Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA Offers Two Inspector Development Program Classes in 2019
Start 2019 off right and
“Heading into a third year, it’s exciting to see one student after another commit to studying, make the grade, achieve certification, and share and apply the knowledge gained,” states AFSA Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts. “It’s been a rewarding process… this program was started to address members’ needs and I’m thrilled to see it succeed.”
AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program goes beyond just teaching the knowledge to pass a test, it also delivers professional development and training in customer service and technical skill.
The reviews coming in from students is positive. “Great program. I am immeasurably more valuable to my company and more competent as well,” comments one graduate. “From my observations, this training has helped me offer the best inspections in my area.”
AFSA was the first to offer an industry-wide Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program. The program, which launched its first group in 2016, prepares candidates for NICET’s Level II certification exams for inspection and testing of water-based systems in less than two years. The inaugural class has now graduated and had a 100 percent pass rate on their Level II inspection exam on the first try. And a vast majority of the class passed their testing and work practices exams for Level II on their first attempt. The students from that class can also boast a 91 percent first-time pass rate on NICET Level I I&T exams, and an 83 percent first-time pass rate on NICET Level II I&T exams.
The ITM program is a high-impact, dynamic program that strives to treat every student like a VIP through its variety of teaching methods. Professionalizing the role of the inspector, the program provides:
• a blend of on-demand, live webinar, and in-person instruction;
• a guided on-the-job training (OJT) learning plan; and
• classroom, fire training lab, mock walk-thru exercises, and NICET prep.
“It opened my eyes to a lot of things that I was doing that could have been a liability issue in the future,” remarks another ITM program graduate.
Coaching by our accomplished AFSA staff and industry experts empower students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, and its small class size allows instruction to be tailored to individual interests, strengths, and needs. The program, divided into seven modules, is comprised of a series of lessons that cover a particular topic within the scope of that module. Modules included are: Core Curriculum – Introduction to the Trade; NICET Level I Exam and Preparation; Fire Protection Systems and Inspection/ Testing Procedures; Water Supplies and Fire Pumps; Advanced Inspection and Testing Procedures; Inspection and Testing Review and Field Work.
“Coming from having a general familiarization with NFPA 25, this course helped me to truly master how to utilize the standard in an efficient way,” says a recent ITM program graduate.
There is limited opportunity in 2019 to register your ITM team. If you’re ready to professionalize your inspections team, AFSA is enrolling for its next class, launching April 2019. Introductory pricing for the expansive program is $4,250 for AFSA members ($8,500 for non-members), with classes limited to an enrollment of 20 students. Registration is open to AFSA members only until six weeks prior to the first class. Visit firesprinkler.org/itm.
