CFPA EUROPE - Fire Prevention and Security Training

Aims of the CFPA TRAINING Programme
1992 saw the culmination of work by the Training Commission on a new qualification in the
fire prevention field, which would be recognised throughout Europe. Co-operation between
the then fourteen members of CFPA Europe resulted in the launch of the CFPA Europe
Diploma.
The prime purpose of the new Diploma course was to enable organisations which operate
multiple sites across Europe to train staff to an independently recognised standard of fire
safety; it has actually found a much wider audience than originally anticipated.
The CFPA Diploma is a qualification offered by member organisations on behalf of CFPA Europe.
It is the first pan-European qualification in the fire safety field to provide for a common
level of attainment. All member associations have agreed to follow similar procedures and
to apply common examination criteria.
The course syllabus was developed by a working group of CFPA Europe members and contains
an element of flexibility which allows each participating association (a) to decide how
the training will be delivered and (b) to determine whether students’ existing qualifications
entitle them to exemption from some of the study requirements. The final qualification has
the same value, no matter which association provides the training and certification.
Applicants need not be in possession of a first degree. Those with a mixture of qualifications,
skills and experience will be considered. Students are assessed prior to acceptance
and may be offered a choice of study options where available. These may be on a full or part
time basis or, where appropriate, on a flexible correspondence / tutored programme. Many
associations also provide conversion courses allowing students with qualifications in other
disciplines to prepare for the examinations.
Award of the diploma is dependent on the students’ success in the final examinations. Although
slight variances may exist between the various participating countries in terms of
course frequency and methods of study, the examination principles are identical. Each examination
is validated by member associations and comprises firstly a theoretical question
paper. Students are then required to complete a practical case study management report
which may be presented for review by an independent panel either orally or in writing.
The Diploma forms part of a larger programme of courses at various levels, developed
by members of the CFPA Europe Training Commission. As with the Diploma, course contents
and attainment levels of other CFPA Europe qualifications are common throughout all
member associations but allow for flexibility in the training provision. The relevant national
member associations should be contacted to ascertain which of these courses they currently
offer.
An overview of the current range of courses accredited by CFPA Europe follows, along with
details of which courses are offered by each member organisation.
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