Path to Certification: Mastering the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems

The Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems (ITFAS) certification is a credential for professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of fire alarm systems. Divided into Level I and Level II, this certification establishes a clear progression of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for effective inspection and testing practices.

Level I Certification

To earn the ITFAS Level I Certification, candidates must pass one of the following:

• ITFAS Level I Exam,
• FAS Level I Exam, or
• FAS Level I and II Exams.

Performance Verification 

Candidates must obtain supervisor verification of their performance on all ITFAS Level I Performance Measures.

Work History Requirements

Applicants must document a minimum of 6 months of experience in the inspection and testing of existing fire alarm systems. This experience must include:

• At least 4 months of periodic inspection and testing of existing fire alarm systems (mandatory),
• Up to 2 months of installation and/or maintenance of fire alarm systems (optional),
• Up to 2 months of initial acceptance testing of new fire alarm systems (optional),
• Up to 2 months of experience in acceptance testing, inspection/testing, and/or maintenance of sprinkler or special hazards fire suppression systems (optional).

Note: Time periods are calculated as full-time equivalents and may include related interfaces and suppression systems detection and control.

Level II Certification

To achieve Level II Certification, candidates must pass:

ITFAS Level I and II Exams, 

or FAS III and/or FAS IV Exams.

Performance Verification 

Supervisor verification is required for all ITFAS Level I and II Performance Measures.

Work History Requirements

In addition to the 6 months required for Level I, candidates must have 12 additional months of relevant experience. This must include:

• At least 6 months of periodic or maintenance inspection/testing of complex fire alarm systems (mandatory),
• Up to 4 months of installation and/or maintenance of fire alarm systems (optional),
• Up to 4 months of initial acceptance testing of new complex fire alarm systems (optional),
• Up to 2 months of experience with sprinkler or special hazards fire suppression systems (optional).

Complex systems may include: supervisory systems, networked control units, smoke control interfaces, multi-zone voice systems, high-rise applications, and ERCES (e.g., DAS, BDA, IBPSC).

The ITFAS certification pathway ensures that professionals are not only knowledgeable about fire alarm systems but also have hands-on experience with both standard and complex setups. By combining rigorous examinations with supervisor-verified performance and detailed work history requirements, the certification promotes industry best practices and enhances life safety outcomes through competent inspection and testing.