ITM Training / Inspector Development Program

AFSA’s Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program provides a structured, 20-month blended-learning pathway for ITM technicians and fire sprinkler inspectors desiring comprehensive training in the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. The program integrates on-demand lessons, instructor-led webinars, in-person instruction, and robustly structured on-the-job training (OJT) with mentoring support. This combination reinforces a practical understanding of NFPA 25, system operation, field inspection techniques, documentation practices, and the roles and responsibilities involved in ITM work.

Participants develop hands-on skills in inspecting and testing wet, dry, standpipe, and other water-based system configurations. The curriculum emphasizes identifying deficiencies and impairments, verifying system conditions, interpreting NFPA 25 requirements accurately, documenting inspection results, and customer service skills. With its comprehensive design and extended training timeline, the program also provides strong preparation for the NICET Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems Levels I & II certification exams.

 

Details

This comprehensive program provides recommendations for implementation at every level and the need for a successful, ongoing program right from the start, including:

  • Explain the purpose and scope of NFPA standards governing the inspection and testing of water-based fire protection systems.
  • Identify required inspection tasks and documentation practices for common system types.
  • Apply standard inspection and testing procedures during supervised OJT.
  • Define the ITM requirements for sprinkler, wet, dry, preaction, deluge, standpipe, tank, and fire pump systems.
  • Demonstrate competency in performing inspection points, recording findings, and communicating deficiencies.
  • Interpret system conditions, inspection requirements, and maintenance needs using NFPA 25 criteria.
  • Prepare for NICET Levels I and II exams through guided technical development and hands-on field experience.

 

What’s Involved?

THREE KEY FIGURES play pivotal roles in the success of AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program.

AFSA

Deliver a blended learning environment to include:

  • 56 hours of on-demand courses
  • 22 hours of live, interactive web instruction
  • Live in-class lecture
  • Hands-on field and lab inspections and testing training
  • Limited class size maximizes student learning outcomes
  • Provide a guided and systematic process for the ‘green’ inspector trainee toward NICET I and NICET II certifications
  • Encourage and foster character-building traits: honesty, integrity, confidence, professionalism, neat appearance, organization, reliability, accountability, and credibility
  • Strengthen communication skills, both written (for noting inspection and testing observations) and verbal (communicating with customers)
  • Training and development program developed by seasoned industry experts with 65+ years of combined industry experience and 50+ years of teaching the fire protection community around the globe

Student, the New Inspector

  • Commit approximately 3 hours a week to program studies (much is online and on-demand).
  • Keep pace with program activities, including OJT tasks led by your supervisor as recommended in the program. OJT helps to ensure your readiness for pre-scheduled NICET exams.
  • Pursue studies to attain passing scores of 70+ on each assessment and exam.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. You are the face of your company!

Employer

  • Vet/recruit the right candidate(s) for this program. Consider a probationary period and use a promissory note (template included in the program) before enrollment.
  • Designate an in-house supervisor/instructor to oversee students’ ITM training.
  • Adhere to program activities and related timelines regarding OJT tasks as recommended.
    • Involves documenting and verifying work experience as required by NICET as part of their certification process.
    • Ensures the student keeps pace within the program cycle and is duly prepared as each new phase of this comprehensive 20-month program begins.

None

Pricing

Member Price: 

$5,230*

*Members – Easy Payment Plan:

  1. $1,555 upon registration
  2. $1,225 at 6 months
  3. $1,225 at 12 months
  4. $1,225 at 18 months

Nonmember Price:

$10,455

Prerequisites

None

Schedule / Enroll

2026 Spring Program 

Spring Schedule

2026 Summer Program 

Summer Schedule

Members Register    Nonmembers Register

 

General Program Timeline

MonthsModulesLearning Type
Months
1-6		MODULE 1: Core Curriculum – Introduction to the Trade

Roles of Inspector, fire science, water-based and non-water-based systems, water supplies, NFPA 25, safety, fall protection, PPE, ladders, electrical safety		Virtual Learning
Month
7		MODULE 2:

Inspection and testing procedures for fire pumps, standpipes, hose systems, private fire service mains, obstructions, valve interiors, gauges, dry systems, water flow and supervisory devices, no-flow pumps, antifreeze solutions.		In-Person training
MODULE 3: NICET Level I Exam and Preparation
Inspection and testing procedures for fire pumps, standpipes, hose systems, private fire service mains, obstructions, valve interiors, sprinklers, gauges, dry systems, water flow and supervisory devices, no-flow pumps, antifreeze solutions		In-Person training

Modules 2 and 3 are back-to-back, in-person training modules and include NICET I exam appointments at a local test center. NICET exam fees are not included with this Program.
Months
8-10		MODULE 4: Water Supplies and Fire Pumps

Hydraulic basics, calculating water flow, flow testing for hydrants, standpipes, and fire pumps, performance criteria		Virtual Learning
Months
11-19		MODULE 5: Advanced Inspection and Testing Procedures

Preplanning, professionalism, safety, liability, documentation. Advanced inspection and testing training on sprinkler systems, standpipes, private fire service mains, water storage tanks, obstructions, and fire pump performance.		Virtual Learning
Month
20		MODULE 6: Inspection and Testing Review and Field Work

Includes hands-on inspection and testing applications including system components, valves, signage, pump room, controllers, diesel engine components, water storage tanks, hydrants, private fire service mains, check valves, obstructions, FDCs, main drains, water flow alarms, supervisory devices, control valves, pressure gauges, no-flow fire pumps, dry systems, dry valves, antifreeze solutions		In-Person training
MODULE 7: NICET Level II Exam and Preparation

Practice exams, work management, documentation, and report.		In-Person training

Modules 6 and 7 are back-to-back and in-person and include live field, lab, and classroom training, along with the NICET II exam appointment at a local test center. NICET exam fees are not included with this Program.
Disclaimer: AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of the related NICET exams or certification by NICET.
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