Training and Certification | SPSA
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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

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.

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
PPSTN Training

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has developed a comprehensive training program to ensure that Provincial Public Safety Telecommunications Network (PPSTN) users can gain the skill set to use the PPSTN effectively. Every public safety responder must ensure that they are familiar with both in-agency and interagency communication equipment and protocols. This training is available at no cost to all PPSTN authorized radio users. The courses are delivered online, in a classroom, or with a combination of both methods. The training modules each take approximately one to two hours to complete and include:

  • Full Radio Training, focusing on new radio users.
  • Essentials Radio Training, refresher for experienced and new radio users.
  • Tactical Communications, multi-agency communications for all radio users.

For more information on the administration of the PPSTN system, to register, or
for support with any courses, please call the PPSTN Helpdesk at 1-888-953-3693
or email us at ppstnradiotraining@pa911.com.

Emergency Vehicle Operations (previously SEVO)
 

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. For more information, download our fact sheet.

Fire Service Certification (IFSAC)

Certification requirements are commonly used by fire departments for three primary objectives.

  1. They are employed to set a baseline of knowledge and skills that must meet the minimum standards for firefighter training.
  2. These procedures enable the evaluation of firefighters' advancement within their career trajectories.
  3. They play a crucial role in the selection of new members as part of the recruitment process.

In Saskatchewan, the SPSA adheres to the professional qualification benchmarks established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. Under the aegis of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), the SPSA is accredited to provide certification for firefighters based on specific NFPA Standards.

The SPSA has entered into a collaboration with Suncrest College to enhance the certification process for firefighters. Drawing upon their expertise in student records management and assessment methods, Suncrest College's involvement is aimed at refining the certification procedure.

For firefighters aspiring to attain certification, the prerequisite is being a member in good standing of a Saskatchewan fire department or another eligible emergency service unit. Once training is successfully concluded, firefighters may then enroll in the certification track. Certification is acquired through a blend of established prerequisites, written assessments and hands-on skills evaluations.

Notably, each distinct standard encompasses a unique array of prerequisites, theoretical knowledge and practical skill requisites. Refer to the appropriate appendix in the Certification, Endorsement and Evaluation Guide for details on the certification requirements for each NFPA standard.

To initiate the certification procedure, please finalize this registration form. It is imperative to ensure the submission of this Registration Form at least 60 days prior
to the desired evaluation date. Please note that responses may be generated by the SPSA or Suncrest College.

Provincial Recognition of Training

In certain instances, some fire departments do not mandate firefighters to acquire IFSAC Certification. The SPSA has developed the Provincial Recognition of Training to acknowledge the diversity in learning pathways within the firefighting community. This distinctive pathway places emphasis on training programs specifically designed to fulfill the job performance requirements associated with specific firefighting skills.

The SPSA's innovative approach underscores a recognition of the multifaceted nature of firefighting expertise. While IFSAC Certification serves as a widely accepted standard, the SPSA acknowledges that proficiency can also be demonstrated through comprehensive training modules tailored to address the nuanced demands of various firefighting competencies and will endorse firefighters who complete such training with a Provincial Recognition of Training Certificate.

 

MORE RESOURCES

OFC Evaluation and Certification Guide
This guide offers comprehensive insights into the certification process in Saskatchewan. The accompanying appendices provide details regarding certification according to a particular NFPA Standard, outlining all
prerequisites for obtaining certification.
 
OFC Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix I - NFPA 1072 Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response

OFC Evaluation and Certification Guide - Appendix J - NFPA 1081 Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade 

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