How To Become A Fire Alarm Inspector: What It Is and Career Path

What is a fire alarm inspector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A fire alarm inspector is an individual who inspects and tests fire alarm devices and systems to guarantee their proper operation and function. These individuals perform needed repairs and install replacements as needed, and they are knowledgeable in the latest technology and upgrades. Fire alarm inspectors comply with appropriate fire safety regulations and policies, and they communicate with upper management and customers regarding alarm functionality, issues and maintenance.

Fire alarm inspectors must be adept at using computers, fire alarm technology, hardware, and software, and ensure that the required documentation is completed properly after inspections. These professionals are responsible for communicating system issues and inadequacies with management and customers, and act to ensure that corrections or replacement of defective equipment is done in a swift and efficient manner. Fire alarm inspectors may spend most of their day traveling to work sites and may expect to work nights or weekends in the event of an emergency.

In addition to managing the proper maintenance and functionality of fire alarms and fire alarm systems, these professionals should possess strong communication, analytical, and trouble-shooting skills. An advanced degree is not a necessity for this career field; however, all states require that a fire alarm inspector have the required training and licensing. A fire alarm inspector can make up to $47,000 per year, and the field is expected to grow 8% by 2028.

ScoreFire Alarm InspectorUS Average

Salary

3.5

Avg. Salary $45,136

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.39%

Asian 4.35%

Black or African American 9.57%

Hispanic or Latino 19.64%

Unknown 5.20%

White 60.84%

Gender

female 8.08%

male 91.92%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

8.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a fire alarm inspector

Explore fire alarm inspector education requirements

Most common fire alarm inspector degrees

Associate

44.5 %

High School Diploma

23.0 %

Bachelor's

16.3 %

Start to develop specific fire alarm inspector skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	13.13%
Ladders	9.38%
Hand Tools	9.31%
Fire Protection	8.91%
NICET	8.66%

Complete relevant fire alarm inspector training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New fire alarm inspectors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a fire alarm inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real fire alarm inspector resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed fire alarm inspector usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed fire alarm inspector in most of states. 19 states require fire alarm inspectors to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License url
Alabama	-	-	Certified Burglar Alarm Qualifying Agent
Arkansas	Specific course required	State exam required	Alarm Systems Technician
California	Specific course required	State exam required	Alarm Company Agent
Florida	Specific course required	State exam required	Registered Alarm System Contractor I
Georgia	-	State exam required	Low Voltage-Alarm

Research fire alarm inspector duties and responsibilities

Walk and climb ladders need to safely test fire alarm systems such as smoke detectors, heat detectors and pull stations.
Complete NFPA course to obtain certification for fire alarm inspector.
Perform inspections on fire alarm, suppression, and range hood systems according to IBC and military specification.
Perform work in unusual and sometimes difficult positions; such as climbing ladders, scaffolding, and high lift equipment.

Prepare your fire alarm inspector resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fire alarm inspector resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fire alarm inspector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable fire alarm inspector resume templates

Build a professional fire alarm inspector resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your fire alarm inspector resume.