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Plans Review for Fire and Life Safety R0393

Training Specialist


Keith Heckler
301-447-1380

Delivery type


6-day on-campus

Continuing education units


4.0

ACE recommendation


In the lower-division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in fire protection engineering.

Intermediate-level course

This intermediate-level, 6-day course will assist students in verifying that construction documents comply with applicable building and fire codes for fire protection and life safety requirements.

Subjects addressed in the course include:

  • Site plan reviews for emergency apparatus access, water supply and hydrants for fire protection.
  • Review of architectural drawings for construction requirements, means of egress for life safety, and fire-resistive compartmentalization.
  • Evaluation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
  • Evaluation of exit illumination and emergency power supplies.
  • Assessment of the need for built-in fire protection systems and smoke control/management systems.

Pre-course materials and course syllabus

Welcome Letter, Pre-course Assignment: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/ax/pcm/pcm_r0393.pdf PDF 187KB
Course Syllabus: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/ax/syll/syllabus_r0393.pdf PDF 299KB

Students will include full-time fire inspectors, deputy fire marshals, fire investigators, fire plans examiners, building officials, building plans examiners, and building inspectors with at least one-year on-the-job experience who have responsibility for reviewing construction plans for code compliance. Applicants who are transitioning into or acquiring additional responsibilities must submit a letter from the chief or organizational head of their department stating such information.

Students must have an understanding of fire protection principles and fire behavior, familiarity with the building and fire codes, and understand the legal aspects of code enforcement. The students must have a conceptual understanding of the purpose of the fire and building codes to protect occupants and the community.

Note: Local jurisdictions are encouraged to submit applications of both their fire and building plans examiners to attend a course together if both meet the selection criteria. Priority selection will be given for up to five pairs of such officials per course offering. 

Incident Command System (ICS)-100-level and ICS-200-level training. Preferred courses are Q0462 and Q0463, available through NFA Online. Chief's signature attests that the applicant has completed this required training.

Required pre-course work available through NFA Online:

  • Q0751 - Principles of Building Construction.

Upcoming offerings

Dates Availability Location Contact(s) CCP
May 19 - 24, 2024 Wait List Opportunity Apply Emmitsburg, Maryland
August 25 - 30, 2024 Apply by 4/15 Apply Emmitsburg, Maryland