Section 141.120 Course Approval Equivalency

Courses not having prior Office approval, but that correlate with the content areas of the required courses by meeting the performance objectives required of the applicable NFPA Standard, may be granted equivalent status by the Office. The course must conclude with an evaluation of the individual's retention of course materials and will be approved for certification purposes only, not for training cost reimbursement. Equivalency for an approved course will be granted if the following conditions are met:

a)         Complete course outline with measurable objectives is submitted to the Office for review.  College catalog descriptions of a paragraph or less are not sufficient documentation for review.  The request for equivalency must be accompanied by a fee of $100.  This fee is non-refundable and must be in the form of a certified check or money order made payable to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  No personal checks are accepted.  A minimum of 80% of the course requirements must relate to the measurable objectives as illustrated by a checklist that may be requested from the Office.

b)         Courses will be audited by a member of the Division staff or another person designated by the Office.

c)         If a course is approved, a completion roster must be submitted, along with a record of attendance (hours).

d)         When a course is granted equivalency, the course participant will be allowed to take the State written and practical skills examinations one time.  Failure of either the written or practical skills examination will invalidate the equivalency determination and require the course participant to successfully complete the Office approved program prior to taking the State written and practical examinations a second time.