To become a fire safety consultant, gain experience in related areas, complete a fire safety certification program, and find a job for additional experience. Background work in fire safety, insurance claims, architecture, and civil engineering can be helpful. Certification programs are available, and additional classes and continuing education are necessary for higher salary levels. Starting as a fire insurance claims adjuster is an ideal entry-level position.
People who want to become a fire safety consultant can start by gaining experience in related areas such as fire safety. Next, a fire safety certification program is typically required. Once these basic fire protection consultant requirements are met, finding a basic job that provides additional experience and training usually completes the process.
Several different fields of study can be used as background work to become a fire safety consultant. Fire safety itself, through a volunteer program, fire department course, or a related curriculum, is often the most helpful. Working in the fields of insurance claims, architecture, civil engineering and other mathematical backgrounds can also be helpful. A general knowledge of building codes is required, although this is usually taught during a certificate program.
Fire protection consulting programs are widely available. Depending on the applicant’s location, an accredited institution offering federal or state certification is often required. Before enrolling in such a program, applicants are generally required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Various levels of proficiency are typically awarded along the journey to becoming a fire safety consultant. Each level of certification will allow the student more freedom and experience to perform certain roles as he or she continues his or her program of study. A fire investigator who obtains his first level of certification, for example, may be hired by a company to work when his second level is completed.
Students can expect extensive coursework and classroom written exams while earning their certification. While this education can provide a person who wants to become a fire safety consultant with a steady foundation in fire knowledge and an introduction to the nuts and bolts of fire safety prevention and inspection, it does not always provide hands-on experience. Such experiences are normally provided during a graduate’s first employment as a consultant. This is why a solid background in similar areas is considered very helpful.
Consultants who anticipate advancing to higher salary levels should plan for additional classes, certification training programs, and other continuing education courses. The average person who wants to become a fire safety consultant starts their professional experience as a fire insurance claims adjuster. While this may not be the consultant’s ultimate goal, it is an ideal entry-level position where the consultant can increase their knowledge of fire safety and the inspection industry.
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