Fire Code Administrator

Certification Requirements

Applicants for certification as a Fire Code Administrator shall submit application to the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (Bureau) within the Division. Application shall be submitted to document compliance with each requirement in paragraph 69A-39.003(3)(a), F.A.C. If the applicant documents compliance, the Division shall issue the certificate. If the applicant fails to document compliance, the Division shall issue a written notice of denial to the applicant, which specifies the reason(s) therefore and which shall be an agency action subject to review under Section 120.57, F.S.

There are two methodologies available for a qualified applicant to obtain Fire Code Administrator certification. Individuals should evaluate their eligibility and utilize one of the following options as set forth in paragraph 69A-39.003(3)(a), F.A.C.:

Option A – Direct Program Delivery. The first option is designed for persons who have at least six years of full-time equivalent experience working as a certified Firesafety Inspector and are currently certified as a Florida Firesafety Inspector. This method of completion is designed to be the traditional learning model for Fire Code Administrator certification.

The applicant shall have completed the prerequisite course titled “Evaluating Performance – Based Design”, and also complete the 240 – hour Fire Code Administrator course curriculum. Qualified persons shall complete Section A of Form DFS-K4-2085 and submit application to the Bureau. If the applicant documents compliance, the Division will issue a certificate. Competency is demonstrated by the successful completion of all course work. There is no certification exam.

Option B – Portfolio Program. The second option is designed for persons who have at least ten years of full-time equivalent experience working as a certified Firesafety Inspector and are currently certified as a Florida Firesafety Inspector. These applicants must also have a minimum of five years of documented management experience.

To be qualified, the applicant must demonstrate they have met the learning objectives and competencies that are defined in the NFPA 1037 standard through a portfolio review process. Persons who meet these qualifications shall complete Section B of Form DFS-K4-2085 and submit application to the Bureau. If the applicant documents compliance, the Division will issue a certificate. There is no certification exam.

Curriculum

The Fire Code Administrator curriculum consists of the following courses that are part of the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) program. Each course must meet the learning objectives determined by the Division. Each of the following courses shall be no less than 40 hours in duration:

Fire Code Administrator Curriculum

• • Community Risk Reduction
  • Fire and Emergency Service Administration OR Chief Officer
  • Fire Prevention Organization and Management
  • Analytical Approaches to Public Fire Protection
  • Personnel Management for the Fire & Emergency Services
  • Political and Legal Foundation for Fire Protection OR Ethical and Legal Issues for the Fire Service