Logo for Virginia State Fire Marshal Academy

Contact Information

Tom Berry
Assistant Chief, Virginia Fire Marshal Academy
Phone: 804-249-7266
Email: tom.berry@vdfp.virginia.gov

Recertification Information

Continuing Education Requirements

Helpful Links

Department of Housing and Community Development

Virginia Chapter – International Association of Arson Investigators

Virginia Fire Prevention Association

VBCA Course Schedule

 

Virginia Fire Marshal Academy (VFMA)

The VFMA is a branch within the Virginia Department of Fire Programs responsible for the delivery of professional courses and development for public educators, fire inspectors, and fire investigators. Our branch delivers approximately 20 courses per year throughout the Commonwealth, including basic courses and professional development. The VFMA also is the approval conduit to certificate maintenance for NFPA 1031 and 1033 continuing education.

To register for any of the courses below, please find the course in Cornerstone OnDemand. Note: Review the course details when registering because there may be additional requirements beyond registering in Cornerstone OnDemand.

Please send all general correspondence, including course applications, course requests and transcript audit requests to FMA@vdfp.virginia.gov.

VFMA School Schedule 2025

Topic Location Class Starts Class Ends Registration Open Registration Closes
NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Chesapeake Jan. 13, 2025 Jan. 24, 2025
Course Description

NFPA 1031

This 120-hour ProBoard certified course is designed for the individual conducting fire inspections, life safety surveys/inspection, and fire code enforcement for multi-occupancy structures. The Fire Inspector II course satisfies the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner, Chapter 5 “Fire Inspector II.” It is designed around classroom lectures and individual activities to provide the student the needed skills and knowledge to conduct multiple occupancy fire inspections.

Prerequisites: Firefighter Level II and Hazardous Materials Awareness OR VFMA Civilian Entry Process Certification

Requirements: Students must complete written and practical skills testing, homework assignments and participate in all practical exercises.

Texts: Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Virginia Building Construction Manual, Fire Prevention Inspection & Code Enforcement 4th Edition

Hours: 120

Cost: Priority 1: $100

 

VFMA School Schedule 2024

Topic Location Class Starts Class Ends Registration Open Registration Closes
NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator Fairfax Dec. 2, 2024 Dec. 20, 2024
Course Description

NFPA 1033

This 160-hour ProBoard certified course targets fire investigators, police officers, and company-level officers with a desire to learn more about determining the origin and cause of fire. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: Determining the Point of Origin, Burn Patterns, Evidence Collection and Analysis, Interviewing Techniques, and Court Procedure and Testifying.  The Fire Investigator course satisfies the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator.

Prerequisites: Firefighter Level II and Virginia recognized Hazardous Materials Awareness OR VFMA Civilian Entry
Testing: Students must successfully complete written and practical skills testing. Details of the testing process will be provided on the first day of class.
Texts:  NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation

Required Equipment:  Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment, long sleeve shirt and pants, steel toe shoes / boots, leather gloves, hard hat and respiratory protection (N95, N100, or filter mask approved for carbon and asbestos), flashlight, notebook, pen / pencil, digital camera.
Hours: 160
Cost:   Priority 1: $100