About the Certificate Assembly

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Last Updated: Thursday, 31 October 2024 10:03

The Certificate Assembly is one of two assemblies in the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress providing specialized accreditation in the fire service profession.

The Certificate Assembly provides accreditation to entities that certify the competency of and issue certificates to individuals who pass examinations based on the National Fire Protection Association fire service professional qualifications and other standards approved by the Assembly.

Certification by an accredited entity confirms levels of job competency and a department's competency as a whole. Individuals can derive satisfaction from completing a certification program that has been evaluated and deemed worthy by an objective and independent body. Additionally, the reciprocity made possible through IFSAC accreditation of certifying entities may allow for transfer of certifications and increased mobility for fire service personnel.

Accreditation of an entity leads to increased professionalism and thus better service to the organization's jurisdiction and communities. Networking among certifying entities within IFSAC consistently provides avenues for improvement and refinement of certification programs.

Mission Statement

To measure the level of professionalism of public and private fire services internationally through the accreditation of those entities who administer standardized written and/or manipulative examinations or other approved means of alternative evaluation of the required knowledge and skills to meet nationally and internationally recognized professional qualification standards.

Functions of the Certificate Assembly

• Consider policy statements and operational guidelines as submitted by the Certificate Assembly Board of Governors or Certificate Assembly members.
• Inform members of fire services regarding the system of accreditation.
• Develop awareness among state, provincial, territorial, and federal governments regarding the accreditation system.
• Identify and provide accreditation services to a single entity in each state, province, territory, and federal government agency which requests said services.
• Apply, to every extent possible, nationally recognized standards of professional competence for fire and emergency services personnel and other standards as adopted by the CABOG, in both the career and volunteer fire service as a foundation for both certification and international accreditation.
• Utilize all evaluating systems available to ensure certification is completed on a valid and credible basis.
• Ensure nondiscriminatory certification processes.
• Seek recognition from agencies that evaluate, accredit, recognize, or approve accrediting bodies.