Fire safety inspectors can help prevent fires before they start. Career requirements can vary by state. Learn more about the certification, education and training that's typically required to become a fire safety inspector.
Fire Safety Inspection Defined
Fire safety inspectors, also known as fire inspectors, examine buildings, homes and other facilities to ensure that they meet applicable fire safety codes and regulations. As a fire inspector, your job duties may include approving building design plans to ensure fire safety, writing detailed reports of the buildings you've inspected, verifying fire escape routes and reporting fire hazards in public buildings.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutFireSafetyInspectors"> Important Facts About Fire Safety Inspectors</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $64,600</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 6% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> State and local fire departments, insurance companies, attorney's offices</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Firefighters, police officers, detectives, private detectives, investigators</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---JobRequirements"> Job Requirements</h3><p>Most fire safety inspectors are employed by state or local government agencies, which typically identify positions by levels. For instance, an entry-level fire safety inspector may have a 'Level 1' designation. Higher levels indicate more senior inspectors with more duties and greater responsibilities.
</p><p>To become a fire safety inspector, candidates must satisfy state-specific training requirements, which may be achieved through on-the-job training or completion of formal training programs. A high school diploma may be the minimum requirement to qualify for on-the-job training, in addition to prior experience in fire suppression, perhaps as a volunteer firefighter.
</p><h3 id="section---TrainingOptions"> Training Options</h3><p>Some states don't require applicants to have prior training or experience. In Maryland, for example, an entry-level fire safety inspector may be hired for a probationary period and then complete the necessary requirements for becoming a Certified Fire Inspector I, a designation given by the National Fire Protection Association.
</p><p>On the other hand, the state of Florida requires fire safety inspectors to complete a minimum of 200 training hours and pass a state-administered written examination before applying for a position. Florida's Bureau of Fire Standards and Training also accepts equivalent fire safety training completed in a different state.
</p><p>Fire inspection training programs teach you the proper methods and skills needed to be a fire inspector, which include fire prevention, fire protection systems, blueprint reading and state fire codes. You can find these programs at community colleges, vocational institutes or private firefighter training schools.</p>
