Fire Alarm Systems Training
Fire Alarm technicians design, install, service, and inspect fire alarm and voice evacuation systems. Codes require fire alarm technicians to be properly trained and certified. Properly trained and knowledgeable fire alarm system designers and technicians will reduce losses due to fire or false alarms and improve the quality of life in the community.
Cape Fear Community College offers our Fire Alarm Systems Training courses online and allows anyone with an internet connection to take the course. You are not required to have US citizenship, but the course is taught only in English. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies or NICET “is a non-profit organization created by the National Society of Professional Engineers to serve the certification needs of the engineering technology community.” Fire Alarm Systems Training endorses and encourages NICET certification.
Cape Fear Community College offers Fire Alarm Systems Training through two paths. Students may register for Alarms 101 and Alarms 102 courses or they may register for the Apprenticeship Program.
Search & Register for Upcoming CoursesApprenticeship Program
Fire Alarm Apprenticeship courses begin in the summer (middle of July) and are one year in length each. In total, a student will complete 578 hours of instruction.
This program is a registered apprenticeship program through the Department of Labor. Upon completion of the four-level/four-year program, apprentices will receive their journeyman card and certificate. The apprenticeship is open to students nationwide and encourages NICET certification.
Job & Industry
As of May 2019, the mean hourly wage for fire alarm systems technicians is $24.14.
For additional employment statistics for this industry, visit bls.gov .
Course Information
Courses
This course is designed for individuals new to the fire alarm industry and will focus on fundamentals. Students will learn basic electrical theory and understand resistance, voltage, and current. Individuals currently in the fire alarm industry would benefit from the concepts and theories which will be built upon in the Alarms 102 course.
Students will also acquire a basic understanding of the physics involved in chemical reactions and the by-products of fire. Students will learn essential electrical workmanship and installation methods of fire alarm equipment and devices. The student will gain an understanding of the requirements of codes and standards that govern fire alarm systems and installations. (14.4 CEUs awarded)
Students will become familiar with NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (NEC). These references are consistent with NICET’s allowable references for Level I and II Fire Alarm Systems exam(s).
Spring: January – April | Summer: May-August | Fall: September – December
This course is designed for fire alarm technicians with intermediate experience in the fire alarm industry and will focus on application and design. The subject matter will build upon concepts addressing the behavior and generation of smoke, the combustion process, and the requirements of codes and standards that govern fire alarm systems and installations. (14.4 CEUs awarded)
Students will become familiar with NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (NEC), NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, and the International Building (IBC). These references are consistent with NICET’s allowable references for Level III and IV Fire Alarm Systems exam(s).
Spring: January – April | Summer: May-August | Fall: September – December
Testimonials
“I received the benefit of the earlier version of Paul’s F.A.ST. course back in 2009 or 2010 and shared it with my coworkers. The foundations have helped me produce compliant fire alarm drawing packages throughout my career. Although there are many training options available, I am yet to see a course that blends to perfection the science behind fire alarm technology with its intimate relationship to code and compliance. Paul with CFCC describes every aspect so clearly that anyone can apply all the principles immediately. This Fire Alarm Systems Training is a priceless treasure and should be taught and encouraged at all levels of expertise. It fixes up newbies for life and keeps veterans on track. Thank you, Paul and CFCC, for your legacy to the industry!” — Manny Diaz
Scholarships
The Cape Fear Community College Foundation has established a scholarship for our Alarms 101 and Alarms 102 courses and NICET exam reimbursement. The John E. Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund will enhance the quality of life in our community by cultivating Life Safety (Fire Alarm) Engineering Technicians and promoting industry certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). Cape Fear Community College scholarships come from the reimbursement for continuing education courses. CFCC does not award scholarship funds before enrollment or tuition payment for a course.
If selected, you will receive the scholarship funds upon meeting the eligibility requirements and providing this application with proof of exam participation. Download the form below and return to pinferrera@cfcc.edu . Scholarships are limited and awarded on a first-come basis.
Access the applicationEndorsements
The following participating Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s) will accept FAST Certificate of Completion as “qualified” per NFPA 72:
Please contact pinferrera@cfcc.edu to add your department or agency.
NICET Recognized Training Provider
See Certification Requirements
Industry Partner
