As of January 1st, 2016

The FDSOA is revising the continuing education/re-certification process, and removing the “expiration date” on certificates. The revision and adopting of  NFPA 1521-2015 Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer prompted this decision.

The ISO standard was updated coinciding with the release of David Dodson’s Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, 3rd Edition.

The HSO standard was also updated. The FDSOA has chosen Angles 4th Edition, Occupational Safety and Health in the Emergency Services as the reference document.

In order to certify to the new standard, individuals must take the revised, 2015 standard, test and submit proof of competency in the  job performance requirements described in NFPA 1521.

The FDSOA has begun testing and certifying based on the new reference and standard.

In the past, re-certification was misunderstood and individuals believed they were certifying to the new revision of the standard by submitting proof of continuing education units and fire service experience.

The term re-certification is being replaced with the term “continuing education to maintain competency“. Maintaining competency is necessary in an ever changing fire service.

There are partners and procedures available that will allow individuals to personally verify their ongoing training as an ISO or HSO by completing continuing education. The FDSOA has several stakeholder associations that offer continuing educational opportunities.

• Those CEU stakeholders include:
  • Responder Safety Learning Network (approximately 16 learning modules available) 5 ceu’s per module.
  • National Fallen Firefighters Fire Hero Learning Network  –  5 CEU’s per module.
  • Firefighter Near-Miss Report of the Week  –  1 CEU per report.
  • VFIS University Distance Learning   –  5 CEU’s per module.
  • National Volunteer Fire Council Virtual Classroom  –  5 CEU’s per module.
• Other CEU (one CEU per contact hour) sources include:
  • After Action Analysis completed after significant incidents
  • Teaching or attending safety classes
  • Attending the FDSOA Annual Safety Forum

The new procedure recommends the individual maintenance of their original certification through the accrual of 20 CEU’s per year.

If you wish to apply for an FDSOA 5 yr certificate only (not ProBoard) showing your dedication and commitment to staying active and up to date, please fill out the FDSOA 5yr Completed Education Form. This form must be signed by your Chief Officer and costs $50 for FDSOA members, $150 for non-FDSOA members. Upon approval, you will be issued an FDSOA only 5yr Certificate. Reminder, you must test to the new standard to receive ProBoard certification.

For questions regarding your membership status – email membership@fdsoa.org

FDSOA 5yr Completed Education Form