In 2003, the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council investigated complaints about
inconsistent application of the fire code from building industries. After investigation, the
council agreed that inconsistent application of the fire code is a statewide problem.
These findings emphasized the need to develop training programs and scope of practice
competencies for fire service personnel responsible for enforcing state or local fire codes.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Oregon Fire Marshals Association (OFMA)
established a committee to develop fire and life safety competency recognition standards.
The fire and life safety competency recognition standards identify the scope of practice,
training and technical certification, and experience required to administer and enforce the
Oregon Fire Code.
OREGON ADMINISTRATIVE RULE (OAR)
In 2022, the OSFM revised Oregon Administrative Rule Chapter 837, Division 039,
Administration of Fire Prevention Programs, establishing standardized certification and
training requirements for fire officials responsible for fire code administration and
enforcement.
The rule revision identified four levels of competency recognition standards:
- 1.Company Inspector
- 2.Oregon Fire Inspector 1
- 3.Oregon Fire Inspector 2
- 4.Oregon Fire Marshal
The revision updated the application process to obtain these levels and changed the
requirements for obtaining the Oregon fire marshal level.
Oregon fire departments determine the level of code enforcement services they provide
to their communities. Based on this analysis, the next step is to ensure all code
enforcement personnel meet the training and technical certifications for their scope of
practice. The information in this document will help determine the appropriate level of
competency recognition for your fire code enforcement personnel.
The competency recognition and education program is focused on fire and life safety
training, technical certifications, and experience to ensure competent fire code
enforcement in Oregon.
The educational training is designed to ensure fire officials responsible for enforcing fire
code have the same core level of understanding and knowledge.
The technical certifications include International Code Council (ICC) certifications. State
certification through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training’s (DPSST) fire
inspector task books, based on the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1031
standards for fire inspectors, and Oregon-specific training (through the OSFM).
Experience is the final element in professional development. While education provides
knowledge, experience provides the necessary skills. Experience in the recognition
program is represented through completing the DPSST’s NFPA fire inspector task books
and on-the-job training.
RECOGNITION LEVELS
The four fire and life safety competency recognition levels are designed to build upon each
other. Each level is outlined below with a high-level description of the scope of practice
associated with the recognition level. Fire officials who obtain recognition levels two, three,
or four and have their ICC fire plans examiner certification will receive an ICC fire plan
review endorsement on their competency recognition certificate.
The fire and life safety competency recognition program identifies four levels of
recognition. Each level has a scope of practice to identify the general code enforcement
duties associated with that scope of work.
LEVEL 1: COMPANY INSPECTOR
Conducts basic inspections using a checklist inspection form in business group B and
mercantile group M occupancies with no high pile or rack storage, group R1/R2
hotels/motels with 15 or fewer rooms, and self-storage occupancies. Has a high-level understanding of their legal authority to conduct inspections, common
fire code violations associated with these occupancies, and necessary steps to conduct
a systematic inspection.
LEVEL 2: OREGON FIRE INSPECTOR 1
Inspects structures to ensure compliance with applicable codes
- Performs common complaint-based inspections
- Identifies and applies corrective action to abate code violations
- Applies the codes to simple/moderate processes and associated equipment and
operations
- Assists staff and the public in code interpretation and application
- Prepares written documents and processes permits
- Participates in other legal enforcement remedies
- Provides court testimony
LEVEL 3: OREGON FIRE INSPECTOR 2
- Conducts complex complaint-based inspections
- Identifies and applies corrective action to abate code violations
- Applies the codes to complex processes and associated equipment and operations
- Recommends changes to fire codes
- Initiates legal enforcement actions
- Provides court testimony
- Recommends revisions to division policies
- Assists and instructs lower-level inspectors
- Ability to perform plan review to the extent occupancies can be classified, occupant
loads can be computed, protection systems plans can be reviewed, and verifies
compliant egress elements and construction type
LEVEL 4: OREGON FIRE MARSHAL
- Conducts and oversees inspections of highly complex facilities and operations
- Evaluates alternate methods of protection and compliance
- Evaluates emergency planning and procedures
- Has a robust knowledge of installing and testing fire protection systems
- Has experience in managing and developing a budget, division policy, recommending
code updates, coordinating fire prevention programs and services, establishing staff
development and mentoring programs, designing records management systems, and
understanding legal authority, processes, and limits of code enforcement
ICC FIRE PLANS EXAMINER ENDORSEMENT
Fire and life safety personnel who have their ICC fire plans examiner certification and ICC
Fire Inspector II certification will receive an ICC fire plans examiner endorsement on their
recognition certificate.
COMPANY INSPECTOR (LEVEL I)
- Successfully complete the OSFM’s company inspection training program
- Receive a test score of at least 70% on each module to obtain competency recognition
OREGON FIRE INSPECTOR 1 AND 2, AND FIRE MARSHAL (LEVELS 2-4)
The requirements for levels 2-4 are comprised of training and certification requirements
related to the scope of practice.
OREGON CORE CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVELS 2 – 4
- Authorities and Responsibility (online or classroom)
- Access and Water Supply (online or classroom)
- Oregon Basic Building Code (online)
- Oregon Basic Mechanical Code (online)
- Current Oregon Fire Code Amendment (online)
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
LEVEL 2: OREGON FIRE INSPECTOR 1
NFPA Fire Inspector 1 Certification
ICC Fire Inspector I Certification
LEVEL 3: OREGON FIRE INSPECTOR 2
NFPA Fire Inspector 2 Certification
ICC Fire Inspector 2 Certification
LEVEL 4: OREGON FIRE MARSHAL
OSFM Oregon Fire Marshal Administration Class (online or classroom)
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Candidates interested in pursuing fire and life safety competency recognition for Oregon
fire inspector 1, inspector 2, or fire marshal through the OSFM should first identify the
recognition level that meets their scope of practice.
