.      Verification of Knowledge & Skills
After an individual has completed the Theory Education they must apply and pay the annual registration fee and become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee to continue in the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician Program.
 
To become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician the Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee must:
a.       Option A
This will be the ONLY option available to those wishing to become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician soon:.
                                                              i.      Successfully complete the Registration Theory Exam
This examination is a standardized knowledge assessment of an individual’s understanding of the requirements to properly inspect, test and verify a fire alarm system as per Canadian Codes and Standards. This exam will only be administered by the CFAA and will only be administered in hard copy written or online formats. Resister to take the Registration Theory exam.
                                                            ii.      Successfully complete the Registration Practical Exam
This examination is a standardized performance assessment of an individual’s ability and skill to perform and demonstrate the procedures required to properly inspect, test and verify a fire alarm system as per Canadian Codes and Standards. This exam will only be administered by the CFAA and will only be administered in person. Resister to take the Registration Practical exam.
 
b.      Option B
This option will only be available until December 31, 2016 and then all wishing to become Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians will be required to complete Option A.
                                                              i.      Provide proof of one (1) year of Canadian work experience in the fire alarm industry
                                                            ii.      Sponsor (current Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician) verified and signed “Required Knowledge & Activity Checklist”
                                                          iii.      Sponsor (current Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician) verified and signed CFAA Registration Form.
 
3.      Continuing Education
This requirement for renewing Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians will begin for all technicians renewing on or after January 1, 2017

In order to maintain status as a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician, a minimum of eight (8) continuing education credits must be achieved and approved for each year of registration. The documentation for verifying that this requirement has been met must be submitted prior to the renewal of the technician’s registration being approved. All methods of continuing education that are submitted must be relevant to the fire alarm technician profession and awarding of any credits are subject to the allotment formula outlined below. Note: Preference for credit allotment will be given to those methods that provide proof of attendance and successful completion of a proficiency quiz or exam. Documentation proving completion of the technicians continuing education including the attached form are to be sent to: CEcredits@cfaa.ca

CATEGORY	CREDIT ALLOTMENT	REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION	MINIMUM CATEGORY REQUIREMENT	MAXIMUM CATEGORY ALLOWANCE
1.  CFAA Provided Course, Seminar, Educational Session with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion	2	8
2.  CFAA Technical Seminar or Symposium or Course Attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	½ credit per hour of attendance	Proof of attendance	0	4
3.  Manufacturer or vendor training course with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion and outline of training schedule from provider	0	4
4.  Manufacturer or vendor lecture attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	¼ credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of attendance and outline of lecture schedule from provider	0	4
5.  Industry related training course with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion and outline of training schedule from provider	0	4
6.  Industry related lecture or course(AHJ, Design, Engineering, Etc…) attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	¼ credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of attendance and outline of lecture schedule from provider	0	4
7.  Industry related Post-Secondary or Recognized Trade School course	1 credit per hour of attendance	Official transcript from educational institution	0	4

 

1.       No, if you have successfully completed the Registered Theory Exam and Registered Practical Exam.
2.       Yes, if you are applying to become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician other than in Ontario and have not successfully completed the Registered Theory Exam and Registered Practical Exams. ***This option is only valid until December 31, 2015.

1.       No, if you have successfully completed the Registered Theory Exam and Registered Practical Exam.
2.       Yes, if you are applying to become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician other than in Ontario and have not successfully completed the Registered Theory Exam and Registered Practical Exams. ***This option is only available until December 31, 2015

1.       Completion of the five (5) theory-based courses:
o     Course 1 - An Introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry
o   *Course 2 - Verbal and Written Communications
o   *Course 3 - Basic Electricity
o   *Course 4 - Life Safety Systems Electronics (LSSE) - replaces Basic Electronics
o     Course 5 - Fire Alarm Systems
*an individual may be granted an exemption by the CFAA in one or more of Courses 2, 3 and 4.

2.       Apply and pay the annual registration fee

1.       A CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee is an individual who has completed all five (5) theory-based course requirements and has paide the annual CFAA registration fees.
2.       A Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee is an individual who has completed all five (5) theory-based course requirements and the completion of the course requirements has been verified by the CFAA and the individual has paid the annual registration fees to be registered with the CFAA.

1.       You must complete one of the following options*:
a.       Successfully complete the CFAA’s Ontario Codes & Standards Update (CSU) course (available online through George Brown College) prior to January 1, 2016 and pay the required registration fees.
b.      Successfully complete CFAA’s Course 5 – Fire Alarm Systems again prior to January 1, 2016 and pay the required registration fees.
c.       Successfully complete the Registration Theory Exam and Registration Practical Exam at any time and pay the required registration fees.
*a valid Sponsor and Sponsor completed ‘Skills & Knowledge Checklist’ must have been filed with the CFAA prior to January 1, 2015.

1.       You are only required to:
a.       Update your contact information as required,
b.      Update your identification photo on file as required,
c.       Update your employment information as required,
d.      Pay the applicable registration renewal fee

2.       There is no requirement to submit proof for approval that you have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within the past year. You are only encouraged to begin accumulating Continuing Education Credits in 2015 in preparation for submission the next time you wish to renew your registration.

You will be required to submit proof for approval that you have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within at least the past year.
***Please note that if you renewed your registration for two (2) years and your registration expires January 1, 2017 or later, you will be required to submit proof for approval that you have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within each of the two years of your past registration period to renew your registration. You are encouraged to begin accumulating Continuing Education Credits beginning January 1, 2015 if you wish to renew your registration in the future.

