Fire Inspector

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety’s Fire Inspector Course is designed to provide a comprehensive program of instruction for fire inspectors and those desiring knowledge of fire inspection practices and procedures. The requirements for Fire Inspector I certification are based on NFPA 1031-2009. This course is offered in various regions of the state at least twice annually or as resources permit.

The revised Fire Inspector Course is now referenced to the International Fire Code, NFPA 1 and the Uniform Fire Code. The delivery format has changed to a five-day course consisting of 40 hours of classroom instruction and practical skills. Students receive classroom lectures regarding the inspector's role, life safety, general fire safety, protection systems and hazardous materials for the inspector. In addition, students complete a series of practical skills involving inspections of sprinkler, alarm and hood systems, means of egress, identifying hazards, and fire department access. Successful completion of the course and practical skills are required for eligibility to take the division's Fire Inspector Certification examination. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification.

For consistency and the convenience of the students, chapters now coincide with the IFSTA manual, Fire Inspector Code Enforcement, Seventh Edition. Topics include:

• Inspector authority and responsibilities
• Construction and occupancy classifications
• Inspection procedures
• Fire spread and growth factors
• Fire hazard recognition
• Fire detection systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Hazardous materials and special hazards
• Means of egress and occupancy loads

Registration

Pre-registration is required and must be submitted and approved prior to the start of the course requested. This course is open to interested individuals who have met all prerequisites and submitted completed applications with required documentation attached. Classes are limited to a maximum to 25 students. For course information and how to register, refer to the  Fire Inspector Certification booklet (see page 3 of the Fire Inspector booklet) or contact the division’s Training and Certification Unit at 573-522-4849. Applicants will be notified prior to the course of their acceptance and any additional instructions.

Fire Inspector Certification Exam

The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions referenced to the NFPA 1031-2009 standard, the Division of Fire Safety’s Inspector curriculum and IFSTA’s Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement, Seventh Edition. Preparation for the exam should also include a review of Fire Behavior, Building Construction, and Hazardous Materials Awareness curriculum. Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The practical skill exam is to be completed during the Fire Inspector Course. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification.

Fire Inspector certification is internationally accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board.

Recertification

Currently certified inspectors may attend selected portions of the course in order to obtain recertification credit hours. Contact the division for more information on recertification course attendance.