If you are thinking about becoming a firefighter, you may have already heard of the International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). That is because this organization is responsible for accrediting both public service certification programs and higher education fire-related degree programs. It is important to choose a fire academy that is approved by a state, as well as a member of IFSAC. The following is a quick guide to the IFSAC:
- It is a nonprofit organization that exists to increase the level of professionalism of the fire service.
- For a program to be accredited, a site team of three trained staff members examines all aspects of the applicant certification system in relation to the Criteria for Certificate Accreditation.
- Many fire training companies list their programs as IFSAC accredited; however, according to IFSAC, there is no such thing. The best way to find out if the IFSAC has accredited a program is to view the list of members on their website. If a company is not on that list, it is not recognized or supported by the IFSAC.