For those registered in Ontario: You will be required to submit proof for approval that you have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within at least the past year.
For those registered in a jurisdiction other than Ontario: You will be required to comply as of January 1, 2017

***Please note that if you renewed your registration for two (2) years and your registration expires January 1, 2017 or later, you will be required to submit proof for approval that you have successfully completed eight (8) Continuing Education Credits within each of the two years of your past registration period to renew your registration. You are encouraged to begin accumulating Continuing Education Credits beginning January 1, 2015 if you wish to renew your registration in the future.

Yes, you can renew your registration as a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee with no restrictions as long as you:
a.       Update your contact information as required,
b.      Update your identification photo on file as required,
c.       Update your employment information as required,
d.      Pay the applicable registration renewal fee

1.       Many of the CFAA Fire Alarm Technician courses are available in Correspondence or Webinar format directly from the CFAA and can be ordered online at:
http://www.cfaa.ca/Courses/courses.aspx
2.       The CFAA Fire Alarm Technician courses are available at many colleges. The colleges and courses that have been pre-approved can be found at:
http://www.cfaa.ca/LinktoApprovedColleges.aspx

1.       In most cases you will need to only pay an additional administration fee to reactivate your account.
2.       For those Ontario registration renewals there could be additional requirements. Please refer to: How do I become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician in Ontario if I completed the CFAA Course 5 – Fire Alarm Systems prior to 2007, was a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician prior to 2009 and have not successfully completed the Ontario Codes & Standards Update (CSU) course?

This examination is a standardized knowledge assessment of an individual’s understanding of the requirements to properly inspect, test and verify a fire alarm system as per Canadian Codes and Standards. This exam will only be administered by the CFAA and will only be administered in hard copy written or online formats.

Must be a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee

The Registration Theory Exam will be administered in primary urban centres throughout Canada and will be proctored and administered online as well.

Registrations will be advertised and available for registration online at http://www.cfaa.ca/Courses/courses.aspx
Requests for dates and locations can be sent to theoryexam@cfaa.ca

Study CFAA Course 1 and 5 course manuals and material

You will not be guaranteed to review the exam results after the exam is marked. Only the final numerical results of the exam will be provided. You will be required to register and pay for another exam. There are no conditions or limitations of when, where or how many exams you wish to attempt.

This examination is a standardized performance assessment of an individual’s ability and skill to perform and demonstrate the procedures required to properly inspect, test and verify a fire alarm system as per Canadian Codes and Standards. This exam will only be administered by the CFAA and will only be administered in person.

Successful completion of the Registration Theory Exam

Registrations will be advertised and available for registration online at http://www.cfaa.ca/Courses/courses.aspx
Requests for dates and locations can be sent to practicalexam@cfaa.ca

The Registration Practical Exam will be administered in primary urban centres throughout Canada. Dates and Locations will be posted at http://www.cfaa.ca/Courses/courses.aspx. Requests for dates and locations can be sent to practicalexam@cfaa.ca
Dates and locations outside of Ontario will be by request only in 2015.

CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee Log Book

If your first attempt at the Registration Practical Exam is unsuccessful you must wait a minimum of one (1) month to retake the Registration Practical Exam.
If you are unsuccessful after your second attempt you will be required to submit a completed CFAA Fire Alarm Trainee Log Book and wait a minimum of one (1) year to retake the Registration Practical Exam.

CATEGORY	CREDIT ALLOTMENT	REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION	MINIMUM CATEGORY REQUIREMENT	MAXIMUM CATEGORY ALLOWANCE
1. CFAA Provided Course, Seminar, Educational Session with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion	2	8
2. CFAA Technical Seminar or Symposium or Course Attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	½ credit per hour of attendance	Proof of attendance	0	4
3. Manufacturer or vendor training course with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion and outline of training schedule from provider	0	4
4. Manufacturer or vendor lecture attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	¼ credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of attendance and outline of lecture schedule from provider	0	4
5. Industry related training course with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion and outline of training schedule from provider	0	4
6. Industry related lecture or course(AHJ, Design, Engineering, Etc…) attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	¼ credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of attendance and outline of lecture schedule from provider	0	4
7. Industry related Post-Secondary or Recognized Trade School course	1 credit per hour of attendance	Official transcript from educational institution	0	4

CATEGORY	CREDIT ALLOTMENT	REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION	MINIMUM CATEGORY REQUIREMENT	MAXIMUM CATEGORY ALLOWANCE
1. CFAA Provided Course, Seminar, Educational Session with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion	2	8
2. CFAA Technical Seminar or Symposium or Course Attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	½ credit per hour of attendance	Proof of attendance	0	4
3. Manufacturer or vendor training course with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion and outline of training schedule from provider	0	4
4. Manufacturer or vendor lecture attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	¼ credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of attendance and outline of lecture schedule from provider	0	4
5. Industry related training course with successful completion of an examination	1 credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of successful completion and outline of training schedule from provider	0	4
6. Industry related lecture or course(AHJ, Design, Engineering, Etc…) attendance without an examination or without successful examination completion	¼ credit per hour of attendance	Certificate of attendance and outline of lecture schedule from provider	0	4
7. Industry related Post-Secondary or Recognized Trade School course	1 credit per hour of attendance	Official transcript from educational institution	0	4

This requirement for renewing Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians will begin for all technicians:
·         In Ontario renewing on or after January 1, 2016
·         All renewing on or after January 1, 2017

CFAA FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FORM
 
LAST NAME: __________________________ FIRST NAME:_____________________________                                  REGISTRATION #: ____________________________________
 

CATEGORY	PROVIDER / INSTITUTION	COURSE NAME	COURSE DESCRIPTION	DATE(S) ATTENDED	HOURS ATTENDED	POINTS

 
Submit this form along with all supporting documentation to: CEcredits@cfaa.ca