Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Industry’s First Inspection,Testing and Maintenance Program Focuses on Growing ITM Segment
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to offer the industry’s first Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program in response to member demand. AFSA’s new ITM Inspector Development Program prepares candidates for NICET’s Level II certification exams for inspection and testing of water-based systems.
“AFSA is known for our outstanding apprentice training materials and much volunteer and staff time is devoted to keeping those materials up-to-date. Looking beyond apprentice training, we have responded to our members’ need for an outstanding training program for inspections, an increasingly important part of contractors’ business. The ITM Inspector Development Program is an comprehensive two-year program that encompasses written training materials, classroom instruction and distance training using webinars. This is an in-depth, intensive program that meets contractors’ needs because it was designed by contractors for contractors,” says Steve Muncy, president of AFSA.
The nation’s leading fire sprinkler authority, AFSA harnesses a great deal of knowledge on the subject of inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based systems, to further the success of these life- and property-saving systems, while also providing opportunity for professional growth and development within the industry. The need for qualified inspectors is evident throughout the country. Pairing this ITM Inspector Development Program with proper field training and supervision will better enable contractors to educate a “green” inspector in-house. This comprehensive program utilizes 56 hours of on-demand and 21 hours of live training courses combined with seven days of live in-class lectures and three-and-a-half days of hands-on lab testing and field inspections. Additionally, on-the-job training guidance is provided for both students and their employers to aid in the achievement of a NICET Level II certification in inspection and testing of water-based systems.
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; and NICET Level II Exam and Preparation.
The course, which was developed by leading industry professionals to address the growing need for skilled manpower in this rapidly growing segment of the market, is the culmination of over three years of planning and input based on the industry know-how of experienced contractors.
The project development team consists of contractors, writers, engineers and AFSA staff, including program facilitator George Wagner, AFSA Virginia Chapter, Mechanicsville, Virginia; and writers Bob Caputo and Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation, Phoenix. The ITM Development Committee consists of Lyle Hall, Western Fire Protection, Poway, California; Thomas McKinnon, Aegis Fire Systems Inc., Pleasanton, California; Jack Medovich, P.E., Fire and Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia; and Chris Stason, Victaulic, Easton, Pennsylvania Tvhe Review Committee is comprised of Jeff Lewis, VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Ashland, Virginia; Jack Medovich, P.E.; Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts; and Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, California.
“Lyle, [myself ] and the AFSA team would like to thank all those who have contributed their time and outstanding effort to make this new AFSA training curriculum possible,” says McKinnon, co-chair of the AFSA Apprenticeship & Education Committee. “The program consists of a two-year curriculum, potentially carrying the student through NICET Level II certification.”
Introductory pricing for the expansive 24-month program is $3,600 for AFSA members, and classes are limited to an enrollment of 20 students. If space permits, enrollment for non-members will open six weeks prior to the program start date. AFSA is now enrolling for its first program cycle beginning April 18, 2016.
To sign up online, visit firesprinkler.org or for more information, call (214) 349-5965.
Disclaimer: AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of the related NICET test elements or certification by NICET.
