Fire inspector and investigator training standards

Under the Fire Safety Act, local authorities must designate fire inspectors and fire investigators. The following documents are the minimum training standards for the designated fire inspectors and fire investigators as outlined in section 4 (1)(d) of the Fire Safety Act:

• Fire Safety Act Fire Inspector Training Standard (PDF, 159KB)
• Fire Safety Act Fire Investigator Training Standard (PDF, 168KB)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) forms are provided to help local authorities confirm that fire inspectors and investigators have the required skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of sections 8(2) and 23 (2) of the Fire Safety Act:

• Fire Inspector PLAR (Fillable Form) (PDF, 178KB)
• Fire Investigator PLAR (Fillable Form) (PDF, 241KB)

To help individuals meet these standards, the OFC offers Basic Fire Inspector Fundamentals and Basic Fire Investigator Fundamentals training courses.

Inspectors and investigators

If you already meet the standard

Complete a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to confirm your training:

• Fire Inspector PLAR (Fillable Form) (PDF, 178KB)
• Fire Investigator PLAR (Fillable Form) (PDF, 241KB)

If you don't meet the standard

You must complete the required training and pass the exam before September 30, 2026.

Required training

The Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) offers free, self-paced online training for fire inspectors and fire investigators through OpenSchoolBC:

• Basic Fire Inspector Fundamentals
• Basic Fire Investigator Fundamentals

Courses are designed to be completed within eight hours.

Fire inspectors and fire investigators who successfully complete the training, will:

• Meet the minimum fire inspector or fire investigator training standard
• Be able to fulfill their duties as outlined in the Fire Safety Act

How to access training

For more information

Please review the FSA Questions and Answers (PDF, 407KB).