Virginia Fire Marshal Academy Course Descriptions
This list includes course descriptions, prerequisites, text and equipment requirements, hours, recertification and standard/regulation information and any special notes. When a registration fee is required, please make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
If you have questions or require additional information about any of the courses listed below, please contact the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy at FMA@vdfp.virginia.gov.
Public/Community Outreach and Education
Fire Marshal Development
VFMA – Civilian Entry
This course was developed to assist civilians with developing a fundamental level of fire service knowledge before entering into the Fire Marshal courses.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $0
VFMA – 1031 Bridge Program
This program is intended for 1031 Fire Inspector accredited certificate holders seeking reciprocity to satisfy the requirements of Section 27.34-2 of the Code of Virginia regarding the authority to arrest, to procure and serve warrants of arrest and to issue summons or certificate holders that are classified as lapsed according to Virginia Certification Standard, Section 12VAC5-21-51 regarding issuance and maintenance of certificates.
Refer to the 1031 Bridge Flowchart for more information.
NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II
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 / activities.
Text: Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
Instructions for downloading course materials, i.e. PowerPoint slides, will be provided with registration confirmation.
Hours: 120 hours
Cost: Priority 1: $100
Priority 2: $250
Priority 3: $1,000
NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator
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
VFMA – Fire Marshal Law Enforcement School
The Virginia Fire Marshal Academy Basic Law Enforcement School is a 14-week, 560-hour, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services compliant basic law enforcement academy. The course curriculum covers all mandatory minimum compulsory training outcomes for law enforcement officers listed in the DCJS training manual.
The program consists of classroom instruction, field training exercises, practical skills evaluations, weekly quizzes, written tests and a comprehensive final written examination.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to: Ethics, Conflict Resolution and Situational De-escalation, Domestic Violence, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Basic and Tactical Firearms, Defensive Tactics and Control Techniques, Emergency Vehicle Operation, Active Shooter Response, Interview and Interrogation, and many others.
After completing the basic law enforcement academy, students will then be required to complete a 160-hour field training program where the graduate rides along with veteran, experienced officers who teach the fire marshal graduates how to apply the skills learned in the basic law enforcement school to real world scenarios.
Upon completion of the basic law enforcement school and field training, the law enforcement fire marshal will be fully prepared to embark on their new careers as fully sworn, law enforcement fire marshal investigators.
Prerequisites: NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator 1033
Equipment: A detailed list of equipment will be provided to confirmed students.
Hours: Approx. 560 hours
Cost: $300 – Includes the cost of a VFMA uniform, books, handouts, and forensic supplies.
VFMA – Environmental Investigations
A one week school designed for those individuals assigned the responsibility to investigate (by state or local authority) environmental situations, including illegal dumping or disposal of hazardous materials and waste.
Prerequisites: Hazmat Awareness. Student must be 18 years of age.
Equipment: SCBA, mask, and one spare bottle.
Hours: 40
Cost: $25