Sprinkler Fitting Training Series
AFSA’s Sprinkler Fitting apprenticeship training series is the premier choice for merit shop fire protection contractors seeking quality apprenticeship training for new installers. This four-level series is written by contractors for contractors.
The Sprinkler Fitting series has evolved over 40+ years to guide employers’ instruction of apprentices on best practices for the installation of water-based fire protection systems. The curriculum is comprised of printed textbooks for student study, online assessments, and digital instructor resources.
What Does Sprinkler Fitting Cover?
Select from the tabs at the bottom of this page to view the organization and learning content for each course level.
How Do Employers Use It?
The Sprinkler Fitting series is intended to be used as the basis for registered apprenticeship. Its instruction is administered in conjunction with employer-led On-the-Job Learning (OJL, or OJT). While studying the curriculum, apprentices also receive hands-on training from the employer in the form of OJL and related performance tasks.
For instruction of the Sprinkler Fitting series, AFSA offers two delivery options. Choose the one that best suits your company’s needs.
Curriculum: This ‘traditional’ method is for companies that want to conduct their own in-house instruction using the Sprinkler Fitting books and related exams provided by AFSA. This method provides flexibility for employers to determine the schedule and pace of their own classroom instruction.
Virtual Instruction Program (VIP): This newer option shifts the classroom instruction from the employer to AFSA. Over a ten-month period (per course level), AFSA’s expert instructors deliver twenty virtual lessons to VIP apprentices. This is an ideal option for companies that prefer to focus on the field or hands-on training, and outsource the classroom instruction to AFSA.
Both delivery methods utilize the same Sprinkler Fitting series. For more details about how to implement this apprenticeship training, including registration with the U.S. Department of Labor and/or your State Apprenticeship Agency, visit How It Works.
How Do Apprentices Take Exams?
For new enrollees, a student account is created in AFSA’s Canvas Learning Management Systems (LMS). With the purchase of a course level, an account is created for your student to access module exams.
All exams (Curriculum and VIP) are proctored using Integrity Advocate, a virtual proctoring solution that is designed to meet students wherever they are. This software verifies the identity of the student, monitors the exam session for potential flags, and is compatible across multiple devices (tablets, phones, computers).
When Do Apprentices Take Exams?
Curriculum: All exams are made available in the student’s account at the same time. The employer determines and communicates expected course and exam schedule to the apprentice.
VIP: Exams and other course assignments are made available at scheduled points throughout the duration of the 10-month class (per course level).
Who Teaches It?
Curriculum: The employer designates the instructor and determines the course schedule, class times, exam dates, start dates, end dates, etc.
VIP: AFSA is the primary instructor via live webinar instruction. The employer, in conjunction with AFSA instruction, continues to provide and oversee the hands-on learning in the form of performance tasks and on-the-job learning (OJL, or OJT).
Are There Resources for Employers’ Instructors?
There are lesson plans, PowerPoints, performance profile forms, and practice quizzes digitally available at no cost to employers using the Sprinkler Fitting curriculum. Request them using this form.
Comparison of AFSA Apprenticeship Training Options
| Curriculum | VIP | |
|---|---|---|
4th Edition Sprinkler Fitting Books | Yes | Yes |
Canvas Testing Platform | Yes | Yes |
Proctored Assessments | Yes | Yes |
Live Lesson Instruction | Employer | AFSA |
Duration | Self-Paced | 10-Months/Level |
Industry Expert Access | No | Yes |
Performance Tasks Meaurements | Employer | Employer-led, AFSA verified |
On-the-Job Learning (OJL, OJT) | Employer | Employer |
Apprentice Program Registration (Dept. of Labor) | Employer | Employer |
AFSA National Guideline Standards (NGS) available | Employer | Employer |
COST | $495/Level | $2,000/Level + enrollment fee |
Curriculum
Level 1
This level comprises Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills, 6th Edition, and Sprinkler Fitting: Level 1, 4th Edition. The course is divided into modules. The subjects and their learning objectives are found below.
16 Modules
Upon completion of Level 1, the trainee will be awarded 15.5 CEUs (155 Credit Hours).
Module 00100 Build Your Future in Construction (2.5 hours)
- Describe the construction industry.
- Explain the benefits of a construction career.
- Describe the typical career path for craft professionals.
- Identify ways to pursue a career in the construction industry.
Module 00101 Basic Safety (12.5 hours)
- Explain the benefits of safety, the cost of workplace incidents, and ways to reduce related hazards.
- Describe common fall hazards and methods to prevent them.
- Recognize and avoid struck-by and caught-in-between hazards.
- Identify common electrical hazards and how to avoid them.
- Associate personal protective equipment (PPE) with the hazards they reduce or eliminate.
- Describe safety practices used with other common job-site hazards.
Module 00102 Introduction to Construction Math (10 hours)
- Identify whole numbers and solve basic arithmetic problems with them.
- Name fraction types and calculate with fractions.
- Identify decimal numbers and calculate with them.
- Name the common length-measuring tools and use them to measure lengths accurately.
- Name common length, weight, volume, and temperature units in both the inch-pound and metric systems and convert them into other comparable units.
- Classify angles and geometric shapes, as well as calculate their areas or volumes.
Module 00103 Introduction to Hand Tools (12.5 hours)
- Name common hand tools and state how to use them.
- Identify common measurement and layout tools and describe how to use them.
- Identify and describe other hand tools common to shops and job sites.
Module 00104 Introduction to Power Tools (10 hours)
- Identify and explain how to use various types of power drills and impact wrenches.
- Identify and explain how to use various types of power saws.
- Describe the types of jobs best suited to grinders and oscillating multi-tools.
- Identify and explain how to use miscellaneous power tools.
Module 00105 Introduction to Construction Drawings (10 hours)
- Describe components and features used in construction drawings and identify how the drawings are different.
Module 00106 Introduction to Basic Rigging (7.5 hours)
- Identify and describe various types of rigging slings, hardware, and equipment.
Module 00107 Basic Communication Skills (7.5 hours)
- Describe the communication, listening, and speaking processes and their relationship to job performance.
- Describe good reading and writing skills and their relationship to job performance.
Module 00108 Basic Employability Skills (7.5 hours)
- Describe the opportunities in the construction businesses and how to enter the construction workforce.
- Explain the importance of critical thinking and how to solve problems.
- Explain the importance of social skills and identify ways good social skills are applied in the construction trade.
Module 00109 Introduction to Material Handling (5 hours)
- Identify the basic concepts of material handling and common safety precautions.
- Identify various types of material handling equipment and describe how they are used.
Module 18101 Occupational Overview: The Sprinkler Industry (5 hours)
- Identify the various types of sprinkler systems and the tools used to install them.
- Identify the codes and standards applicable to sprinkler systems.
- Understand the apprenticeship training process for sprinkler fitters.
Module 18102 Introduction to Components and Systems (10 hours)
- Identify the operation of the four main types of sprinkler systems.
- Identify the nationally recognized testing laboratories used to evaluate sprinkler system components.
- Identify common sprinklers and their operating characteristics.
- Identify different types of piping, valves, and fire pumps.
Module 18103 Steel Pipe and Fittings (20 hours)
- Size and select steel pipe.
- Prepare pipe for fittings.
- Groove pipe and install grooved fittings.
- Thread pipe and install threaded fittings.
- Select and install flanged fittings.
- Identify the applications of plain-end pipe fittings.
Module 18104 CPVC Pipe and Fittings (12.5 hours)
- Size and select chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe.
- Cut and join CPVC.
- Install and test CPVC sprinkler systems.
Module 18105 Copper Tubing and Fittings (10 hours)
- Size and select copper tubing and fittings.
- Describe the process for soldering copper tubing.
- Describe the process for brazing copper tubing.
- Identify mechanical connection methods for copper tubing.
Module 18106 Underground Pipe (12.5 hours)
- Describe underground piping systems and their components.
- Identify trench safety requirements.
- Describe the installation of underground piping systems.
Level 2
This level is comprised of Sprinkler Fitting: Level 2, 4th Edition. The course is divided into modules. The subjects and their learning objectives are found below.
7 Modules
Upon completing Level 2, the trainee will be awarded 15.25 CEUs (152.5 Credit Hours).
Module 18201 Hangers, Supports, and Restraints (17.5 hours)
- Select and install pipe hanger assemblies.
- Install seismic bracing.
- Identify firestopping assemblies.
Module 18202 General Purpose Valves (15 hours)
- Identify the function and operation of the indicating control valves used in sprinkler systems.
- Identify the function and operation of the trim valves used in sprinkler systems.
- Identify the function and operation of the supply system valves used in sprinkler systems.
- Identify the function and operation of the pressure control and air venting valves used in sprinkler systems.
Module 18203 Math for Sprinkler Fitters (20 hours)
- Use basic math operations to solve problems.
- Demonstrate practical calculations related to sprinkler systems.
Module 18204 Shop Drawings (30 hours)
- Identify the types of drawings used in sprinkler system installation.
- Identify common symbols used in sprinkler system shop drawings.
- Identify the advantages of Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Module 18205 Standard Spray Sprinklers (20 hours)
- Identify the characteristics of standard spray sprinklers.
- Identify NFPA 13 occupancy classifications.
- Identify the types of construction.
- Describe the installation considerations for standard spray sprinklers.
Module 18206 Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems (25 hours)
- Identify the function and operation of wet pipe sprinkler system control valves.
- Identify the types of switches used in wet pipe sprinkler systems.
- Describe how to test and troubleshoot wet pipe sprinkler systems.
Module 18207 Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems (25 hours)
- Identify the function and operation of dry pipe sprinkler system valves.
- Make calculations for installing piping at the correct pitch to drains.
- Describe the air sources and air maintenance devices used in dry pipe sprinkler systems.
- Describe how to test and troubleshoot dry pipe sprinkler systems.
Level 3
This level is comprised of Sprinkler Fitting: Level 3, 4th Edition. The course is divided into modules. The subjects and their learning objectives are found below.
5 Modules
Upon completion of Level 3, the trainee will be awarded 15 CEUs (150 Credit Hours).
Module 18301 Deluge and Preaction Sprinkler Systems (35 hours)
- Identify the function and operation of various deluge sprinkler system components.
- Identify the function and operation of various preaction systems.
- Describe how to test and troubleshoot deluge and preaction sprinkler systems.
Module 18302 Standpipes (25 hours)
- Identify the different classifications of standpipes.
- Identify standpipe system components and describe their installation requirements.
- Explain the requirements for acceptance testing of standpipe systems.
Module 18303 Water Supplies (15 hours)
- Identify the properties of water.
- Identify the water supplies that serve fire protection systems.
- Describe the purpose of fire hydrant water flow testing.
Module 18304 Fire Pump Systems (35 hours)
- Identify fire pumps and drivers and describe how they are installed.
- Identify the installation requirements for fire pump piping and related components.
- Identify the function and operation of various fire pump system controllers.
- Describe the procedures for performing mechanical checks and acceptance tests.
Module 18305 Application Specific and Special Sprinklers (40 hours)
- Identify the characteristics of application-specific sprinklers.
- Identify the characteristics of special sprinklers.
Level 4
This level is comprised of Sprinkler Fitting: Level 4, 4th Edition. The course is divided into modules. The subjects and their learning objectives are found below.
5 Modules
Upon completion of Level 4, the trainee will be awarded 14.5 CEUs (145 Credit Hours).
Module 18401 System Layout (27.5 hours)
- Identify system types and characteristics.
- Describe the procedure for completing a basic system layout.
- Explain the relationship between flow characteristics and pressure loss.
Module 18402 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (37.5 hours)
- Identify the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for sprinkler, standpipe, hose, and fire pump systems.
- Identify the inspection requirements for other systems (water storage, private fire service mains).
- Describe basic inspection requirements for water spray, foam-water, and water mist systems.
Module 18403 Special Extinguishing Systems (27.5 hours)
- Describe the operation and applications of water spray systems, water mist systems, foam systems, and carbon dioxide (CO2) systems.
- Identify the clean agents used as replacements for ozone-depleting agents.
Module 46101 Fundamentals of Crew Leadership (22.5 hours)
- Describe current issues and organizational structures in the industry today.
- Explain how to incorporate leadership skills into work habits, including communication, motivation, team-building, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Identify a crew leader’s typical safety responsibilities with respect to common safety issues, including awareness of safety regulations and the cost of accidents.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the planning process, scheduling, and cost and resource control.
Module 18405 Procedures and Documentation (30 hours)
- Identify documents required on a typical project.
- Describe the policies and procedures related to job site safety.
- Explain the procedures for responding to water damage.
Watch the recorded webinar.
What is AFSA’s VIP? What is NGS? And how does it work?
Something is different about AFSA apprenticeship training, and if you can’t put your finger on it, please watch this interactive webinar. It explains how the AFSA’s Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) differs from the traditional curriculum path that AFSA continues to offer.
- Benefits of VIP
- National Guideline Standards (NGS)
- VIP Employer Requirements
- VIP Apprentice Requirements
- How it Works