Fire inspector and investigator training standards
Last updated on December 1, 2025
Under the Fire Safety Act, local authorities are required to designate fire inspectors and fire investigators who meet the:
- Fire Safety Act Fire Inspector Training Standard (PDF, 159KB)
- Fire Safety Act Fire Investigator Training Standard (PDF, 168KB)
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
1. Connect with your supervisorāļø
They'll need to complete the training request form on your behalf.
2. Get login detailsāļø
Once the form is processed, the OFC will email your username, password and course link.
3. Complete the trainingāļø
Log in and finish the self-paced modules. Learn at your own pace from anywhere, anytime.
4. Pass the final examāļø
Score 80 percent or higher to earn your certificate. If you don’t, you can retry in 24 hours.
For more information
Please review the FSA Questions and Answers (PDF, 407KB).