Fire Inspection
Certificate
Curriculum code 1285
Course Requirements                   Public Service Web Site

In Moraine Valley Community College's Fire Inspection Program, students will have the opportunity to develop professional skills and individual technological expertise in fire prevention.

This certificate, which requires fewer credit hours to complete than an associate's degree, is intended to lead to employment. Students considering transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree using the courses from this program, should make an appointment with an academic advisor to review options.

Nature of Work—Most fire departments have a fire prevention division, usually headed by a fire marshal and staffed by fire inspectors. Workers in this division conduct inspections of structures to prevent fires and ensure compliance with fire codes. These firefighters also work with developers and planners to check and approve plans for new buildings. Fire prevention personnel often speak on these subjects in schools and before public assemblies and civic organizations.

Graduates of the Fire Inspection Program are knowledgeable of general building construction and related building codes. They can evaluate the applicability of installed fire detection and suppression systems based upon the type of occupancy, construction and/or hazards present; conduct fire inspections, evaluate specific fire safety conditions on and in public and private property; prepare and maintain various reports associated with a fire prevention bureau; present evidence of fire code violations in court proceedings; prepare and conduct public education programs.

Related Job Titles—Fire inspector, industrial loss prevention personnel, public safety personnel, and insurance personnel

Employment Outlook—Employment of firefighters is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Most job growth will occur as volunteer fire-fighting positions are converted to paid positions in growing suburban areas. In addition to job growth, openings are expected to result from the need to replace firefighters who retire, stop working for other reasons or transfer to other occupations.

Median annual earnings of fire inspectors and investigators were $46,340 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,030 and $58,260 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,490. Fire inspectors and investigators employed in local government earned about $48,020 per year. Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics. For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.