Education · 1 of 5
The path
Most people arrive from the fire service. A minority are hired directly as civilian inspectors.
- 1
High school
Grade 12
Any diploma. Physics, shop and English all help. So does a clean driving record and a clean background.
- 2
Firefighter first, usually
2 to 5 years
Two to five years on an engine gives you the fire behavior knowledge that inspection work rests on. Some departments require it.
- 3
Fire science schooling
2 to 4 years, often part time
A community college associate degree or an online bachelor's in fire administration. Many people do this while working shifts.
- 4
Certify as an inspector
A few months per level
Written exams against the national professional qualification standards, issued through your state fire marshal or a certifying body.
- 5
Add investigation, plans review or fire marshal
Ongoing
Each is its own certification and its own set of courses, stacked over a career.