FPAS

Course Overview

Firefox Training offers these nationally recognised units of competency to individuals who are working towards becoming a Fire Safety Assessor, also called an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety), in NSW under the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS). A Fire Safety Assessor in NSW is responsible for auditing and assessing onsite fire safety measures for the purpose of informing an annual or supplementary fire safety statement. The training is customised to assist in students’ industry skills and to improve their employability.

The Fire Safety Assessment (FSA) class of accreditation under the FPAS Scheme accredits practitioners as individuals to act as a competent fire safety practitioner to undertake assessment of existing fire safety measures, for the purpose of informing an annual or supplementary fire safety statement, under Part 9 Division 5 and 7 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

To reflect the levels of complexity that some equipment and systems can present, two levels of accreditation are available for three specific fire safety measures:

• Automatic fire suppression systems, sprinklers
• Fire hydrant systems
• Automatic fire detection and alarm systems

For each fire safety measure, practitioners can select the appropriate level of work that best suits their individual needs and circumstances. Each level specifies the system types, configurations and the nature of work a practitioner at that level is accredited to undertake Fire Safety Assessment on, as well as any conditions that relate to the defined level.

Structure

Built for working fire protection technicians who are upskilling to become Fire Safety Assessors. Each pathway combines flexible online theory with practical workplace learning. Access engaging course materials from any desktop or mobile device, study at your own pace, and receive ongoing support from our qualified assessors throughout your training. Practical skills and assessment activities are completed in the workplace under the guidance of a qualified supervisor, ensuring students can immediately apply their learning in a real-world environment.

Upon completing the theoretical components of the course, students progress to the practical assessment stage. In most cases, competency is demonstrated in the workplace under the guidance of a suitably qualified supervisor or mentor, with our assessors working alongside both the student and supervisor to review workplace experience, written and verbal assessment activities, and supporting evidence such as video submissions.

Where appropriate and operationally viable, Firefox Training may also arrange an Assessment Block delivered by one of our qualified assessors at a suitable location. Students must still have sufficient workplace exposure and experience to demonstrate all practical skills and meet the assessment requirements of the qualification.

What does a Pathway mean?

In the NSW FSA accreditation, the classes of work are split into Fire Safety Measures (FSM’s) and depending on your work and your experience, you will need to select which Fire Safety Measures you will wish to apply to be accredited in.

One of the main things to understand is that a Certificate II Pathway means in order to complete accreditation via this pathway, you must already hold a Certificate II, or Higher, in one of the six approved areas of study.

Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Construction, Engineering or Property Services.

If you need to complete the Diploma Pathway, once again you will need to already hold a Diploma, or Higher, qualification in one of those 6 educational areas.

Which Pathway do I Need?

One of the most important things to determine is what Pathway you need to undertake.

Accreditation for basic levels of FSM are available via the Certificate II pathway. Other FSM’s including level 2 or above or working with mechanical ventilation, are considered to have higher educational requirements and need to be undertaken via the Diploma Pathway only.

It is important to note that the Certificate II Pathway and the Diploma Pathway offered are NOT a Certificate II or Diploma qualification, but only the group of other units you will require to hold, in addition to your Certificate II or Diploma.

We may be able to assist you in some cases to achieve one of these as a separate enrolment depending on your situation and experience in one of our qualifications.

The easiest way to check is to click on the Pathway buttons above and select the FSM’s you wish to apply for.

Units of Competency

The units of competency required is dependant on the Essential Fire Safety Measure(s) selected and any current relevant qualifications held. Click on ‘Enrol Now’ to select the Essential Safety Measures you require to identify which units of competency you need.

Firefox Training conducts a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment during the enrolment process for Direct Learning students to ensure students have the skills required to successfully undertake the qualification. As a guide, students should demonstrate skills equivalent to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Recognition of Prior Learning & Credit Transfers

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment-only process that recognises the skills and knowledge you have already gained through previous training, workplace experience or life experience. To be awarded competency through RPL, you must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the relevant unit(s) of competency.

Our RPL process is designed to recognise existing industry expertise—not to retrain experienced professionals. By focusing on evidence of competency, we provide an efficient pathway for eligible candidates to obtain nationally recognised outcomes while continuing to work in the industry.

If you have previously completed a unit of competency through another Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a Credit Transfer (CT). To apply, you will need to provide a certified copy of your Statement of Attainment or Qualification during the enrolment process. Where a Credit Transfer is granted, you will not be required to complete that unit again.

If you have any questions about the RPL process, your eligibility, or the evidence required to support your application, submit an Enquiry form on here or give us a call on 1300 119 141.

Qualification & Statement

On successful completion of these units, students will be awarded a Statement of Attainment.

Pathways & Career Opportunities

Students will develop skills that may lead to:

• Increased employability within the Fire Protection Industry.
• Further study to obtain other Units of Competency which are relevant to a variety of fire occupations.

Fees & Payment

Firefox Training offers a range of accredited and non-accredited courses, and eligible individuals may attract subsidies. As these arrangements vary from state to state and according to an individual’s circumstances, please contact Firefox Training to discuss these options.

Single Unit of Competency from $295 - $575

With single units of competency, full payment is required at commencement of learning.