How Does FESTI Meet Ontario Firefighter Certification Regulation Requirements?

December 23, 2022

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

To achieve firefighter certification, there are specific training courses a person must take, both theoretical and practical. If you’re looking to obtain National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certification in Toronto, completing the training programs at the Fire and Emergency Training Institute (FESTI) is the first step!

As Canada’s only firefighter training program overseen by an active fire department, FESTI offers online and classroom teaching supported by hands-on fire management exercises. Our private career college is part of Toronto Pearson International Airport’s fully operational fire service.

Ontario’s Fire Marshal Mandates Firefighters to Maintain Various NFPA Certifications

The Ontario Fire Marshal recently mandated a Firefighter Certification regulation, which is fully supported and adhered to by FESTI. This new regulation outlines the mandatory minimum standard and performance requirements to become a firefighter in the province of Ontario.

For many municipal and territory fire departments, these new firefighter certification regulations will have little to no impact on their operating costs. The Office of the Fire Marshall offers access to these minimum certification standards at no charge.

As with any legislative regulations, however, there are also exemptions to this updated Firefighter Certification Standard.

A firefighter less than 36 months
Under the supervision of a certified firefighter of said fire protection service
Temporarily performing a different fire protection service
Certified before July 1, 2022, for pump operations
Maintain valid certification if the requirements are later updated or changed
In receipt of a letter of compliance with a certification standard by the Fire Marshal before July 1, 2022

How FESTI Can Help Fire Departments & Aspiring Firefighters with Training

As a leading private firefighter academy, FESTI offers several certifications with firefighter training. Our programs are constructed with updated standards by the Office of the Fire Marshall, NFPA, IFC, and other governing boards.

Our NFPA firefighting programs under Ontario’s regulations have helped thousands of firefighters see their dreams achieved and potential filled with professional training and practical work.

NFPA 1001 Level I-II Firefighter Training Program

The FESTI NFPA 1001 firefighter course is also available as a blended online course. Graduates will have IFSAC Seals and an application for Pro Board Seals in recognition of NFPA 1001 Firefighter Levels I and II, NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness, NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Operations, and NFPA 1006, Chapter 5 – Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications. This certification will give internationally recognized Accreditation from the Institution of Fire Engineers.

NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer Training

Our NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer Training program is the first step in completing the knowledge and skill requirements for NFPA 1006, 2013 edition, Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications. It is an in-class and practical training for core competencies in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1006.

NFPA Hazmat Training Courses

FESTI offers the NFPA Hazmat Training Course which is structured to provide emergency responders the skills needed to manage hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) situations. Graduates will achieve Firefighter Level II Designation, Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) accreditation, and the opportunity to challenge the Office of the Fire Marshal provincial exam for International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Accreditation for Awareness and Operations levels.

NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Operations

NFPA 1072 training for our Hazardous Materials Operations course provides the skills to have the minimum requirements as a responder to hazardous materials incidents. It covers requirements of NFPA 1072, Standard on Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, Awareness and Operations Level, 2017 edition.

NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness

At FESTI, this program provides requirements for the Hazardous Materials Awareness Level. All fire, police, and emergency responders require the training and acquired skills to handle a hazardous material emergency. This course is accredited by the Canadian Branch of the IFE.

NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Technician

The NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Technician course offers the opportunity to challenge the Office of the Fire Marshal provincial exam for IFSAC Accreditation. Graduates will learn management of areas of terrorism, incident command, post operation activities, legislation, and media.

NFPA 921 – Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator

Our NFPA 921 Fire and Explosion Investigator is designed for fire department personnel, forensic identification personnel, explosive disposal personnel, insurance adjusters, provincial fire investigators, and CIB detectives.

NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level I and II

FESTI provides the NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level I and II requirements for graduates to take the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office (OFM) Provincial written and skill evaluations. Successful completion provides a person with IFSAC, NFPA 1041 Level I Certification and the Institution of Fire Engineers Accreditations.

NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Training

As part of the NFPA courses of Ontario at FESTI, this Fire Officer Training program is recognized by the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC). Succession of the Office of the Fire Marshal’s (OFM) Provincial Exam earn their IFSAC, NFPA 1021 Level I Certification and the Institution of Fire Engineers Accreditations.

NFPA 1003 Airport Firefighter Training

Our NFPA 1003 Airport Firefighter Training program supports civilian and military fire departments focused on aircraft fire and rescue. Under the requirements of the NFPA 1003 and the Canadian Aviation Regulations 323.14, this course covers airport familiarization, communications, pre-emergency planning, and aircraft familiarization.

Our Process and Facilities

FESTI is proud to provide all training and firefighting scenarios onsite at our Toronto Pearson Airport location.

Modern facilities
Small class sizes
Advanced fire hall equipment
Full-time faculty
Affiliations with Toronto Pearson Fire & Emergency Services
Student mentoring programs
Leadership/corporate development
Confined space building
Rescue tower
Burn building
Aircraft training mock-ups
Auto extrication area
Machine Rescue area
Hazardous materials training site
Trans Canada rail car CCPX 911 training prop

Get in Touch to Find Out About Our Firefighter Training Courses

Whether you are ready to prepare for one of the most rewarding careers or require recertification, contact Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) today! You will have ample opportunities to participate in online and/or in-class learning sessions and onsite hands-on training scenarios. Register for a course or program by clicking here and complete the webpage registration. Or for more information about FESTI, contact us today.