Education · 1 of 4

The path

Two routes: firefighter first, or fire protection college first.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   English, math and physics. You will read code, do calculations and write reports all day.

2. 2

   Pick your route

   1 to 5 years

   Route one: get hired as a firefighter, work the truck, then apply for a prevention posting. Route two: a 2 year college fire protection technician or technology diploma, then apply directly.

3. 3

   Get certified to the inspector standard

   Months of courses

   In Ontario the Office of the Fire Marshal certifies Fire Inspector Levels I and II, based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1031 standard. Courses run through the Ontario Fire College.

4. 4

   Work as an inspector

   Ongoing

   Inspections, plans review, complaints, fire safety plans, and enforcement under the fire code.

5. 5

   Add investigation and specialty tickets

   Years 3 onward

   Fire investigator, plans examiner and public educator certifications open the senior jobs.