VFMA Course Descriptions
Following, are current course offerings of the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy.
This list includes course descriptions, prerequisites, text and equipment requirements, hours, recertification and standard/regulation information and any special notes. When registration fee is required please make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
If you have questions or require additional information about any of the courses listed below, please contact the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy office within the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, at:
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500
Phone: 804/ 249-1956
Fax:371-3407
E-mail: fma@vdfp.virginia.gov
| Communicating With Children |
| Description |
This course is designed to cover developmental characteristics and learning capabilities of children, ages 3 -14. Included will be how to select the appropriate fire safety messages and materials. This course is designed for fire service personnel who have little or no experience in public fire education. |
| Prerequisites |
None |
| Re-Certification |
|
| Text |
Student Manual - Communicating with Children - available in class |
| Equipment Required |
None |
| Hours |
4 |
| Standard/Reg |
None |
| Registration Cost |
|
| Notes |
This is not a certification course. Students will receive VDFP training hours and a Certificate of Attendance. |
| Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist 1035, Level 1 |
| Description |
Part of the Public Fire & Life Safety Educator 1035 Standard. Students will address the skills essential for the Juvenile Firesetting Intervention Specialist I which include: Identification; Intake; Interview; Determining Intervention Strategy; Fire & Life Safety Education; Referral to Mental Health or Juvenile Justice and Evaluation. This course utilizes the NFA Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Specialist I curriculum with added materials particular to Virginia. Class Requires 70% on final examination |
| Prerequisites |
HMA, Criminal History Record. Click here to access the class requirements |
| Re-Certification |
|
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
None |
| Hours |
16 |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 1035-05 |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
|
| Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist 1035, Level II |
| Description |
Part of the Public Fire & Life Safety Educator 1035 Standard. Students will address the skills essential for the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist II which include: Formulation of Program policies, development of program budget, Supervise, evaluate, train, select and match personnel to assigned cases, file maintenance, program network development, community program awareness development, Training Program development and delivery. This course utilizes the NFA Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Specialist I I curriculum with added materials particular to Virginia. Class Requires 70% on final examination. |
| Prerequisites |
Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist 1035, Level I, HMA, Criminal History Record. Click here to access the class requirements |
| Re-Certification |
|
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
None |
| Hours |
16 |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 1035-05 |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
|
| Public Fire & Life Safety Educator 1035, Level 1 |
| Description |
Provides instruction in scheduling and delivery of developed public fire and life safety education programs. Included are suggestions for preparing public notifications and selecting appropriate material based on intended audience. Class requires 70% on final examination |
| Prerequisites |
HMA, Criminal History Record. Click here to access the class requirements |
| Re-Certification |
|
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
None |
| Hours |
24 |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 1035-05 |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
This course is ProBoard certified and ACE Accredited for 2 semester hours in Public health, Safety studies or Fire Science in lower division Baccalaureate/ Associate degree |
| Public Fire & Life Safety Educator 1035, Level II |
| Description |
Part of the Public Fire & Life Safety Educator 1035 Standard. Students will address the skills essential for the Public Fire & Life Safety Educator Level II which include: Design, plan, develop community prevention education programs; preparation of program budget proposals; development of public policy recommendations for management; supervision and evaluation of subordinates and programs; design and development of programs and materials; facilitation of collaborative partnerships & efforts. |
| Prerequisites |
Public Fire and Life Safety Educator Level 1, HMA, Criminal History Record. Click here to access the class requirements |
| Re-Certification |
|
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
None |
| Hours |
16 |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 1035-05 |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
This course is ProBoard certified |
| VFMA - Civilian Entry |
| Description |
