At Winston’s Chimney Service, education and training within the fireplace and chimney industry is very important to us, and we take pride in our many certifications with national fire safety organizations. Along with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), our chimney technicians are also certified by FIRE, the Fireplace Investigation Research and Education Service as FIRE Inspectors and as FIRE Chimney Technicians. We would like to tell you more about these certifications to help you understand what we can do as chimney professionals.
What is the Fireplace Investigation Research and Education Service (FIRE)?
Established in 2000 after recognizing the need for subject specific training and education for the hearth industry, the FIRE Service is focused on the inspection and investigation of fireplaces, chimneys, vented appliances, and vent free products. The main goal of FIRE is to increase the knowledge and skill level of fireplace and chimney technicians relative to appliance chimney and vent installation, product performance, and professional inspection. The FIRE Service has become the recognized national leader of education in the field of inspection, fire and explosion investigation, and analysis through its regional and national training and education programs.
How do you become certified as a FIRE Inspector?
To receive certification as a FIRE Inspector, one must take part in 48 hours of intensive training, complete an additional five to ten hours of mandatory homework, and pass the FIRE Certification Exam. The FIRE Certification Exam is made up of 125 multiple choice questions from ten different domains, including Performance Knowledge and Industry Standards. These questions were developed to meet or exceed accepted scientific methods. To pass this exam, one must score 80 percent or higher. After successfully passing this exam, one must recertify it every three years to maintain certification. Recertification can be achieved by completing a 25-question open book exam based on the International Residential Building Code or by completing a qualified eight-hour educational class that relates to the hearth, fire investigation, or inspection industries.
How do you become certified as a FIRE Chimney Technician?
Intended for those in the hearth and mechanical industry who repair, sell, install, and provide service to venting systems and hearth related products, the FIRE Chimney Technician Certification involves participating in a two-day educational course and passing a closed book exam with multiple questions that represent every chapter of the FIRE Technician Handbook. Individuals must agree to follow the FIRE Technician Code of Ethics by signing this code after passing the exam.
Want to know more about our professional certifications? Contact Winston’s Chimney Service to talk to our staff about the fireplace and chimney services we proudly provide.