National Independent Fire Alarm Distributors 


NIFAD has been serving the USA since 1976. 2026 is our 50th Anniversary
50 Years of Collaboration ... Our History




Fire Alarm Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Certification Training Program

... Training you can use in the field.

REGISTER HERE FOR TRAINING

NIFAD Members: Click Here  ($525.)
You will be asked to Login with NIFAD Member credentials,
and then you will transition to the IPSI website to create an account and register for training.

Non Members:  Click Here ($595.)
You will transition to the IPSI website to create an account and register for training. 

If you are looking for hands on situational training, the Fire Alarm courses offered by International Public Safety Institute (IPSI) are designed for practical, real world experience including important electrical theory.   Unlike primarily code-based training venues, IPSI certification programs offer field-based, practical instruction.  IPSI training can be directly applied to your daily work environment.

by: Jeffrey G. Knight, Dean of Education, International Public Safety Institute

Mr. Knight is a licensed journeyman and master electrician and has over 50 years of experience in the fire alarm, public safety signaling, emergency communications and electrical field. He is a registered private vocational school instructor teaching apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician and life safety system courses along with continuing education programs. He is a principal member and past chair the NFPA 72 Technical Committee on Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems. He served as the Superintendent of Fire Alarm & Communications and Chief Inspector of Wires for the City of Newton, Massachusetts Fire Department for 27 years.

Overview: Fire Alarm Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Certified Technician.  Developed by the IMSA Educational Foundation and presented by the International Public Safety Institute Instructors (IPSI).

Who should attend: Fire Alarm Technicians, AHJ's, new personnel interested in becoming certified technicians, and those desiring continuing education CEUs.

Overview & Requirements:

  • 16 hour course with testing.
  • Successful students will receive a 3-year technician certification and ICC CEUs.
  • Choice of Classrooms: Online course (4 – 4 hour modules) or in person (2 - 8 hour days)

    Cost: 
  • ONLINE:  Online courses are advertised at a set NIFAD member and non Member fee. (See course below) 
  • IN PERSON:  Priced per number of students and location.  Contact NIFAD.


Fire Alarm Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Certified Technician

  • Online Course: 4 - 4 hour sessions starting at 11 AM EST, and ending at 3:30 PM (breaks are given during the day). 
  • Platform:  GoToTraining
  • Cost: NIFAD Member:  $525.00 | NON NIFAD Member:  $595.00
  • All classes include a comprehensive student manual, exam, and one free retake.
  • This Class Schedule:

    Class Registration Link coming soon

Important Details!
  • Deadline to register:  You must register at least 2 weeks prior to any course (especially online) to receive your class materials.  We will accept late registrations however you will be charged an express shipping charge to receive your class materials.

  • Make Up Classes: If you miss 1 or 2 of the sessions you can make them up during the next seasonal training.  If you miss more than 2 classes you can still take the test - however it may be difficult to pass.

  • Refunds:  Refunds are allowed up to 30 days before first class.  IPSI reserves the right to charge for expenses if class material has already been sent.

NOT A MEMBER?  Consider Joining to Save $$Money.
1) Review Membership Categories and apply.  If you can identify as an AHJ, there is no cost for membership.
2) After your membership is approved, login and register as a member for a reduced cost.
3) Questions or problems?  Contact CathyTabor@nifad.com

IPSI Fire Alarm Installation, Testing and Maintenance Modules (overview)

Module 1 (4 hours):  ICC Course No. 49723
Module 1 covers fire alarm systems introduction and general requirements including definitions, qualifications and responsibilities; impairments, deficiencies and observations; releasing systems and other suppression systems; emergency control functions and required documentation; test plans; the first half of equipment review and installation requirements including control units; power supplies; circuits and pathways; monitoring for integrity; non-power limited circuits and power limited circuits and wiring; circuit separation, initiating devices, and notification appliances.

Learning objectives

  • Explain the importance of an inspection and testing program.
  • Understand the documentation requirements for system testing and inspection and the qualifications for ITS personnel.
  • Describe the Inspection criteria for initial inspections and periodic inspections including frequency and describe inspection methods.
  • Describe features and functions of control equipment.

Module 2 (4 hours): ICC Course No. 49724
Module 2 covers the second half of equipment review and installation requirements including control units; power supplies; circuits and pathways; monitoring for integrity; non-power limited circuits and power limited circuits and wiring; circuit separation, initiating devices, and notification appliances. This module also covers fire alarm system inspections to include inspection criteria.

Learning objectives

  • Explain installation requirements, operating theory and spacing requirements for initiating devices.
  • Explain operating theory, installation requirements and spacing for notification appliances.
  • Identify circuit classes and circuit types.
  • Understanding conventional and addressable control units

Module 3 (4 hours): ICC Course No. 49725
Module 3 covers testing requirements including preparation; initial acceptance tests; reacceptance tests; periodic tests, special tests; test methods and frequencies.

Learning objectives

  • Explain the purpose of fire alarm testing programs.
  • Describe the difference between inspections and tests and between acceptance and periodic tests.
  • Understand the standards required for fire safety control functions.
  • Describe the methods for re-acceptance tests.

Module 4 (4 hours): ICC Course No. 49726
Module 4 covers maintenance and record keeping including warranty, service contracts, recordkeeping, inspector’s check lists and system inventories.

Learning objectives

  • Explain factors that affect fire alarm system maintenance.
  • Identify records that must be completed upon completion of ITM activities.
  • Identify permanent records that owners must retain and records that supervising stations must retain.
  • Describe the difference between shop drawings and record drawings.

Additional Certification Programs Available: 
IMSA has developed the following certification programs, examinations & copyright materials. 
If you are interested is additional training opportunities, contact us for more information:

  • Interior Fire Alarm Technician Level I and Interior Fire Alarm Technician Level II
  • Public Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems Technician Level I and Level II
  • Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician

About IPSI ... The International Public Safety Institute was established as a not-for-profit educational institution (501(c)(6) dedicated
to serving the training and certification needs of public safety professionals working in a multitude of technical fields.
The directors of the Institute possess over 250 years of hands-on technical experience as they guide our operations. 

IPSI dedicated to YOUR success in protecting the safety of the public. www.ipsinh.org



125 Church Street, Suite 90-382

Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359


Voice:  781-319-8001 | EMail: CathyTabor@nifad.com


NIFAD is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software