Persons not having Firefighter Level II can study chapters from the IFSTA Essentials Manual (4th Ed.) for preparation in taking the Civilian Entry Exam. Chapters include Fire Behavior, Portable Extinguishers, Forcible Entry, Ventilation, Building Construction, Firefighting Orientation and Safety, Fire Detection, Alarm, Suppression Systems, Protecting Evidence for Fire, Cause Determination, Fire Prevention and Public Fire education. Those wanting to take the course materials in a classroom can contact any VDFP Area Office for Firefighter I and II schedules. |
| Prerequisites |
None |
| Re-Certification |
N/A |
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
|
| Hours |
N/A |
| Standard/Reg |
|
| Registration Cost |
None |
| Notes |
Test will be offered twice with a five day delay between testing. After two failed attempts individual must then take courses as described in the CE Handout. |
| VFMA - Investigator 1033 |
| Description |
Class meets on three consecutive weeks, Monday through Friday (no weekends). On occasion the schedule may change to accommodate holidays or make up for snow days. Test will be administered on the last day of the class. This course meets the first requirement for full police powers under Code of Virginia §27-34.2:1. Class requires 85% for passing. |
| Prerequisites |
Firefighter Level II, or VFMA Civilian Entry & Hazmat Awareness. Oath of Office as Required Under 27-37 for priority 1 or 2. Member of a Fire Department or Law Enforcement Agency with full insurance coverage. Criminal History Record. To access the Criminal History form go to : https://apps.vsp.virginia.gov/ncjis/publicformrequest.do?methodToCall=loadRequestForm&formName=SP230 |
| Re-Certification |
40 hours every 2 years |
| Text |
Most recent versions of NFPA 921, Kirk’s Fire Investigation, 6th Edition. |
| Equipment Required |
Full turnout gear or coveralls with hard hat to work a cold fire scene, flashlight, shovel and respiratory protection, such as a filter mask approved for carbon or asbestos. |
| Hours |
160 (plus 40 hours field work following successful passing of the test) |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 1033 & 27-34.2:1 NFPA 921 2011 |
| Registration Cost |
$50 priority 1 or 2; $100 non-priority in-state, $500 out-of-state |
| Notes |
Students must have text prior to first day of class, no exception. Reading assignment required before first day of class. This course is ProBoard certified and ACE accredited for 6 semester hours in fire Science or Criminal Justice in upper division baccalaureate degree. |
| VFMA - Inspector 1031 |
| Description |
Class meets on three consecutive weeks, Monday through Friday (no weekends). On occasion the schedule may change to accommodate holidays or make up for snow days. Test will be administered on the last day of class. This course meets the NFPA 1031 standard for level I and II using the current version of the Virginia State Wide Fire and Building Codes (ICC with Virginia Amendments). This course meets the requirements for summons powers under Code of Virginia § 27-34.2 and the competency requirements of DHCD. Class requires 85% for passing. Open book testing. |
| Prerequisites |
Firefighter Level II or VFMA Civilian Entry & Hazmat Awareness. Oath of Office as Required Under 27-37 for priority 1 or 2. Member of a Fire Department or local jurisdiction with code enforcemen responsibility (or state agency with enforcement responsibility) with full insurance coverage. Criminal History Record. Student must be 18 years of age. |
| Re-Certification |
16 hours every two years |
| Text |
2009 International fire code and International Building Code, with Virginia amendments for each. Also required is the third edition of Fire Prevention: Inspection & Code Enforcement by Delmar Publishing written by Dave Diamantes |
| Equipment Required |
Calculator is essential for success |
| Hours |
120 hours (plus approximately 40 hours of field work following the successful completion of the testing of the course) |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 1031, 27-34.2, Dave Diamentes current year - Fire Prevention book |
| Registration Cost |
$50 priority 1 or 2; $100 non-priority in-state, $500 out-of-state |
| Notes |
Students must have text prior to first day of class, no exception. Reading assignment required before first day of class. This course is ProBoard certified and ACE Accredited for 5 semester hours in Fire Science, Occupational Health and Safety or Construction Science in upper division Baccalaureate degree. |
| VFMA - Law Enforcement School for Fire Marshals |
| Description |
Designed by VFMA/VDFP & DCJS to prepare students who will receive police powers from their jurisdictions. Includes classroom and field exercises. Evening studies and exercises planned. Modular tests require 100 percent passing grade. During the first three weeks students will take a full DCJS Firearms school which will require three qualifying scores to move onto the remainder of the LE School. |
| Prerequisites |
VFMA Fire Investigator 1033, Oath of Office from the jurisdiction showing “Full Police Powers as per Code of Virginia § 27-34.2:1.” Some jurisdictions have locally legislated to not authorize police powers until after the school. In those cases we need such documentation and a letter from the Fire Chief or Chief Fire Marshal validating that the graduate will receive full police powers immediately after successful completion of the school. This will need to be provided for each student attending each LE School. Criminal History Record. |
| Re-Certification |
40 hours every 2 years - concurrent with 1033 requirement |
| Text |
To be provided by the Academy. |
| Equipment Required |
Duty belt, Handcuffs, Flashlight, Pepper Spray (if you will be carrying once sworn), the weapon you will be wearing once sworn, associated leather, ammunition, and Protective ballistic vest. Minimum of 2000 rounds of ammunition for firearms qualifications. A more detailed list of equipment will be provided upon student's confirmation into the school. |
| Hours |
360+ hours. Every effort will be made to stay within a 40 hour week but students must be prepared for occasional 16 hour days during practical exercises and must be prepared to work in excess of their normally assigned schedule. Many weeks are four day weeks to reduce the fiscal concerns over motel and travel expenses. |
| Standard/Reg |
27-34.2:1, Virginia Criminal code book- current year |
| Registration Cost |
$500 registration fee covers the cost of teaching materials such as texts, handouts, forensic supplies and specialized clothing. |
| Notes |
None |
| VFMA - Surveillance |
| Description |
A refresher course for individuals responsible for conducting surveillance in the course of their duties. Hours apply towards Investigator re certification |
| Prerequisites |
Responsible for Investigative Surveillance in your employment. Criminal History Record. |
| Re-Certification |
N/A |
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
Camera, binoculars and alternative change of clothing |
| Hours |
24 |
| Standard/Reg |
27-34.2:1 |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
None |
| VFMA Armed Survival for Fire Marshals |
| Description |
A refresher for investigators with police powers. Hours apply toward investigator re certification |
| Prerequisites |
You must have police powers as required. Criminal History Record. |
| Re-Certification |
N/A |
| Text |
|
| Equipment Required |
Service weapon, cuffs and associated leather. |
| Hours |
24 |
| Standard/Reg |
|
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
None |
| VFMA Unarmed Survival For Fire Marshals |
| Description |
A refresher course for investigators and inspectors who may encounter hostile situations. Students taught defense techniques to protect themselves from both armed and unarmed individuals. Procedures on how to remove your-self safely from a hostile environment. Hours apply towards inspector re certification Note: Eight of the mandated 16 hours of re certification must be fire or building code related. |
| Prerequisites |
Open to all fire marshals with investigation and/or code inspection responsibility. Oath of Office under 27-37. Criminal History Record. |
| Re-Certification |
N/A |
| Text |
None |
| Equipment Required |
None |
| Hours |
16 |
| Standard/Reg |
None |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
None |
| Environmental Crimes |
| Description |
A one week school designed for those individuals assigned the responsibility to investigate (by state or local authority) the illegal dumping or disposal of hazardous materials and waste. If student completes the entire course they will receive 20 hours of investigator recertification |
| Prerequisites |
Hazmat Awareness. Criminal History Record. Student must be 18 years of age. Criminal History Record. |
| Re-Certification |
|
| Text |
VDFP/VFMA handouts and a CD provided. |
| Equipment Required |
SCBA with one spare bottle |
| Hours |
40 |
| Standard/Reg |
OSHA |
| Registration Cost |
$25 |
| Notes |
|
| CFFI - Certified Forensic Fire Investigator |
| Description |
Certified Forensic Fire Investigator; a multi module course designed for the individual assigned investigation responsibilities with a local Fire Marshal or law enforcement agency.
- Module 1 - Right of entry, a 16 hr. course that involves the legal right to be on the fire scene.
- Module 2 - fire scene evidence collections, a 2 day 16 hr. course, new techniques in the collection of physical evidence at the fire scene. Includes casting of tire and footprints, finger print recovery, and DNA.
- Module 3 - Scene safety and spoliation of evidence a 2 day 16 hr. course that involves security, safety and protection of evidence on the fire scene.
- Module 4 - Photography, a 2 day 16 hr. course that will lead the fire investigator into new techniques to photograph the fire scene. Classroom as well as practicals will be utilized. Please bring duty camera with flash to class.
- Module 5 - Medical Examiner, Death Investigation (under development)
- Module 6 - Chemistry of Fire, a comprehensive look into the behavior of fire and its burning characteristics on today's construction. (under development)
The Academy will place students based on their existing training, years in the investigation position and needs of the agency. |
| Prerequisites |
Must have completed Fire Investigator School (1033, with the individual still assigned the responsibility of fire investigations within their local jurisdiction. Criminal History Record. Web address for Criminal History checks:https://apps.vsp.virginia.gov/ncjis/publicformrequest.do?methodToCall=loadRequestForm&formName=SP230 |
| Re-Certification |
None |
| Text |
Varies depending on the module |
| Equipment Required |
Varies depending on the module. |
| Hours |
Varies depending on the module. |
| Standard/Reg |
NFPA 921, Kirk's 6th edition, Virginia current criminal codes |
| Registration Cost |
$25. Additional fees may be applied for each module based on the materials and supplies necessary to put on the training. |
| Notes |
Modules 6 -10 will be developed shortly. |
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