Fire Protection Technician Challenge Exams

Since March 31, 1998 technicians have been able to write Challenge Exams in all disciplines. These exams are an excellent opportunity to demonstrate academic competence.

For example, if a technician wants to be formally certified in Fire Extinguishers, he/she only writes that exam. Fire Protection Technicians wanting certification in Smoke Control and HVAC, would be required to take and pass the Electrical/Electronics Core, Fire Alarms, as well as Smoke Control/ HVAC exams. On passing all three exams, the Board would certify for Fire Alarms and Smoke Control/HVAC. Then, if the technician also wanted Emergency Generator certification, he/she would not have to sit the Electrical/Electronic Core exam again, only the Emergency Generator exam.

These exams have been primarily written by practicing Fire Protection Technicians and Fire Prevention Officers and are approved by the Certification Board. Most significantly, before the exams are administered they will have been reviewed for content and validated by members of the Fire Protection Technician Institute of British Columbia (FPTIBC).

The pass mark is 80% and there are no re-writes. As this is a Challenge Exam provided by the Certification Board and not by BCIT, there are no 'course credits' attached to this exam. Should the technician fail the exam he/she will be required to take additional upgrading courses at an Institute acceptable to the Certification Board.

For those who are concerned about taking the exams click here to see sample questions. The exam content is based on the actual competencies for the Test and Inspection of equipment under that discipline, safety, general trade knowledge as well as applicable Codes and Standards. The exams will be 'open book' insofar as Code and Standards are concerned; you will be responsible for providing your own copies of the Codes and Standards applicable to the discipline.

The charge for each exam will be $85.00 plus HST. This fee is generally tax deductible and this may reduce your expense. This amount reflects the costs of developing each exam, administering the registration process, providing an examination location, supervising and marking the exam and making detailed recommendations on your behalf to the Certification Board. Please not the Electrical/Electronics core exam is free of charge.

Phone ASTTBC at (604) 585-2788 to reserve a space to write the challenge exam. Exams are scheduled at ASTTBCÕs office every Thursday from 12:00 to 4:00pm. Those living outside the Lower Mainland should call for an information bulletin.