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Training Program, Exemptions, and Registration

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.

This educational 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 CFAA 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 and verified skills and knowledge in this specific area. The CFAA has created an approved Registered CFAA Trainee Technician program that is comprised of five (5) theory-based courses. To become a Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician necessary skills and hands-on training must also be obtained in the workplace through at least one year of on-the-job training under the supervision of a currently Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technician.

The combination of theory-based knowledge and workplace experience will together serve to increase the level of competence of fire alarm technicians within the industry.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The CFAA Fire Alarm Technician Program is comprised of five theory-based courses:

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

The above courses are available through many community colleges across Canada.

Course 1, Course 3 and Course 5 are also available via correspondence course from the CFAA.

The Association recommends that the courses be completed in the order shown.
In addition the following should be noted:

• The first four courses are pre-requisite subjects to Course 5 and therefore a student may not enroll into Course 5 without having completed the first four courses.

COURSE EXEMPTIONS

A student may be granted an exemption by the CFAA in one or more of courses 2, 3 and 4.
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.
Work experience and High School courses are not grounds for an exemption. There are no exceptions to this policy.

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

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

To apply for an exemption:  Complete and send in the Exemption Application Form or enroll as a CFAA Student online and apply for exemption online (all supporting documentation is still required).
Exemption Application Form

To apply for an exemption online, you must first already be a CFAA Student already enrolled on a CFAA course.
If you are already enrolled on a course then you are already and automatically a registered CFAA Student. Simply log in with your email address and password. Then in your 'My Account' menu at the left, select 'Required Courses and Exemptions'.
 
To become a CFAA Student:
Click here to register as a NEW Student by enrolling in a correspondence course to become a CFAA Fire Alarm Technician
Once you enroll on your first course, you automatically become a CFAA Student. You will then be able to apply for exemption for one or more of the other courses.
 
Courses 1 and 5 are mandatory and Course 5 is to be taken last..

IMPORTANT: To apply for an exemption online, one must be a registered CFAA student by having already enrolled on Course 1.
If you have not yet done so, click here to register as a NEW Student by enrolling in a correspondence course to become a CFAA Fire Alarm Technician
Once you enroll on your first course, you automatically become a CFAA Student. You will then be able to apply for exemption on one or more of the other courses online.
 
If you are already enrolled on a course then you are already a registered Student. Simply log in with your email address and password. Then in your 'My Account' menu at the left, select 'Required Courses and Exemptions'.