If candidates do not meet the requirements (the required NFPA and ICC certifications),
they should first pursue the certification prior to applying for recognition.
After candidates determine the best fit for their training, technical certification, and
experience, they must complete the Oregon fire and life safety competency recognition
application.
The online application must be completed by the applicant, the fire marshal (if applicable),
and the fire chief. The applicant and fire chief are attesting the applicant has the required
training and certifications for the level they are applying for. The application is submitted
online; the applicant and fire chief will receive an email confirmation.
Application Process
Once the application is received, the OSFM has 30 days to process it. During the review,
the applicant’s training and certifications will be confirmed and the recognition certificate
will be mailed to the applicant. If an application is denied, the applicant and fire chief will
receive an email and the reason for the denial.
Maintenance Process
To maintain your competency recognition status, you must maintain:
- ICC certificate (through ICC) - fire inspector I or II (every 3 years)
- NFPA certification through either NFPA or DPSST
- Current Oregon fire code amendment class (through OSFM, online, or classroom) -
must be completed within the first year following every code cycle change
- Employment at a local fire authority having jurisdiction (fire district or municipality)
Inspector 1:
- ICC Fire Inspector 1 or 2
- NFPA Fire Inspector 1
- Oregon Fire Code Amendments Class
Inspector 2:
- ICC Fire Inspector 2
- NFPA Fire Inspector 2
- Oregon Fire Code Amendments Class
Fire Marshal:
- ICC Fire Inspector 2
- NFPA Fire Inspector 2
- Oregon Fire Code Amendments Class
To stay current with your competency recognition level, you must maintain the listed requirements. The Oregon fire code amendments class must be completed within 12 months following the effective date of the current state fire code. You are not required to renew your competency recognition level. You will automatically be considered in a lapsed status if any required certification lapses or you no longer work for a fire authority having jurisdiction (fire district or municipality).
View the status of the required certifications
ICC or DPSST
Oregon Administrative Rule 837-039-0016 establishes standardization for certification and
training requirements for fire officials responsible for fire code administration and
enforcement. Current inspectors must be in compliance. Newly hired and promoted
inspectors have one year to complete the required certifications and training.
If you are providing fire inspections without the appropriate state competency recognition
status, you could be held personally liable.
Oregon Fire Code Amendment Class
As explained in Oregon Administrative Rule 837-039-0016, this class is a high-level training
of the changes from the current version of the International Fire Code and Oregon
amendments. This class is required within the first year of every code cycle change to
maintain competency recognition for specialist I and II and fire marshal.
Oregon Basic Building Code
The basic building code training provides an understanding of building codes not in the
fire code but referenced in the fire code.
Oregon Basic Mechanical Code
The basic mechanical code training provides a comprehensive understanding of
mechanical exhaust systems as they relate to the Oregon Fire Code.
Oregon Company Inspector
The company inspection training provides a broad framework for fire personnel who have
little or no experience in conducting fire inspections. The course is designed to provide a
high-level understanding of the legal authority to conduct inspections associated with
certain occupancies and the various steps involved in the inspection process. The primary
audience is firefighting company personnel who conduct fire and life safety inspections.
After successful completion of the course, no further state requirements are necessary.
This course may be available through your local deputy state fire marshal, online, or from
a qualified fire agency. Contact OSFM for available classes at osfm.ofc@osfm.oregon.gov or
503-934-8256.
Authorities and Responsibilities
The authorities and responsibilities training (formerly fire and life safety awareness I) is
provided online or by OSFM deputy state fire marshals and provides a foundational
understanding of Oregon’s laws and attorney general opinions related to the power and
duties of the state fire marshal (SFM), assistants to the SFM, inspection procedures, due
process, investigation of fires, and fire and life safety concerns associated with assembly
occupancies.
Access and Water Supply
The access and water supply training (formerly fire and life safety awareness II) is provided
online or by OSFM deputy state fire marshals and provides a foundational understanding
of the general provisions of fire department access, water supplies, and fire flows as
established in the Oregon Fire Code (OFC) and NFPA 1142 Standards on Water Supplies
for Rural and Suburban Fire Fighting. Log onto Workday Oregon to register. Equivalency
includes ICC fire plans examiner.
ICC Fire Inspector I and II Certifications
The International Code Council (ICC) offers fire inspector I and II certifications. You must
pass a timed International Fire Code exam. The inspector I exam is a 2-hour open-book
exam with 60 multiple-choice questions. The inspector II exam is a 2-hour open-book
exam with 50 multiple-choice questions. The exams test knowledge in five areas: general
inspection administration, general provisions for fire safety, occupancies, regulated
materials, and processes. For more information, visit iccsafe.org.
NFPA Fire Inspector I and II Certifications
The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) offers a state
certification to demonstrate the individual has the requisite knowledge and skills to
perform within the scope of practice identified in NFPA 1031: Standard for Professional
Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner. For more information, visit
oregon.gov/DPSST. You can also hold a certificate directly from NFPA for either of these
levels.
ICC Fire Plans Examiner
The International Code Council offers a professional certification that demonstrates the
individual has the knowledge required to perform fire plan reviews. The fire plans
examiner certification tests knowledge in five areas: administration, occupancies,
hazardous materials, fire protection, and egress and safety. OAR 837-039-0011 requires
fire officials who want to provide full plan review input to the building official must obtain
this certification and their ICC fire inspector II certification. Workday Oregon
Fire service members and other outside agencies have access to the Workday Oregon
Learning Management System (WDL). The OSFM’s online learning management system can
be used to enroll in OSFM’s classroom and online courses. Create a new learner account
or log in here.