True to our mission, AFSA offers a variety of apprentice training, inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) programs, design training for all levels (including hydraulic calculations), monthly educational webinars, and seminars all designed to develop the knowledge of the fire sprinkler industry and promote technical best practices.
This course is designed for those new to the industry. Participants will explore the critical role of sprinkler systems in fire protection and life safety while gaining insight into the basics of fire dynamics. We will identify the functions of fire sprinklers within various occupancies and include hands-on activities.
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Features Include
- Online testing for 24/7 access
- Modules for customizing your own program
- Visual aids to assist with learning
- Online access to student history and grades
This apprentice program is written from a contractor’s point of view. Each level of the series includes photographs, drawings, and tables to provide instruction on proper installation techniques and the use of tools. Test materials are provided to allow student testing periodically.
The four levels are divided into modules. Each module includes a series of lessons that cover a particular topic within the scope of that module. Convenient online testing is included to assess learner knowledge periodically. For security purposes, a proctor password can be set up (and is strongly recommended) at your request to 1) ensure the integrity of student testing and 2) prevent the student from testing without proctor approval or supervision.
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Features Include
Watch this recorded webinar to find out more about this program.
The success of your Student and this Virtual Instruction Program relies heavily upon three key parties over an approximate ten-month period:
• Apprentice (Student)
• Employer/Supervisor
• American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
You need well-trained employees who can work quickly and correctly to get the edge on the competition. It takes training to get that leading edge. Enrolling your employees in the AFSA Apprenticeship Training Series for Sprinkler Fitters will reap the benefits of a qualified, professional installation crew. Well-trained employees will work more efficiently, increasing your company’s productivity and, in turn, its profits.
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Overview
- Hybrid (Virtual and In-Person) – AFSA’s Beginning Design School is re-designed for a hybrid approach with (6) live webinars offered first, followed by (1) week of in-person instruction.
- Traditional (In-Person Only) – This learning approach includes ten days of in-person training over the course of two weeks
Learning Objectives
- Accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications.
- Determine the proper sprinkler system layout and installation requirements and methods.
- Interpret sprinkler specifications, plans (shop drawings), manufacturer’s technical data sheets, and flow tests.
- Identify sprinkler types, system types, pipe types, hangers, fittings, system components, etc.
- Explain the coordination with other trades — plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural.
- Prepare hand sprinkler drawings and hydraulic calculations and identify the hydraulic inputs to explain computer outputs.
The Beginning Design School presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Over a three-week period, students will attend six live webinars studying and reviewing the installation and design approach requirements of NFPA 13 (2022 ed.) while completing self-paced exercises and module assessments. Q&A sessions and open discussions will also be included as part of the online instruction. The second part of the class will be a week of in-person training, preparing fire sprinkler system layouts, shop drawings, and hydraulic calculations by hand. The course concludes with a comprehensive exam of the class content, including the installation requirements and hydraulics. There is no CAD or third-party software taught in this class.
Prerequisites
This class is designed for trainees and entry-level technicians with at least six months of experience and those with experience in the sprinkler trade looking to transition to system layout.
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Experienced layout technicians will find this blended learning course useful to understand the tools they utilize in-depth and gain a deeper knowledge of layouts for standpipe systems, fire pumps, seismic protection, and the design requirements for general storage. In addition to mastering requirements in NFPA 13, NFPA 14, and NFPA 20, students will utilize computer modeling software to apply design requirements learned throughout the course, becoming familiar with the BIM process. This course begins with an orientation and two 3-hour webinars followed by five days of in-person instruction.
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This three-day, in-person workshop provides a deep dive into the principles of hydraulics including the different types of pressure, calculating changes in pressure (elevation and friction loss), and node analysis. Students will receive classroom instruction, work through examples, and validate the work through hydraulic calculation software.
This three-day, in-person workshop provides a deep dive into advanced hydraulic principles for standpipe systems, fire pump assemblies, and water storage tanks. Students will receive classroom instruction, work through examples, and complete practice exercises.
Features Include
- Hiring recommendations
- Applicant screening tips
- Training record keeping
- Pay scale suggestions
- Progressive training guidelines
- Candidate sample promissory note
AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program utilizes on-demand and live training courses combined with a robustly-structured on the job training (OJT) and mentoring program with the goal for candidates to pass NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exams in less than two years.
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AFSA’s NFPA 25 Essentials Workshop course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the essential procedures and best practices for ensuring sprinkler systems’ proper functioning and reliability based on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
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AFSA’s NFPA 25 Advanced Systems Workshop is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of fire protection professionals, technicians, and individuals responsible for the comprehensive maintenance and compliance of fire sprinkler systems. Building upon the foundational concepts of NFPA 25, this course explores intermediate-level skills and advanced topics, providing participants with a deeper understanding of inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) procedures.
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AFSA’s NFPA 25 Fire Pump Workshop is designed to provide ITM technicians, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and facilities managers with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills related to fire pump installations and the necessary ITM procedures.
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Although there are other organizations that certify individuals as being competent in the inspection and testing aspects of NFPA 25, ASSE International developed the ASSE 15000 certification program to raise the bar for fire protection industry personnel and ensure public safety. Individuals who are certified to ASSE 15010 have the ability to knowledgeably and skillfully inspect, test, and maintain water-based fire protection systems to the satisfaction of the fire protection industry and beyond the minimum requirements of NFPA 25.
Features Include
Continuing education helps inform contractors of upcoming changes, innovations, code issues, and industry standards. Technology is advancing and contractors need to know how to install and service all systems as new technologies are being introduced.
Remain competitive by keeping up to date regarding issues that impact the dynamic and challenging construction industry through continuing education.
Courses Include
Never stop learning! With advances in technology and changes to codes and standards, continuing education is vital to keep contractors, designers, and AHJs informed of upcoming changes and innovations.
Remain competitive while earning and renewing your professional credentials. Stay up to date regarding issues that impact the dynamic and evolving construction industry.
ETI (Educational Training Institute) is your premier destination for online continuing education in the fire safety industry. At ETI, we are dedicated to providing top-tier educational experiences for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in fire safety and prevention. Our comprehensive courses are designed to cater to the needs of fire sprinkler contractors, water-based inspectors, fire alarm technicians, fire equipment dealers, and permit holders.
AFSA Technical Review
The experience of the Technical Services Department is an excellent resource for answering questions on the codes and standards.