ProBoard Certificates now Available from IFSI

The University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) is now offering ProBoard Fire Service Professional Qualifications System certificates for all IFSI courses that are accredited by the ProBoard. ProBoard is internationally-recognized as a means to acknowledge professional achievement in the fire service and serves to standardize responder training around the world. ProBoard certificates are similar to those of the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians.

IFSI is currently Pro-Board accredited for Rope Rescue Operations and Technician; Confined Space Operations and Technician; Fire Apparatus Engineer; Fire Inspector I and II; Fire Instructor I and II; Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations; and Incident Safety Officer. For these courses, the ProBoard Seal appears on certificates downloaded from IFSI’s Web site when available after class completion. The fee for the certificate is included in the class tuition.

Firefighters that have an Illinois Fire Officer I or II certificate from Illinois’ Office of the State Fire Marshal can apply to IFSI for a ProBoard certificate for their respective level. There is a $15 application fee for the Fire Officer I and II ProBoard certificates.

If a firefighter obtained their certificates for any of the above courses from an agency in Illinois other than IFSI, they can challenge the IFSI ProBoard Accredited exam. This process involves paying a fee, taking a written exam and completing course practicals. Upon successful completion, the firefighter is eligible to apply for a ProBoard certificate.

In the coming months, IFSI will be focusing on accrediting its Firefighter Basic and Advanced (NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II respectively), Hazardous Materials Technician A and B Programs, Structural Collapse Operations and Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Operations and Technician, and Trench Operations and Technician courses.

Currently there are 60 agencies that are accredited by ProBoard around the world. IFSI is the only organization in Illinois recognized by ProBoard. More information about ProBoard is available at www.theproboard.org. Brian Brauer is the official contact for more IFSI-specific information. He can be reached at brbrauer@fsi.illinois.edu.

The Illinois Fire Service Institute is the statutory fire academy for the state of Illinois. In addition to training provided at the Champaign campus, the Institute offers DHS grant-approved technical rescue, HAZMAT and NIMS training, hands-on fire officer training, online classes and conducts training throughout the state at Regional Training Centers and local fire stations. The mission of the Illinois Fire Service Institute is to help firefighters do their work through training, education, information, and research.

For more information about the Institute, call 217-333-8921.

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