Fire alarm technicians are required by many municipalities in British Columbia to be registered as Registered Fire Protection Technicians (RFPT) with the Applied Science Technicians and Technologists of BC (ASTTBC). This is a provincial standard that must be maintained through annual continuing education credits.
BCIT is pleased to offer one of the fastest growing career opportunities in the life safety industry as a recognized provider of the CFAA accredited Fire Alarm Technician Training Program courses.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of fire alarm systems and the skills required for your success in this industry. Coupled with hands-on training in the Electrical Training Center’s electrical and fire alarm labs, these five courses will provide you with the vital knowledge that can be used to satisfy the requirements of both CFAA and ASTTBC for certification both provincially and nationally as a Registered Fire Protection Technician.
Fire alarm technician courses
The following Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) training courses are available at BCIT Burnaby Campus through the Electrical Training centre in building SE1:
- TELC1140 – CFAA Course 1: Introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry
- COMM1103 – CFAA Course 2: Introduction to Business and Technical Communication
- TELC1142 – CFAA Course 3: Basic Electricity for Fire Alarm
- TELC1143 – CFAA Course 4: Electronics for Life Safety Systems
- TELC1144 – CFAA Course 5: Fire Alarm Systems
Upon successful completion of CFAA Course 5 the next step is an online theory exam followed by a practical test at the BCIT Burnaby Campus.
Further education
The Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) is a national organization that provides training for fire alarm technicians through various colleges across Canada. Their ongoing mission is to be recognized nationally as the definitive resource for fire alarm information, education, qualifications, expertise and industry support.
Upon successful completion of all five courses the fire alarm technician can submit their transcript to CFAA in an application process that is detailed on the CFAA website. Registered CFAA Fire Alarm Technicians should have completed a minimum of 1500 hours of work experience (hands-on training) obtained in the workplace to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to successfully complete the Registration Exam.
A Registration Theory Exam is required, which is a standardized knowledge assessment of an individual’s understanding of the requirements to properly inspect, test and verify a fire alarm system as per Canadian Codes and Standards. This exam will only be administered by the CFAA and will only be administered in hard copy written or online formats.
Technicians with electrical experience (e.g. Electrical Red Seal) may be eligible for exemptions from certain courses. These exemptions are granted at CFAA. BCIT does not administer the exemptions and cannot advise on eligibility.
Contact us
For further information on Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) courses at BCIT, please email bcit_electrical@bcit.ca or call 604-456-1156.