FAQs • What is International Fire Service Accreditation Cong

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What is International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) accreditation?: As the governing body in North America, the IFSAC ensures that standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are maintained by fire training academies that administer their programs.

Firefighter Recruitment

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1. How do I apply to be a Firefighter?: During an open competition, applications are accepted online at the City of Coquitlam’s Career Opportunities page.

2. What are the qualifications needed to be a firefighter?: The minimum and preferred qualifications for a Firefighter, can be found on our "Before You Apply" page.

3. What is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)?: The NFPA serves as the world’s leading advocate of fire prevention, establishing codes and standards for Firefighters and fire safety.

4. What is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Level 1 and 2?: NFPA 1001 is the nationally recognized standard for the training of professional Firefighters. It identifies professional levels of competency required of fire department members, especially the requirements for entrance into the fire service.

5. What is International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) accreditation?: As the governing body in North America, the IFSAC ensures that standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are maintained by fire training academies that administer their programs.

6. Does the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue prefer that a candidate receive their National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 level 1 and 2 training from a particular fire academy?: We do not favour one academy over another. All candidates must ensure that the academy they attend is International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or ProBoard accredited.

7. If I have only partially completed, or just registered for any of my licences or certifications, can I still apply?: No. You must have completed all of the required qualifications to be eligible to apply for a position.

8. Are there any courses that the City of Coquitlam recommends that will help me strengthen my résumé?: We do not recommend any particular courses. However, we do recommend that each candidate reviews the firefighter requirements described on our "Before You Apply" page.

9. Can a Firefighter who is employed in another municipality interchange or transfer their position to the City of Coquitlam?: All applicants, regardless of previous training or experience, must apply to the City of Coquitlam as an entry-level Firefighter. There are no transfers between municipalities. If successful, all new Firefighter employees begin a 12-month probationary period.

10. Does the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue recruit other positions other than Firefighter personnel?: Yes, all support positions are filled through the City of Coquitlam’s Human Resources Division. Please visit the City Coquitlam’s Career Opportunities page regularly for newly posted vacancies.

11. Can interested persons ride along with fire personnel to learn more about the Firefighter position?: Presently, the City of Coquitlam Fire/Rescue does not offer ride-alongs to non-fire personnel.

12. Where can I obtain the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 certification?: There are a number of academies located across North America that are certified to deliver the NFPA 1001 program. Candidates should ensure that the academy they select is International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or ProBoard accredited. Make sure to ask the academy or check the IFSAC website and ProBoard website.

13. Is the City accepting applications for Auxiliary Firefighter Recruitment?: No. Due to increased demand for career firefighters, the City is not accepting applications for Auxiliary Firefighters. This may be subject to change in the future. Please monitor the Firefighter Recruitment page for future updates.