Inspection, Testing & Maintenance (ITM) Technician
Fire sprinkler inspectors are professionals who are responsible for inspecting the alarm systems of a residential or commercial building to ensure that the systems are working and following the local, state, and federal fire safety regulations. These inspectors are required to configure fire alarm systems and automatic sprinklers for proper operation. They must also provide excellent customer service by accommodating the needs of customers.
Here is a brief overview of some skills a fire sprinkler inspector technician should possess:
- Intermediate understanding of fire protection systems.
- Comprehensive knowledge of NFPA 25.
- Attention to detail.
- Report writing and maintaining records.
- Efficient time management.
- Eagerness to acquire new knowledge.
- Physical endurance and ability to travel between locations.
- Effective communication skills for customer relations
How can one pursue a career as a fire sprinkler service technician?
Requirements vary among companies. Fire sprinkler service technicians are typically expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent. While having experience in fire protection can be advantageous, it is not always mandatory, as contractors are often willing to train candidates who show a willingness to learn.
Knowledge of NFPA guidelines such as NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D is beneficial. It's crucial for fire sprinkler technicians to understand NFPA 25.
How much time will it take?
- Years 1-2: Join a company that is willing to provide training. Another option is obtaining an associate degree in a relevant field such as fire science, engineering, or a related field.
- Year 3: Accumulating the necessary work experience and completing on-the-job training in areas such as fire system installation, maintenance, and repair.
What programs are available for training?
AFSA ITM Inspector Development Program
Overview
The AFSA ITM Inspector Development Program utilizes a blended learning format with on-demand lessons, webinars, and in-person training. The training course is combined with a robustly structured on-the-job training (OJT) and mentoring program, with the goal that candidates pass the NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exam in less than two years.
Details
- 56 hours of on-demand courses
- 22 hours of live, interactive web instruction
- Live in-class lecture
- Hands-on field and lab inspections and testing training
- Limited class size maximizing student learning outcomes
- Provide a guided and systematic process for the ‘green’ inspector trainee toward NICET I and NICET II certifications
- Encourage and foster character-building traits: honesty, integrity, confidence, professionalism, neat appearance, organization, reliability, accountability, and credibility.
- Strengthen communication skills, both written (for noting inspection and testing observations) and verbal (communicating with customers)
- Training and development program developed by seasoned industry experts with 65+ years of combined industry experience and 50+ years of teaching the fire protection community around the globe
Students Become NICET Level II Ready in 20 Months
AFSA ITM Program graduates achieve a 93% pass rate on NICET Level I & II exams*, exceeding the national average of 60%.
Sample Salary
