License: Inspector, Fire Protection Systems

Department of Housing and Community Development Training and Certification Office

501 North Second Street

Jackson Center

Richmond, VA 23219-1321

(804) 371-7180

To be eligible for certification as an Inspector, Fire Protection Systems an individual must meet the following criteria: (1) shall successfully complete an examination developed and administered by an approved testing agency; (2) shall submit an Application for Certification and a copy of the examination results from the testing agency to the Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Training and Certification Office. Fire Protection Inspectors in Virginia conduct on-site fire safety inspections and follow-up inspections for buildings to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Life Safety Code, and all referenced model codes and standards. Responsibilities also include preparing written technical reports and other correspondence based on all inspections and research findings and providing technical assistance and consulting services for fire safety-related and life safety-related interpretations, complaints, or code issues on state, local and private buildings. Training is provided as mandated by Virginia Certification Standards (VCS 13 VAC 5 - 21) through Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Virginia Building Code Academy (VBCA). VBCA programs are designed for individuals employed by local jurisdictions in Virginia in the occupations of building code official, fire code official, maintenance code official, and their technical assistants/inspectors. For more information on training and careers for Fire Inspectors visit the Department of Housing and Community Development's web site at: http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/