High School

Earning a high school diploma is the first step to becoming a fire inspector. Take classes in physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, and mathematics. Speech and English courses will help you polish your communication skills. Learning a foreign language will help you to interact with people who do not speak English fluently. 

Postsecondary Training

There are two ways to become a fire inspector. Some fire departments have policies that only those who have served as firefighters can work in the fire-prevention bureau. Other departments want people who are trained primarily for fire prevention. Either way, all students who want to join the fire department, either as an inspector or a firefighter, should take two- or four-year college courses, such as fire service, fire science, engineering, chemistry, fire-protection systems, equipment, and fire protection. Some employers prefer candidates with a two- or four-year degree in fire science. Specialized fire-prevention classes required for inspectors, covering subjects such as hazardous materials and processes, flammable liquids, and high-piled stock, can be found through the colleges or the state fire marshal’s office. The National Fire Academy (NFA) offers a variety of courses both on and off campus. While the NFA is not an accredited, degree-granting institution, some schools will give college credit for NFA courses. Additionally, NFA has partnered with several colleges across the country that offer bachelor’s degrees in the areas of fire administration/management and fire-prevention technology.

After they complete formal training, inspectors must also go through on-the-job training or a probationary period. During this time, they work with an experienced inspector to learn the ropes.

Certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides certificates of achievement that provide participants with training in fire codes, fire detection and alarm systems, and fire protection features. Contact the association for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education (CE) opportunities are offered by unions; associations at the national, state, and local levels; and government agencies. Many fire inspectors keep their skills up to date by completing classes and webinars offered by the NFPA, International Code Council, and the NFA. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Most fire departments look for employees who have been educated in fire science. But you do not have to be certified before being hired. Most people take the majority of their classes while they are working as fire inspectors.

Local regulations may differ, but generally, fire inspectors obtain certification as a fire prevention officer levels 1 and 2 (sometimes 3) from the office of the state fire marshal. There is a series of classes for each level. The International Code Council offers examination and certification services for various fire-related inspectors. The National Fire Protection Association offers the certified fire inspector designation at two skill levels, and the certified fire plan examiner designation. The Uniform Fire Code, as well as the Uniform Building Code, provides code requirements on building construction, fire-prevention regulations, and system maintenance.

Other Requirements

If the job requires candidates to first serve as firefighters, then certain physical and personal requirements must be fulfilled. Check with your local fire department to learn more about the necessary qualifications. Fire inspectors usually must pass a background check, which may include a drug test.

Many inspectors enter the field after obtaining several years’ experience as a firefighter or police officer. Others obtain experience through fire academies.

Successful fire inspectors enjoy working with people. They need to understand the building owners’ needs and challenges, but they also need to strictly enforce building and fire codes when public safety is at risk. In a way, inspectors also need good sales skills because they have to “sell” the idea of fire compliance and prevention to business owners who will need to spend money to comply with fire and building codes. Other important traits include strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills.