Virtual Instruction Program (VIP)
Important Dates
| Course | Early Bird Registration | Regular Registration | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Begins Aug. 5, 2024 | Before June 21, 2024 | June 22- July 26, 2024 | July 27 - Sept. 6, 2024 |
| Download Level 1 Class Schedule | |||
| Level 2 - Begins Oct. 8, 2024 | Before Aug. 23, 2024 | Aug. 24 - Sept. 27, 2024 | Sept. 28 - Nov. 4, 2024 |
| Download Level 2 Class Schedule |
Overview
AFSA now offers a virtual instruction program (VIP) for the apprentice curriculum. The Sprinkler Fitting curriculum is now in its 4th edition. This version correlates with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition. These textbook materials are produced through a partnership between AFSA and NCCER.
Each level provides ten months of education to accompany the On-The-Job Learning (OJL) conducted by the employer. The education includes the Sprinkler Fitting textbooks, two live monthly sessions, performance tasks to reinforce the modules, self-study components, and assessments.
The live lessons are instructed by AFSA staff and subject matter experts. Each session will run for 2 hours and includes time for discussion. Lessons will be delivered twice each scheduled day to accommodate multiple time zones. A calendar will be provided with registration that contains specific dates. Participants are required to attend the live sessions.
Performance tasks are the execution of items that correspond to the lesson. This reinforcement increases the learning and retention of participants. The tasks are verified by the supervisor (employer) designated during VIP registration. These tasks must be finished to complete the level.
During the self-study portion, the apprentice is expected to read the accompanying sections that support the lesson and review any add-on resources, such as videos or articles that have been provided. The text provides questions with each module to help guide the apprentice and ensure key concepts are absorbed.
Also included are assessments via the learning management system. For Level 1 and Level 2, there will be one exam per module. For Levels 3 and 4, the number of assessments will be reduced from those corresponding to the 3rd edition of the textbooks, but for subjects that warrant it, there may be more than one exam per module. In addition, the testing will be virtually proctored, which adds strength to the quality of the education program.
Members
$2,000 + Enrollment Fee
Levels 1-4
Non-Members
$2,800 + Enrollment Fee
Levels 1-4
Coming Soon
Level 3 & Level 4
Enrollment Fees:
$425 – Early Registration
$475 – Regular Registration
$600 – Late Registration
- Live virtual instruction.
- Online testing for 24/7 access
- Online access to student history and grades
- Uses the 4th Edition of the Sprinkler Fitting Curriculum
VIP Live Training Schedule - 2024
| Lesson | Related Module# | Subjects | Performance Tasks | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 00100 18101 00101 | Course Introduction and Basic Safety: • Future with construction industry • Introduction to the fire sprinkler industry • Benefits of safety and reducing hazards | Course Introduction: No task for this lesson | 120 |
| 2 | 00101 | Basic Safety: • Importance of safety • Common construction hazards • Best practices for safety | Basic Safety: • Properly set up and climb/descend an extension ladder • Inspect PPE items and determine if they are safe to use • Properly don, fit, and remove PPE items • Inspect a typical power cord and GFCI to ensure their serviceability | 120 |
| 3 | 00102 | Construction Math: • Whole and fractional numbers • Tools for measuring lengths • Units | Construction Math: • Using a measuring tape in both English and metric units: o Measure lumber pieces o Measure a room-sized space o Determine a short inside measurement • Add English measurements that include fractions | 120 |
| 4 | 00103 | Hand Tools: • Introduction to common manual construction tools • Review of manual tools most common for sprinkler fitters | Hand Tools: • Inspect and demonstrate safe and proper use of the following hand tools: o Hammers, demolition tools, chisels and punches, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, non-adjustable wrenches, etc. | 120 |
| 5 | 00104 | Power Tools: • Drills, wrenches, and saws • Tools best suited for different tasks | Power Tools: • Demonstrate the use of the following tools: o Electric drill, hammer drill, circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, portable band saw, etc. | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due Lessons 1-5 | ||||
| 6 | 00105 | Construction Drawings: • Different types of drawings • Scales, symbols, and elements | Construction Drawings: • Using the provided plans: o Locate the noted items o Measure the specific rooms and features o Use an architect’s scale | 120 |
| 7 | 00106 | Rigging and Material Handling: • Use of rigging equipment • Safety precautions for material handling • Review equipment for material handling | Basic Rigging: • Demonstrate the proper ASME Emergency Stop hand signal. • Demonstrate the ability to report the load capacity of a sling, and if the sling is too damaged to use. | 120 |
| 8 | 00107 00108 | Communication and Employability Skills • Improve communication skills • Using critical thinking | Communication and Employability Skills • Perform a given task following oral instructions. • Fill out a work-related form provided by the instructor. • Read and interpret a set of instructions for properly donning a safety harness and then instruct another person on how to don the harness. | 120 |
| 9 | 18109 | Material Handling: • Safety precautions for material handling • Review equipment for material handling | Material Handling: • Demonstrate safe manual lifting techniques. • Demonstrate how to tie two of the following common knots: square, bowline, half hitch, or clove hitch. | 120 |
| 10 | 18101 | The Sprinkler Industry • Occupational overview • Begin identification of sprinklers and systems • Apprenticeship requirements | The Sprinkler Industry No tasks for this lesson. | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due – Lessons 6-10 | ||||
| 11 | 18102 | Components and Systems • Valves for fire sprinkler systems • Introduction to fire pumps | Components and Systems No tasks for this lesson. | 120 |
| 12 | 18102 | Components and Systems • Valves for fire sprinkler systems • Introduction to fire pumps | Components and Systems No tasks for this lesson. | 120 |
| 13 | 18103 | Steel Pipe • Identify different steel pipes and their standards • Methods of joining | Steel Pipe • Identify different steel pipes and applications • Cut and ream pipe. • Groove pipe and install grooved fittings. | 120 |
| 14 | 18103 | Steel Pipe • Details of flanged and plain-end fittings • Reviewing applications | Steel Pipe • Thread pipe and install threaded fittings. • Install flanged fittings. | 120 |
| 15 | 18104 | CPVC Pipe • Characteristics of CPVC • Joining methods | CPVC Pipe • Characteristics of CPVC • Joining methods | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due – Lessons 11-15 | ||||
| 16 | 18105 | Copper Tube • Identify different copper tubes and their standards • Methods of joining | Copper Tube • Identify different copper tubes and their standards • Methods of joining | 120 |
| 17 | 18103 18104 18105 | Piping • Reinforcement and comparison of piping materials • Uses for different materials | Piping • Reinforcement and comparison of piping materials • Uses for different materials | 120 |
| 18 | 18102 00105 | Components and Drawings • Reinforcement and connection for system components and drawing | Components and Drawings • Reinforcement and connection for system components and drawing | 120 |
| 19 | 18106 | Underground Pipe • Safety guidelines • Piping and components | Underground Pipe • Safety guidelines • Piping and components | 120 |
| 20 | 18106 | Underground Pipe • Support and restraining systems • Trenches • Testing requirements | Underground Pipe • Support and restraining systems • Trenches • Testing requirements | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due – Lessons 16-20 |
| Lesson | Related Module# | Subjects | Performance Tasks | Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18201 | Hangers, Supports, and Restraints: • Pipe hanger assemblies | Hangers, Supports, and Restraints: • Install a hanger on a wood joist • Install a post-installed anchor • Cut a hanger rod to a specified length | 120 |
| 2 | 18201 | Hangers, Supports, and Restraints: • Seismic bracing • Firestopping assemblies | Hangers, Supports, and Restraints: • Make up and install seismic brace. | 120 |
| 3 | 18202 | General Purpose Valves • Indicating control valves • Trim valves | General Purpose Valves • Install a gate valve. • Install a supervisory (tamper) switch. • Install a butterfly valve | 120 |
| 4 | 18202 | General Purpose Valves • Supply system valves • Pressure control and air venting valves | General Purpose Valves No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 5 | 18203 | Math for Sprinkler Fitters • Use basic math operations to solve problems. • Demonstrate practical calculation related to sprinkler systems. | Math for Sprinkler Fitters No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 6 | 18203 | Math for Sprinkler Fitters • Practice using math. | Math for Sprinkler Fitters No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due – Lessons 1-6 | ||||
| 7 | 18204 | Shop Drawings • Drawings used in sprinkler system installation. | Shop Drawings No tasks for this section | 120 |
| 8 | 18204 | Shop Drawings • Common symbols used in sprinkler system shop drawings • Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Shop Drawings • Use an instructor-supplied shop drawing to identify various types of information, including the sprinkler legend, title block, north arrow, sprinkler type and temperature, and pipe size. | 120 |
| 9 | 18204 | Shop Drawings • Practice /recap/creative development | Shop Drawings No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 10 | 18205 | Standard Spray Sprinklers • Standard spray sprinkler characteristics • Types of occupancies • Types of construction | Standard Spray Sprinklers No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 11 | 18205 | Standard Spray Sprinklers • Sprinkler spacing requirements | Standard Spray Sprinklers • Given an instructor-supplied obstruction scenario, space a standard coverage spray sprinkler to avoid obstruction. • Determine the maximum sprinkler spacing based on different types of construction. | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due – Lessons 7-11 | ||||
| 12 | 18206 | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Wet pipe sprinkler system control valves | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 13 | 18206 | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Types of switches | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 14 | 18206 | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Hydrostatic testing and system troubleshooting | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 15 | 18206 | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Summary/comprehension of wet systems. | Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 16 | 18207 | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Dry pipe sprinkler system valves | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 17 | 18207 | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Pitching piping and installing drains • Air sources and air maintenance devices | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 18 | 18207 | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Testing and troubleshooting dry pipe sprinkler systems | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Complete a Contractor’s Material and Test certificate for Aboveground Piping for a dry pipe sprinkler system. | 120 |
| 19 | 18207 | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems • Summary/comprehension of dry systems | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| 20 | ALL | Course Review • Test the knowledge gained throughout this course. | Course Review No tasks for this section. | 120 |
| Supervisor Performance Task Log Due – Lessons 12-20 |
For detailed information on the sprinkler fitting series, please click here.