Overview
The Fire Protection Inspection and Testing Associate Certificate program is designed to prepare working fire protection technicians to inspect and test life safety systems.
About the program
A number of jurisdictions in the province require technicians who inspect fire and life safety systems to be registered as Registered Fire Protection Technicians (RFPT) with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). To register, technicians must satisfy specific courses and obtain experience in the discipline. The Fire Protection Inspection and Testing Associate Certificate program prepares technicians to work in a number of disciplines including Portable Fire Extinguishers, Unit Emergency Lighting Systems, Fire Alarm Systems, Water-Based Systems, Special Fire Suppression Systems, and Smoke Control and HVAC Systems.
Who it’s for
The program is designed for persons who are currently working in the fire protection field. The courses are meant to be taken as the working technician progresses through their career as a fire protection technician. For students wanting to enter the field of fire protection, it is recommended that students gain employment in the field before or shortly after their first course(s).
What grads can do
Discipline-specific courses can be used to satisfy the education requirements for registering as a Registered Fire Protection Technician (RFPT) with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).
Courses may also be eligible for continuing education requirements for Engineers, Engineering Technologists, and Engineering Technicians.
When all credits are successfully completed, students may apply to receive an Associate Certificate in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program is open to declarations beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
Declarations submitted for program intakes beginning April 1, 2025 or later will be evaluated using the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement below.
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Apply to program
A formal application to the program is not required prior to registration. Interested students can register for courses from the program matrix.
If a course has one or more prerequisites, you are responsible for ensuring that you have either successfully completed the prerequisite course, or have the equivalent skills and knowledge, prior to registration.
If you believe that you have taken an equivalent course at a different post-secondary institution, you can apply for transfer credit by submitting your official transcript and detailed course outline.
Once you have completed two or three courses, please declare your intended program of study.
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Tuition is paid on a course-by-course basis. For more information, please visit Part-time Studies Tuition and Fees.
If your employer or organization will be paying your tuition, please review BCIT’s sponsorship information.
Books & supplies
Required textbooks can be purchased at the BCIT Bookstore.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Courses are available in a number of formats on weekday, evenings, or weekends. Please visit the Areas of Study Course List page to see the yearly schedule. You can check each course offering for specific dates and times.
To arrange custom training for a specified group of students, please contact the School of Energy’s Industry Services.
Note: Some courses in the program require FIRE 1050 – Electrical and Electronics for Fire Protection Inspection or basic knowledge of electricity and electronics as a prerequisite.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| 1. Required courses: (12 credits) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| BLDG 1830 | BC Building Code: Part 3 Introduction | 3.0 | |
| COMM 1103 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | 3.0 | |
| FIRE 1075 | BC Fire Code 1 | 1.5 | |
| FIRE 2075 | BC Fire Code 2 | 1.5 | |
| OCHS 4420 | Fire Safety Planning | 3.0 | |
| 2. Complete a minimum of 11.0 credits from the following list of electives: | Credits | ||
| FIRE 2077 | Emergency Lighting Systems | 1.5 | |
| FIRE 2080 | Automatic Sprinkler and Standpipe Testing | 3.0 | |
| FIRE 2084 | Fire Alarm Systems: Inspection and Testing | 3.0 | |
| FIRE 2086 | Smoke Control and HVAC Systems | 2.5 | |
| FIRE 2088 | Special Fire Suppression Systems | 3.0 | |
| OCHS 1410 | Fire Extinguisher Service Technician | 1.5 | |
| OCHS 4440 | Fire Safety Systems | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 23.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
To qualify for an Associate Certificate students must complete:
- All required courses (12.0 credits)
- A minimum of 11.0 credits of elective courses
- Two years of relevant industry experience testing and inspecting related life-safety systems.
All courses are subject to change. Additions and deletions to the listed courses reflect continuing developments.
Program length
The time required to complete this program depends on course availability and the student’s planned schedule of courses. Program completion can take several years as not all courses are available each term and course prerequisites may prevent students from taking all courses offered each term. In addition, courses may be offered but cancelled due to insufficient demand or other circumstances.
Accreditation
Equivalent ASTTBC Disciplines
Students seeking certification through ASTTBC in a particular discipline must demonstrate academic competence. The following table shows how BCIT courses align with selected ASTTBC Fire Protection Technician disciplines:
| BCIT Courses | ASTTBC Discipline | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIRE 2077 | Emergency Lighting Systems | EM | 1.5 |
| FIRE 2080 | Automatic Sprinkler and Standpipe Testing | WA | 3.0 |
| FIRE 2084 | Fire Alarm Systems: Inspection and Testing | AL | 3.0 |
| FIRE 2086 | Smoke Control and HVAC Systems | SM | 2.5 |
| FIRE 2088 | Special Fire Suppression Systems | SP | 3.0 |
| OCHS 1410 | Fire Extinguisher Service Technician | EX | 1.5 |
Use the above equivalency table as a guide. Please confirm the exact equivalency requirements with ASTTBC before registering for courses.
Program delivery
The courses in this program are available online and/or in-person.
Your education is our priority. No matter how you choose to learn, we will deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections you expect from BCIT.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Program structure
To qualify for an Associate Certificate students must complete:
- All required courses (12.0 credits)
- A minimum of 11.0 credits of elective courses
- Two years of relevant industry experience
All courses are subject to change. Additions and deletions to the listed courses reflect continuing developments.
Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Job opportunities depend on the student’s chosen electives and previous level of education and applicable work experience.
As a BCIT student and alumni, you have access to BCIT’s Student Employment Services for work search support and resources, and also eJobs, an online job bank created specifically for BCIT graduates.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Staff
Jeanie Chan, P.Eng, MASc, BEMP
Associate Dean, Mechanical Engineering
Tel: 604-432-8280
Email: Jeanie_Chan@bcit.ca
Shervin Jannesar, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Coordinator
Tel: 604-456-1252
Email: sjannesar@bcit.ca
Erika Ekeli
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8521
Email: soepts@bcit.ca
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