Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician
• Fire Science/Fire-fighting
• Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Post-secondary training, plus work experience

Fire inspectors and investigators, as well as forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists, typically have previous work experience as a firefighter. These workers need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and receive on-the-job-training in inspection and investigation.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Many arson investigators typically have previous work experience as a firefighter or police officer, as well as attend training academies and receive on-the-job training in inspection and investigation.

Getting the job involves taking a test and being put on an eligibility list. Once you're accepted off the list and hired on as an investigator, there are numerous classes that you take to become a better arson investigator.

Classes include firearms, arson, detective school, arson tactics, bomb detection and hate crimes.

Arson investigator Don Braziel says that his fire department likes to hire people who have at least taken classes in arson investigation.

Michael Schlatman, a past board member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), emphasizes the need to stay in school. "The way it is now, you're hardly going to get by without a bachelor's. We highly recommend a degree in fire science, fire technology or criminal justice."

The IAAI has chapters in both the U.S. and Canada. It offers specialized training courses every year to keep investigators up to date.

Extra Requirements

Many states have certification exams that cover information on standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. Many states require additional training for inspectors and investigators each year in order for them to maintain their certification. The National Fire Protection Association also offers several certifications, such as Certified Fire Inspector and Certified Fire Protection Specialist, for fire inspectors. Fire investigators may also choose to pursue certification from a nationally recognized professional association, such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) - Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) - Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI).

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.firearson.com
• http://www.nafi.org
• http://www.nfpa.org