Overview

Alberta fire departments and approved schools can apply to the Public Safety Division to host International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and Pro Board certification testing.

As a host, you’re responsible for:

  • scheduling and delivering the training
  • supplying textbooks and supplies
  • providing an appropriate training and testing site
  • arranging for qualified instructors, proctors and evaluators
  • ensuring the safety and well-being of all candidates and staff

A detailed list of host responsibilities is included in the Application to Host Testing (PDF, 143 KB).

Hosting an exam

Apply

Step 1. Confirm availability

Confirm the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard availability and resource list (PDF, 159 KB) is available through the Government of Alberta.

Step 2. Secure training materials and equipment

Ensure you have the necessary materials, textbooks and equipment.

Step 3. Confirm prerequisites

Confirm each candidate has the necessary prerequisites according to NFPA certification prerequisites (PDF, 129 KB).

Step 4. Arrange for instructor, proctor and evaluator

Arrange for a qualified instructor, proctor and evaluator. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is a maximum of 7 to 1 for practical training, and 5 to 1 for live fire training.

Step 5. Set dates

Select dates for the training, exam and skills evaluation.

Step 6. Complete application

Complete an Application to Host Testing (PDF, 143 KB).

If a candidate requires testing accommodations, submit an Application for Testing Accommodations (PDF, 107 KB) with your application.

Step 7. Submit application

Submit your application by email to ofc.certificationexam@gov.ab.ca.

Applications must be received a minimum of 30 days before scheduled testing dates. Exam packages and evaluation sets will be sent to the proctor and evaluator approximately 5 business days prior to testing.

Please note that the processing times indicated here are approximate and may be affected by fluctuations in training and testing volumes.

Changes to testing

To make any changes to your testing (dates, proctor, number of students), complete a Change Request (PDF, 118 KB) and submit by email to ofc.certificationexam@gov.ab.ca.

Date changes must be received at least two weeks before the new testing date.

To cancel testing, contact the Public Safety Division as soon as possible.

Rewrites

Exam rewrites are only available to candidates who scored between 60% and 69% and must be completed within six months of the original exam date.

Candidates can only rewrite an exam once.

Hosts must submit an Application to Rewrite (PDF, 107 KB) on behalf of students. Applications to rewrite must be received at least two weeks before the requested exam rewrite date.

Appeals

An appeal can be submitted when a student:

  • scores less than 60% on an exam
  • fails a skills evaluation

The Application to Appeal (PDF, 90 KB) must be submitted to ofc.certificationexam@gov.ab.ca within 30 days of receiving test scores.

Testing site requirements

All testing facilities must be inspected to ensure they meet the safety and logistical requirements of skills evaluations for NFPA 1001, 1072, 1002 and 1006.

Sites must be inspected every 5 years, or when significant changes have been made. Acquired structures are not to be used for live fire testing.

A qualified inspector must complete and submit a Site Inspection Report (PDF, 117 KB) by email to ofc.certificationexam@gov.ab.ca.

Applying for certificates

Fire departments and schools can apply for certification on behalf of their students:

Certificates are delivered to students online. Employers can request copies of certificates from their employees.

Contact

Connect with the Government of Alberta:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 1-866-421-6929
Email: ofc.certificationexam@gov.ab.ca