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Best fire chief certifications

The best certifications for a fire chief are Certified Fire Inspector I, Equipment Management Specialist (EMS), and Certified Law Enforcement Analysts (CLEA).

Fire chief certifications demonstrate your competency as a fire chief to employers. However, not all fire chief certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best fire chief certifications. Obtaining a fire chief certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

6 best fire chief certifications

1. Certified Fire Inspector I

The NFPA Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I) certification program was created in response to repeated requests by local entities, state agencies, and national organizations for certification programs founded on the NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner, and other applicable NFPA codes and standards.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

2. Equipment Management Specialist (EMS)

The Equipment Management Specialist designation is a recognized standard for developing the qualifications of a person involved with equipment in a private, municipal, or government fleet within the first five (5) years of career development.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

3. Certified Law Enforcement Analysts (CLEA)

The IACA is committed to developing and administering a comprehensive training and credentialing program to provide analysts, as well as departments, both the framework for excellence and the mechanism for achieving it.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

4. Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)

The International Association of Arson Investigators seeks to acknowledge demonstrated competence in all phases of fire investigation, as held by numerous individuals from many fields, both public and private. This goal is accomplished by awarding points for achievements in Education, Training and Experience as they relate to Fire Investigation.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

5. OSHA Safety Certificate

This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying website
OSHA Safety Certificate
Course that help you to prepare for certification
OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics
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6. Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)

A Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) has the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively manage a comprehensive emergency management program. A CEM® has a working knowledge of all the basic tenets of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. A CEM® has experience and knowledge of interagency and community-wide participation in planning, coordination and management functions designed to improve emergency management capabilities. A CEM® can effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of any emergency management program in all environments with little or no additional training orientation.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

What is the best certification for a fire chief?

The best fire chief certification is Certified Fire Inspector I. The Certified Fire Inspector I is awarded by the National Fire Protection Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this fire chief certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Fire Inspector I, you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 5 year.
Best certifications

The most common combination of fire chief certifications include: Certified Fire Inspector I, Equipment Management Specialist (EMS), and Certified Law Enforcement Analysts (CLEA).

Online courses for fire chiefs to earn certifications

Advertising disclosure

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2. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert

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Learn everything there is to know about the Fire and Smoke Simulation in Blender!...

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Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

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11. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.

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12. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System

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13. OSHA Safety Training: Heat Stress Management

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14. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings

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A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...

15. NEBOSH health and safety Management System

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It Shows the Start point to Build your Health & safety Career and how to Join the field and becoming HSE Specialist...

16. Refresher course of Safety Management Systems

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A quick overview for aviation managers and safety professionals about basic concepts and philosophy of SMS...

17. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system

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Upgrate your health and safety career by understanding the requriements for an OH & S management system from ISO 45001...

18. OSHA Safety Pro: Hearing Protection Program

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Your guide to preventing hearing loss using OSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure Standards...

19. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

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A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

20. Health & Safety Risk Assessment

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Learn how to conduct a complete risk assessment in your workplace...

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