Training and Certification

The SPSA offers training and certification for first responders to measure their skills and knowledge against recognized international standards. In addition to responder specific training, the SPSA offers courses to help first responders successfully use Incident Command System principles in order to coordinate with the emergency Management structures. 

A variety of training courses for first responders and emergency management organizations are available. Courses are offered at locations around the province to help people in local authorities build capacity in fire protection and emergency preparedness. If your community or first responder agency are interested in attending one of the following Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) courses.

ICS I-100: Incident Command System – Orientation

The Incident Command System (ICS) represents organizational best practices and has become the standard for emergency management across the country. This course will cover the basics of the Incident Command model of emergency management. All members of emergency services should take this course so they are aware of how the Incident Command model works. For more details about the national program, visit the ICS Canada website.

Prerequisite:

N/A

• Available online resources (no cost)
  
  • Self-Paced Student Workbook
  • Introduction to ICS Final Exam
• A certificate will be issued once you successfully complete the self-study test and submit it to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

ICS I-200: Basic Incident Command System for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

This two-day, in-class course provides training on and resources for those who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the Incident Command System during an emergency response. To request this training, please contact spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

Intended Audience for ICS 200 Training: Fire Service Officers, EMO / Emergency Managers, Community EOC Members, Police / EMS / Emergency Officers / Supervisors, and applicable Ministry / Agency Personnel.

Note: Fire Service Minimum Standards Guide reference to ICS 200 training is focused on Fire Officers.

Prerequisites:

• ICS I-100

ICS I-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents

This three-day, in-class course is designed to enable you to operate efficiently using the ICS in a supervisory role on expanding incidents. To request this training, please contact spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

Prerequisites:

• ICS I-100
• ICS I-200

ICS I-400: Advanced Incident Command System

This two-day, in-class course is designed to enable you to operate efficiently in the advanced application of the Incident Command System. This course provides training for personnel who are expected to perform in a management capacity in a complex incident environment. To request this training, please contact spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

Prerequisites:

• ICS I-100
• ICS I-200
• ICS I-300

ICS I-402: Incident Command System for Executives

This half-day, in-class course is designed for community executives to have a “high level” understanding of the incident command system and how ICS can be adopted within community emergency management. To request this training, please contact spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

Prerequisites:

N/A

ICS Instructor Qualifications and Application – Information Only

Are you interested in becoming an Incident Command System instructor? Review the Instructor Standards above before completing your ICS Instructor Qualification Application form. Please submit all completed applications for review to spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

Visit the ICS website https://www.icscanada.ca/ to view a current list of qualified ICS training providers and contractors across Canada.

Incident Command System (ICS) Course, Student and Instructor Standards – Information Only

The ICS is a management system designed to enable effective, efficient incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure. It represents organizational "best practices" and has become the standard for emergency management across the country.

• Download ICS Course, Student and Instructor Standards 

Wildland Fire Suppression Awareness

This two-day awareness course is designed for firefighters and individuals who directly and indirectly encounter and fight wildland fires in Saskatchewan. The in-class information provided will assist firefighters in identifying safe and informed strategies when fighting wildland fires. To request this training, please contact spsatraining@gov.sk.ca.

Prerequisites:

• Recommended – ICS-100 Incident Command System Orientation

Flexible Data Management Records Management System (FDM RMS) Training

RMS helps small to large size public safety agencies manage data. It is module based, captures data and includes:

• National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) reporting
• Asset module
• Apparatus module
• Attendees’ module
• Training module

RMS training is offered virtually or in person, upon request. Please contact spsatraining@gov.sk.ca to book a training session.

Emergency Vehicle Operations (previously SEVO)

Training under review

Volunteer firefighters may use their personal vehicles during an emergency, but they must complete the Emergency Vehicle Operations training before they can use emergency warning devices on their vehicles. This follows provincial legislation – The Traffic Safety Act.

Prerequisites:

• Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Use personal vehicle for volunteer fire department ‘emergency’ responses
• Vehicle ‘must’ be registered as a Light Vehicle

Fire Service Certification (IFSAC)

Many fire departments use certification when assessing firefighters for advancement or when hiring new members.

Saskatchewan follows National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards for the professional qualification of firefighters. The SPSA is accredited under the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) to certify firefighters under selected NFPA Standards.

Firefighters who want to gain certification are known as participants. A candidate challenges the standard or standards they wish to complete. Certification is gained through a combination of recognized prerequisites, written evaluations and practical skills evaluation. Each standard has a different set of prerequisite, theory and skills requirements. Please complete this registration form to request a certification. This registration form must be submitted 60 days prior to requested evaluation date.

Fire Fighter 2019 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)
1001 Level 1 & 2 - Written	Kindersley, SK	Kindersley Fire Department	TBD	May 26, 2023
1001 Level 1 & 2 - Practical	Kindersley, SK	Kindersley Fire Department	TBD	May 27, 2023
1001 Level 1 - Written & Practical	Emerald Park, SK	Emerald Park Fire Department	TBD	Jun 2-3, 2023
Driver/Operator 2019 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)
Fire Officer 2009 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)
Investigator 2009 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)
Instructor 2019 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)
1041 - Level 2	Prince Albert, SK	SPSA Staff	Garett Her	TBD
HAZMAT 2019 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)
1072 Awareness and Operations - Written & Practical	White City, SK	White City Fire Department	ERT	Mar 25, 2023
1072 Awareness and Operations - Written & Practical	Bethune, SK	K + S Potash Canada	Garett Her	Apr 20, 2023
1072 Awareness and Operations - Written & Practical	Britannia, SK	Britannia Fire Department	TBD	May 5-7, 2023
1072 Awareness and Operations - Written & Practical	Carnduff, SK	Carnduff Fire Department	TBD	Jun 3, 2023
1072 Awareness - Written	Regina Beach, SK	Regina Beach Fire Department	TBD	TBD
1072 Awareness - Practical	Regina Beach, SK	Regina Beach Fire Department	TBD	TBD
1081 2018 Edition
Standard	Location	Host Organization	Certified Examiners	Planned Date(s)

*Closed program: Only participants from the Host Organization will be allowed to participate.

**Open Program: Participants not affiliated with the Host Organization can contact that organization to request inclusion in the certification portion of the program. If accepted, SPSA must be notified immediately to update the certification participant roster.

MORE RESOURCES

Evaluation and Certification Guide (2021)
Evaluation and Certification guide for firefighters and emergency responders.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix A - Provincial Recognition of Training
Provides details of the process to be followed when fire fighters are applying for Provincial Recognition of local training they have taken.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix C - NFPA 1001 FireFighter
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NFPA Standard 1001 - Fire Fighting Professional Qualifications.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix D - NFPA 1002 Driver-Operator
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NFPA Standard 1002 - Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix E - NFPA 1021 Fire Officer
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NPFA Standard 1021 - Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix G - NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NFPA Standard 1033 - Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix H - NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NFPA Standard 1041 - Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix I - NFPA 1072 Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NFPA Standard 1072 - Standard for Hazards Materials Professional Qualifications.

Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix J - NFPA 1081 Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade
Provides details of the requirements to be completed for certification under NFPA Standard 1081 - Standard for Facility Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications.