Fire Marshals certified by the International Code Council have a boot up when applying for a new, broad-based designation launched by the Center for Public Safety Excellence's Commission on Professional Credentialing.

With the cooperation of the Code Council, the CPC Fire Marshal (FM) Designation Program recognizes individuals holding a current ICC Fire Marshal Certification as having met the necessary technical competencies in building and fire code administration. ICC certification, along with the appropriate levels of higher education and years of experience as a fire prevention officer, exempts CPC FM candidates from completing 17 technical competencies.

ICC-certified candidates still will have to meet other minimum eligibility requirements in the form of academic achievements and practical experience. In addition, the process also assesses contributions to the fire prevention field in the way of professional articles, public speaking, teaching and research as well as professional memberships, community and civic involvement and technical competence, all of which is peer reviewed.

CPC FM candidates also must assemble a portfolio demonstrating excellence in seven key areas: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, professional memberships and affiliations, community service and technical competencies. Those exhibiting extensive experience and educational background may meet the eligibility requirements to exempt them from having to complete the technical competency section.

The CPC created the Fire Marshal designation in July 2011 following the "whole" officer model it developed in 2000 for the Chief Fire Officer credential. The program is a verification and recognition of past accomplishments and a starting point for future achievements.

"When contemplating what the next professional designation should be, the Commission on Professional Credentialing was quick to embrace the Fire Marshal Designation," said CPC Commissioner Rick Mason, CFO. "It makes sense that those who enforce our fire codes, teach citizens fire prevention and find the cause of destructive fires should have a professional designation. Having the designation will both show professionalism of the individual, as well as the professionalism of the department."

"We are excited that the Center’s CPC Fire Marshal Designation recognizes the ongoing professional development efforts of our ICC-certified Fire Marshals," said Fulton Cochran of the Henderson, Nevada, Building & Fire Safety Department and Chair of the Governing Committee of the ICC Fire Service Membership Council. "This designation supports our Membership Council's commitment to public safety, code development and firefighter safety, and offers an excellent road map for individuals choosing to enhance their careers in the fire prevention profession."

Click here to learn more about the CPC Fire Marshal designation or to begin the application process.