To become a fire alarm technician, you will be required to have either a high school diploma or GED. Earning certifications through The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) will help you land a role as a fire alarm technician. It’s likely also a requirement for many employers.
A career as a fire alarm technician can be very rewarding. While there are no official requirements to become a fire alarm tech in the state of Georgia, most companies will have similar preferences and requirements for employment regarding prior experience, certifications, and more.
Gain the right experience
A college degree is not a requirement to become a fire alarm technician, but you will need either a high school degree or GED for employment. From there, you’ll need to gain the proper experience. At the most basic level, you’ll want to be comfortable using handheld tools such as channel locks, drills, pipe wrenches, etc.
To take it to the next level, working as an electrician’s apprentice or for a security systems company can provide you with more technical skill sets that could lessen the learning curve on your path to becoming a fire alarm technician.
Prior development of these skills will help you land an apprenticeship or the opportunity to receive on-the-job training with a fire alarm company.
Earn the preferred certifications
Many fire protection companies may prefer that their fire alarm technicians hold, at minimum, a Fire Alarm Systems Level I certification from NICET. It’s common that companies pay for this certification if you are hired on without this certification. There is no requirement for technical experience to be eligible to sit for the Level I exam with NICET. Training is provided by the company, and once you have enough experience (which can vary by individual and employer), you will be sent for testing. Since the cost is typically paid by the company for which you work, the company wants to make sure you are able to pass the test. Most of the NFPA training is really meant for those that already have a good working knowledge of alarm systems. Experience with computers and electronics is a great starting place if you want to prepare while you gain professional experience.
If not required by the company you are applying to work for, earning your certificate with the NFPA is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge of fire alarm systems and beef up your resume. The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code training offered by NFPA was developed by industry experts to help ensure you’re well equipped for your role as a fire alarm technician.
Other important criteria
Employers will likely expect potential employees to have basic knowledge of computer systems and excellent customer service skills.
Due to the nature of the fire protection industry, it’s important that you’re willing and able to be on call for some 24-hour periods when scheduled. Some companies will require you to hold “on call” hours. It will also likely be a requirement that you hold a valid driver’s license in your state of employment.
If any required protective attire, such as steel toe work boots, hard hats, or safety goggles are not provided by your employer, you must be willing to supply it for yourself. Many fire protection companies will provide company vehicles to technicians since the equipment and tools required for the job will need to stay on a truck and be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Get started
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a fire alarm technician, consider Fire Systems, Inc. Visit our website to see all of our openings and apply today.
In business since 1986, Fire Systems, Inc is a leader in the fire protection industry. In addition to providing excellent, comprehensive service, Fire Systems, Inc. takes pride in caring for our employees. Our managers have an average tenure of over 25 years. If you have any questions regarding fire protection or a career as a fire alarm technician, give us a call at 770-333-7979.